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Rockit gains altitude
New Zealand growers have soaring hopes for little apple.
High-res Honeycrisp
Cell structure scans offer new insight into why Honeycrisp is so prone to bitter pit.
On shallowed ground
Experts urge growers to water with less volume, but more often, to keep up with shallower rootstocks.
‘Kia ora’ from a distant land
The view south through the Motueka Valley at Birdhurst Orchard in Nelson, New Zealand
Corr: Our report from Kiwi country
Check out our robust package of reports from the IFTA study tour.
New Zealand’s Honeycrisp blossoms in Timaru – Video
Finicky variety finds success in central New Zealand climate.
Trees without fruit, pollination without bees
Pollen company joins Washington State University researcher to try planting a pollen-only orchard.
Researchers finish final pollen tube model
After 11 years, pollen tube projects are complete with release of Red Delicious model.
Protect pollinators while managing diseases
The fungicides needed to control bloom time disease aren’t as harmless to bees as previously thought.
Head start on better berries
Growers already implementing results of long-term organic blueberry study.
Conor Kilian, a young grower from Sunnyside, Washington
family background / Conor grew up in a large Yakima Valley farming family
WSU No. 1 in USDA research, development expenditures
Washington State University's leadership in agricultural research and development was highlighted in a recent report
The Cosmic gospel : Video
Washington State University continues education on training WA 38 trees.
A better bee? Blue orchard bees show promise as pollinators
Study shows potential for employing blue orchard bees as pollinators in tart cherries. What about other crops?
Bees may do better being kept in the dark
CA storage could give bees an edge in the fight against the devastating Varroa mite.
Click thinking: High-density success depends on pruning style
Lessons learned in Italy about benefits of click pruning could help U.S. growers.
Learn how research benefits wine industry at two events
Washington State University and the Washington Wine Commission are co-sponsoring events to provide information on
USDA awards $63.5m to support clean plant stock
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced $63.5 million for efforts to prevent the introduction
Grape expectations: WSU publishes 45-page guide on vineyard nutrition
Updated "Vineyard Nutrient Management in Washington State" replaces 4-page document.
Compost decomposed
As raw manure faces food safety scrutiny, compost has become a hot commodity.
Legal battle over Cosmic Crisp unlikely to affect availability of new trees
Sources describe how dispute began
Variety Watch: Koru rolls down red carpet
First commercial U.S. shipments of chance New Zealand apple variety reach store shelves.
New mindset for managing spotted wing depredation
High levels of pest pressure are the new reality for Michigan tart cherry growers.
Put a ghost in your orchard to keep away BMSB
Special nets proving to be deadly for brown marmorated stink bugs.
Lures lead to better moth management
Enhanced lures let you know where you stand with with oriental fruit moth.
A gutsy study of pear psylla
Researchers examine genetic contents of insects’ stomachs to find out what they eat and where they hide during winter.
WSU talks tough, Phytelligence talks softer in suits over Cosmic Crisp
This post from March 13 has been updated with new statements from Washington State University
Gallo and others doing pilot program for unmanned vehicle
A maker of unmanned vehicle systems said it is doing a pilot programs with large-scale
The latest buzz on bugs
USDA-ARS laboratory conducts research on insect pests of tree fruits.
Food safety answers
The latest updates on the Food Safety Modernization Act.
In New Zealand, IFTA honors contributors to apple industry
The first group of fruit growers visiting New Zealand for the International Fruit Tree Association
Study shows temps at which cherry buds are damaged
Oregon State University researcher David Gibeaut has posted online the results of his differential thermal
Khot: Drone data for agriculture
While it seems the sky’s the limit, using unmanned aircraft in your orchard requires some caution.
Mullinax: Are you ready for liftoff?
A few things to consider before launching an ag drone initiative.
On a mission to vanquish viruses in vineyards
Researcher aims to better understand prevalence of viral infections — and to develop quick tests for detecting them.
Resistance rising for powdery mildew
Last year’s weather made was especially challenging in battling disease in Western U.S.
IFTA explores Nelson, New Zealand
The International Fruit Tree Association visits Birdhurst Orchard in the Motueka Valley
Taking the fight to fire blight
Risk is higher in Washington this season for deadly orchard disease. Here’s what you need to do.
Researchers are rethinking replant
Field trials underway to see if biological alternatives to fumigation can be a practical option for apple growers
Be on the lookout for little cherry – Video
Scouting for symptoms in orchards is key to preventing, controlling little cherry disease.
WSU hires McCord and Northfield for two tree fruit positions
Washington State University has hired two new researchers — a cherry breeder and an entomologist
Follow our editors while they report on the IFTA New Zealand visit
Editor Shannon Dininny and Photojournalist TJ Mullinax are in New Zealand, covering the study tour
20 years in the making
Milbrandt brothers look back on two decades in Washington’s wine grape industry as they open the state’s largest custom wine bottling operation.
No-dig trellis is on solid ground
Agricultural engineer uses steel posts and concrete footings for above-ground trellis system.
Should you grow vertical or V?
That’s the question when preparing for robotic pickers in your orchard.
The good and bad of different rootstocks
Nursery owner warns growers it’s not as simple as asking which rootstock is the best.
Watch and learn
Michigan State University’s new video series highlights grape and wine research.
Good to Know: Signs of brittle graft unions
Researchers have new findings on Geneva 41.
Peach rootstock trial tests options for size control
Researchers start with the roots to shrink trees.
What Cosmic slices reveal
New WSU-bred apple showing different starch clearing patterns than traditional varieties.