The causes and cures of doubling

A scanning electron microscopy photo taken on July 31, 2006, shows that Bing (left) was further advanced than the Chelan variety (right). Cherry or pistil doubling is significant in some years, affecting up to 15 percent of the Pacific Northwest sweet cherry crop and resulting in losses estimated to cost growers up to $45 million, says a Washington State University horticulturist. Researchers are beginning to discover some of the triggers behind doubling with the hope of developing grower strategies to minimize the disorder. Dr. Matt Whiting, WSU horticulturist, has found doubling as high as 30 percent in some blocks, adding […]