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Citing funding shortfall, advanced.farm shuts down work on apple harvester
Due to a lack of funding, advanced.farm, developers of an automated apple harvester that was close to commercialization, closed its doors last week and scuttled plans for a 2025 harvest season in Washington...
Tristan Dorfling, a young grower from Cape Town, South Africa
Tristan earned a master’s degree in horticulture from Stellenbosch University. He is married to Georgine and is the son of Linda Dorfling and Ralf Ketzer.
Wanted: Codling moth larvae dead, not alive
Codling moth management failures are traced to emerging resistance to granulovirus in two Washington populations.
California farmer tells cautionary tale for Washington ag — Video
Cherry Institute speaker warns Washington to not follow California on policies.
Spotted lanternfly strategies for vineyards
Researchers have bad news and good news for spotted lanternfly management.
Fighting fruit pests from the air
Spray drones show promise controlling pests in grapes and tree fruit.
Netting for bird control
Protective nets can limit feeding damage in Michigan sweet cherries.
New answers and new questions for codling moth control
WSU research updates and expands codling moth trap guidelines.
Third generation of moths unwelcome
Penn State entomologist shares updates on codling moth complications.
Understanding adaptability in different climates
South African trial investigates cultivar performance under varied climate conditions.
The chill factor for cherries in warmer climates
There is more to the cherry equation than chill needs.
More funding for more fungi research
FRAME Network expands to cover research for improved methods to battle fungal diseases.
Crab apples may hold keys for fire blight resistance
Understanding fire blight resistance in wild North American apples could improve control methods in commercial crops.
Spot marks the X for little cherry disease infections — Video
Canine pathogen detection shows promise, but commercialization could be a challenge.
Growers facing a fire blight pathogen predicament
Washington State University researcher finds resistance to fire blight antibiotic kasugamycin.
Vine-tuning vineyard forecasts
ColdSnap tool will predict bud cold hardiness.
Stub cut considerations
Ideal stub length depends on variety, vigor and other factors.
Bad news bugs
Entomologist shares the latest research on three common apple pests.
Adoption hurdles for vineyard automation
Washington State Grape Society speakers discuss implementing sensor-based irrigation.
Hansen: Supporting sustainability
Washington wine industry research supports long-term vineyard solutions.
Lighting the way to pathogen control in the packing house
Researchers explore use of ultraviolet light on packing lines.
‘Granny’ helps guide apple storage decisions
New computer program rates apple starch sampling, offering warehouses more efficiency and researchers more precision.
Postharvest pointers for pear growers
Hort Show speakers share pear storage advice.
Taking fungicide application from a drench to a drizzle
A field application of postharvest fungicide using a single pass of water can reduce cross-contamination risks.
Wine grapes bred to chill
Interest rising in cold-hardy grapes after destructive Northern winters.
A tale of two seasons for spotted wing drosophila
Researchers dial in on SWD management in Michigan.
Marketing, technology, disease and a new Cherry King mark Cherry Institute 2025
Administrators of Northwest Cherries told growers Jan. 10 at the 82nd annual Cherry Institute in Yakima, Washington, that the 2024 season was successful in shipping and promotions, a welcome bright spot after several tough years...
Cherry identification down to the DNA details
Genetic experts say preliminary DNA screening can prevent intellectual property disputes.
Working out the bugs with sterile spotted wing drosophila
Gene-edited spotted wing drosophila research reaches field-trial stage.
Claire Rasch, a young grower from Grand Rapids, Michigan
Claire is a fifth-generation farmer planning to attend Washington State University for an agribusiness degree. She has one sister, Eva, and is the daughter of Sarah and John Rasch.
Automated apple harvester and in-field sorter advancing in trials
U.S. Department of Agriculture and Michigan State University collaborate on multitasking machine.
Removing leaves and retracting netting both boost apple color
Two methods prove effective in Washington State University study.
Armillaria armor in the orchard
The search for an Armillaria-resistant rootstock for cherries continues.
Next-gen nutrition for vineyards
Scientists making progress on the puzzle pieces for a precision approach to fertilizer applications that could improve grape quality, protect the environment and save growers money.
Michigan hort society honors Dave Smeltzer and Vance Baird
The EXPO Social, the 2024 version of the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market
A cherry tour, technology topics and pears round out Day 2 of the Washington hort show
—by Ross Courtney and Shannon Dininny Dave Allan of Allan Bros. points out places he
Washington State University names WA 64 apple Sunflare
Washington State University has given its newest apple, WA 64, the official trade name Sunflare...
2024 pesticide residue study released for Washington apple growers
The Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission announced in a news release the recent completion of its annual study of maximum residue levels (MRLs) in apples...
Kalcsits appointed to leadership role at Washington State University’s Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center
Washington State University is taking a team approach to leading the Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center in Wenatchee...
Precision prescription for vineyard researcher
U.S. Department of Agriculture hires an ag engineer for new viticulture research role for the Northwest wine industry.
Leo Sarmiento, a young grower from East Wenatchee, Washington
family background/ Leo graduated from Wenatchee Valley College and Washington State University with a degree in business administration. He is the son of Margarita and Francisco Sarmiento.
Quest for automated apple harvest continues
Robot company advanced.farm returns to Washington for another harvest of fine-tuning.
An editor’s note on WA 64 apple commercialization
The same company managing nursery propagation of the WA 64 will also steer marketing for the new apple...
Good Point: Navigating a season of adversity
Northwest fruit industry gathers next month to learn from a challenging 2023–24 crop and chart better paths forward.
Hansen: Winterizing wine grapes
Practices to prepare vineyards for dormancy under study at Washington State University.
USDA research center construction begins at UC Davis
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has begun construction on a new 59,000-square-foot Agricultural Research and Technology Center at the University of California, Davis...
Washington State University to launch campaign for new tree fruit research facility
Washington State University announced plans to launch a fundraising campaign this fall to create a state-of-the-art space for tree fruit research...
Studies reveal a bitter pit breakdown
Michigan State University research into Honeycrisp physiology shows timing is key for managing bitter pit.
Early apple is on time for California market
California apple growers develop variety that harvests in early July.
Robot demonstrates spot-on fertilizer application for orchards
Work on robotic nitrogen applicator steers industry toward tree-level management.