Recently published articles featured on Good Fruit Grower.
Charging ahead with electric weed control
Experts share best practices as electric weeder makes commercial headway.
New weed villains in the Northwest
Keep eyes open for new additions to the Northwest’s most wanted weed list.
Studies dig into New York soil health
Cornell research explores complexities of New York soil.
Good Stuff, April 15, 2025
A selection of the latest products and services for tree fruit and grape growers.
Geraldine Diverres, a young grower from Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Geraldine has a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology and a master’s in plant biology from Universidad Complutense de Madrid. She finished her doctorate in horticulture at Washington State University and is now working at New Mexico State University. Her parents are Evelyn and Robert-Jean Diverres.
New approaches for old irrigation systems
Irrigation districts boost efficiency with infrastructure improvements.
More evidence for less fertilizer
Washington State University extension specialist suggests dialing back fertilizer in orchards.
The network effect on areawide pest management
Growers turn to other growers when it comes to adopting new practices, something researchers are trying to harness to improve management of leafroll and red blotch diseases.
Protecting your ground for beneficial insects
Relaxing weed management can help preserve natural enemies.
New York’s horticulture heroes
Western New York growers optimize yields, quality and color.
Murphy: Measuring risk mitigation
Research in apple orchards shows significant microbial die-off occurs in 10 to 18 hours, confirming that cooling water can be applied the day before harvest.
Get wise about your water
Preharvest water risk assessment regulations take effect for large farms this month and for smaller farms next April.
Hansen: Sustainability in action
Australian eco-vineyardist will keynote Washington wine research seminar.
Prengaman: The reign of uncertainty
Trade wars and mass firings bring upheaval to the fruit industry.
Mark Renken, a young grower from The Dalles, Oregon
Mark is a sixth-generation farmer from The Dalles. He is married to Audrey Hinatsu and is the son of Kim and Greg Johnson.
Bee businesses abuzz with high-tech beehives
Pollination companies sell bee precision to growers.
A smaller and healthier Washington wine industry — Video
As the Washington wine industry contracts, it also finds areas of opportunity.
Controlling crop load with nothing but nets?
How nets can manage organic crop loads.
The power of preaching pruning
A panel of growers at Canadian hort show shares tips for training workers to tailor pruning approaches.
A chill-safe vineyard
Figgins Winery of Walla Walla shares cold mitigation practices and tips for replanting on rootstocks.
Columbia Gorge Fruit Growers director fired, admits theft
Columbia Gorge Fruit Growers has fired longtime executive director Mike Doke for allegedly stealing tens of thousands of dollars over multiple years...
Seeking alternatives for chemical thinners
New thinners step in to replace scrutinized carbaryl.
Bee management is often better with beekeepers
More bees, bigger colonies boost on-farm pollination.
The thinking on cider apple thinning
Managing crop load for hard and sweet cider.
Mass firings of federal workers include scientists working for the fruit industry
—story by Kate Prengaman and Ross Courtney On Feb. 13, the Trump administration began serious
Good Stuff, March 15, 2025
A selection of the latest products and services for tree fruit and grape growers.
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.
Blueberry council considers assessment increase
The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council is considering asking its members for an assessment increase to boost consumer demand...
Fighting fruit pests from the air
Spray drones show promise controlling pests in grapes and tree fruit.
Employer incentives help bring injured employees back to work
Washington raises limits on employer return-to-work incentive programs.
Washington Winegrowers Association makes leadership pivot
Washington Winegrowers Association announced that Sara Higgins has been named interim executive director of the association...
Netting for bird control
Protective nets can limit feeding damage in Michigan sweet cherries.
In a spot with cherry leaf spot
Growers return to copper fungicides for cherry leaf spot control.
Disease decisions for stone fruit
Stone fruit pathogens need consistent management, though options are limited.
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.
Good Stuff, March 1, 2025
A selection of the latest products and services for tree fruit and grape growers.
Jessica Foster, a young grower from Mannington, New Jersey
Jessica graduated from Penn State University and earned her master’s degree in soil science at the University of Vermont. She has a twin brother, Josh, a sister, Lindsey, and is the daughter of Terri and Bruce Foster.
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.
International Fruit Tree Association honors industry contributors
The International Fruit Tree Association presented several awards during its 68th annual conference in Rochester, New York, Feb. 16–19...
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.
Paul van Westreenen, a young grower from Echteld, Netherlands
Paul is a fourth-generation farmer working on his 100-year-old family farm located in the Netherlands’ Gelderland province. He is the son of Margriet and Berend Jan van Westreenen and is working with his sister, Martine, on the farm.
More red ahead for cherry promotions
Northwest cherry promoters to reuse imagery and strategy from successful 2024 season.