Project Description
The Optimal Orchard
Featured stories about the optimal orchard appear in this issue.
Sprayable film
In experiments in West Virginia, a kaolin particle film was tested as an alternative to a plastic mulch for promoting red color, with surprising results.
Expanding exports
One of Todd Fryhover's first tasks as president of the Washington Apple Commission is to figure out how to export a larger percentage of the
Expect tighter ag lending
How much credit do you really need? It's a question lenders are asking growers after a year of strong growth in agricultural lending and relatively
Buy now
If there's a piece of equipment or software you've been thinking of buying or if you've been considering expanding your business, now is the time
Growing knips in New York
A few inches above the graft union on these Gala knipboom trees, you can see the heading cut made at 24 to 27 inches where
Finding knip trees
Jim Swindeman would like to use knipboom trees for all of their plantings. It's a no-brainer to plant knip-boom, highly feathered trees, says tree fruit
Instant orchard
Dominant side branches are not an issue in these Honeycrisp knip trees because the central leader dominance is well established. (Melissa Hansen/Good Fruit Grower)
Highly feathered trees
Thierry Ligonniere shows Neal Manly of Washington State, the high numbers of feathers on this knip tree. Unlike their counterparts in the United States, French
Many doubt organic production is more economically stable.
The greatest challenge to organic farming is the high cost of inputs, a survey of Washington organic farmers shows. Also of concern are high labor
Stone fruit planting slows
Dennis Tarry and Robert Woolley of Dave Wilson Nursery report there is little interest from growers in replanting or new plantings of peaches, plums, or
Beefing up export efforts
In line with the renewed Washington Apple Commission mandate to focus efforts on international marketing, the commission this season is using more than $500,000 of
High union, more dwarfing
Horticulturists recommend planting trees with the bud union well above the soil level to avoid scion rooting, but the higher the bud union, the more
Super-efficient picking system
This prototype of a self-propelled apple picking system (pictured from the front) has four tubes at the rear that transport apples from the picker up
Increasing yields
Growers around the world are working to increase apple orchard system efficiencies to improve profitability. While there are several ways to improve orchard efficiency, increasing
WSU budget cuts
The roiling financial climate and statewide budget pressures could spell a busy season for the lobbyists and legislators guarding the Washington State wine industry's interests.
Sustainability still a major issue
Though society's concerns about sustainability are taking a back seat to the economic recession, sustainability will remain an important issue, says agricultural economist Dr. Des
Avoid scion rooting
When establishing a high-density apple block, it's best to plant the trees higher in the ground than you actually want them, horticulturists say. The trees
Good Point – Jim McFerson
How do we utilize science-based knowledge to implement horticultural practices, make proper management decisions, and develop the optimal orchard? This question never grows old, nor
Feathered trees are profitable
This second-leaf Gala tree produced the equivalent of 300 bushels per acre. Does it pay to plant a more expensive, but highly feathered tree rather
Packaging sells
Researchers categorized wine bottle designs into five basic types (from left): contrasting, delicate, massive, natural, and nondescript. by Chelan David Over the course of thousands
Good Question – Economy
The Wall Street and subprime mortgage meltdown in October has touched nearly every American, resulting in tightening of credit, massive job layoffs in many sectors,