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Is fresh best?
Study shows processed fruits and vegetables can be a good option.
Nematode-resistant rootstocks available
Improved rootstocks are available, though more field testing is needed.
New approach needed for nematodes
Avoid white varieties if planting in a site with root knot nematodes.
Cornell asks growers for info on stinkbugs affecting crops
Cornell University, New York, is asking growers to complete an online survey of how stinkbugs
New clothing material may better protect workers
Study looks at lightweight, Teflon-like material might have potential for protective clothing for pesticide applicators.
Nurseries fund East Malling research
The International New-Varieties Network has committed to provide more than $672,000 over the next six years to support apple and pear rootstock research at East Malling Research in Kent, England.
Grower focuses on one variety, one market
If fruit doesn’t meet gift grade quality, it may be left on the tree.
Evaluating technology for orchard use
New orchard technologies must be compatible with high production, said grower Jerry Haak.
Be careful in adopting summer hedging to build fruiting walls
A Pennsylvania researcher warns growers south of New York, where trees grow more vigorously, that they might want to take a cautious approach on adoption of summer pruning and shearing to create fruiting walls.
New tests measure soil health
New measuring tests allow growers to track the impact of soil management changes.
Four reasons to manage the orchard floor
Several forces at work suggest that orchardists should look more closely at how they manage the floors of their orchards and vineyards.
Calculate target yield
Hitting the target: This six-year-old, two-hectare (five-acre) Pink Lady block on Malling Merton 106
Herbicide-resistance raises concerns
Specialty crops growers, especially those who grow grapes, will have new cause for concern in 2015 when new genetically modified field crops are expected to come to fields near their orchards and vineyards.
Pay attention to the soil
Growers should pay more attention to the soil.
Organic matter that lasts
Tree fruit growers may one day have a new way to dramatically improve soil quality in low-organic-matter soils. Imagine being able to add organic matter that will last thousands of years, essentially permanently affecting soil tilth and structure, instead of the few years you can get using cover crops and mulches. The “new” form of organic material is called biochar.
Which is better for growing apples, angled or upright?
Growers and researchers weigh in.
Honeycrisp: Grow it, then crop it
Although growers want to reap early returns from their Honeycrisp plantings, they need to let the trees grow first.
Spreading shoots of young apple trees
Proper spreading of shoots and branches is an important step in developing a productive orchard.
Choose the right rootstock for Honeycrisp
(Source: Dr. Terence Robinson, Cornell University) The ideal rootstock for Honeycrisp is one
Electric orchard equipment progress
Orchardists are showing interest in electric power, and it’s coming, slowly.
The good and bad of deficit irrigation
Partial root zone drying deficit irrigation has potential for white varieties.
Opal apple verified non-GMO
FirstFruits heads off confusion with a GMO-apple that might be approved.
Microsprinklers for frost protection
Capturing the orchard heating power of freezing water.
Growers benefit from Smith’s work
Tim Smith’s research has put money back in growers’ pockets.
DIY spray trial tips
On-farm trials don’t have to be complicated.
Integrated water plan moves forward
Diverse group proposes plan to solve water shortages in the Yakima River Basin.
How to make every drop count
Simple changes made with inexpensive tools can greatly improve spray applications.
Extension is 100 years old… and counting
With additional funding and new faculty, WSU extension is not resting on its laurels.
Grafting workshop planned for early April
Gary Moulton (Courtesy WSU Snohomish County Extension) Washington State University is offering a
Rootstocks do fine in Washington
Differences in rootstock trial were due to yearly climate variation, not rootstocks.
Wine grape yields not affected by early leaf removal
Early leaf removal in white grape varieties has several benefits.
WSU announces drawing for WA 38 apple trees
Tom Auvil, research horticulturist with the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission, is impressed with
Fire blight control without antibiotics
Lime sulfur and fish oil can help as part of an integrated strategy.
Mechanical thinning can damage spurs, leaf tissue and flowers
A tractor mounted Darwin thinning device. (file photo) Mechanical thinning looks like a
Bee renting tips
Smith helps growers and beekeepers come together agreeably
How bad things in the environment gang up and kill bees
The synergistic effect of pesticides in hives.
Is there a better crab apple pollinizer?
No research is under way to evaluate pollinizers to replace Manchurian crab apple.
Control leafhoppers to avoid virus
The risk of grapevine redleaf virus makes controlling leafhoppers all the more important.
Pollen tube growth model makes thinning more precise
Blossom-time apple thinning model explored for eastern growers.
Bees live in a toxic world
Planting more flowers would help solve honeybee decline.
Protecting your high-value crop
Orchard netting may be cost effective for high-value varieties like Honeycrisp.
Michigan growers approve Tree Fruit Commission
Michigan fruit growers voted to approve creation of a Michigan Tree Fruit Research and Development
New varieties stabilize the market
Consumers are buying more apples and paying more for them.
New pests threaten IPM
Pest management programs have become softer and more stable over the past few decades, but new invasive pests could change that.
A humble leader (Video)
Throughout his career, WSU entomologist Jay Brunner has turned science into economic reality for Washington State tree fruit growers.
Attract and kill
Michigan researchers have designed a device for oriental fruit moth.
Save money by applying pesticides where it’s needed
Perimeter sprays: Growers can save money applying pesticides only where they’re most needed.
Bird vs. bird
Raptors seem to instill panic and lasting fear in nuisance birds.
Scare tactics: Bird management
Birds know when fruit is ripe, and it’s hard to convince them to stay away.
Stinkbug derails IPM
Researchers fine-tune methods to control brown marmorated stinkbug.