Orchard systems must evolve into highly efficient systems if growers are to stay competitive and profitable, says a Washington State University scientist. Cherry growing in the future will require a new way of thinking, noted Dr. Matthew Whiting, horticulturist at WSU’s Prosser research station. A common theme of much of Whiting’s research is to maximize grower profitability. To accomplish this, he is studying efficient orchard systems, crop load management, and working to maximize packout of target fruit. “We need to treat tree pruning in a systematic way instead of as an art,” he said, adding that minimizing the “management units” […]