Recent Columns
May: Improving industry input channels
The Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission implements changes to increase stakeholder relevance.
Lyons: Harnessing the power of international e-marketing
As more consumers find their fresh fruit online, Washington Apple Commission is up to the challenge.
Dininny: We’re growing forward this fall
New circulation coordinator joins Good Fruit Grower.
Good to Know: Ten pruning rules
Universal techniques that deliver high yields and packouts of apples and pears.
Moffitt: Still fresh after 90 years
Social media marketing and “Pearsonality” graphics introduce consumers to pears.
Rayapati: Know your viruses
The importance of diagnostic testing for the management of viral diseases in vineyards.
Epstein: Moving targets for MRLs
Maximum residue levels (MRLs) for pesticides on fruit have become extremely dynamic and the Northwest Horticultural Council is working to keep the Pacific Northwest tree fruit industry ahead of the curve.
Good to Know: Approaching apricots in 2D
Training trees with multiple leaders and no branches can quicken investment returns.
Good to Know: Evaluations are underway
How the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission evaluates the strongest contenders from the WSU apple breeding program.
Thurlby: Make room for blooms
Cherry industry takes notes on last season’s success and invests in healthy markets for 2021.
Prengaman: Fresh eyes and opportunities
Good Fruit Grower ad sales team gains a new leader and new team member.
Witherbee: Apple pride pays off
Students are already benefiting from nearly $16,000 in scholarships raised in first-year sales of Washington apples specialty license plate.
Good to Know: Is apple powdery mildew on a surge?
WSU research uncovers pathogen’s genetic diversity but finds no emerging resistance and plenty of viable tools for organic and conventional growers.
Tynan: Hopes for labor reform
The compromise approach in the Farm Workforce Modernization Act garnered bipartisan support in the House of Representatives, but can it go the political distance?
Good to Know: How soil structure improves root health
Aggregates, or bits of soil, with different sizes are ideal for trees.
Dininny: Celebrating 25 years for Doug Button
Good Fruit Grower sees transition in advertising team.
Good to Know: Harnessing fungi power
How soil fungi could reduce fertilizer needs and improve grapevine growth.
Good to Know: Cherry diversification
Eleven new cultivars to consider.
New task force tackles codling moth
Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission created team of nearly 30 to take the lead in managing the pest.
Critzer: $7 million investment in food safety decision aid
A new SCRI grant funds scientists and economists to help fresh produce producers better protect produce safety.
Hansen: Far-reaching research is just getting started
The results of Washington Wine’s research program benefit industry, environment, community and consumers.
Scharlau: Front row seats for all
With its virtual format, Washington Winegrowers’ signature event will look at the opportunities found in 2020 and the path forward.
Snyder: Agriculture is essential for a fruitful future
This year’s WSTFA Annual Meeting and NW Hort Expo is going to a virtual platform.
Fryhover: Allow apple competition
With exports falling, the Washington Apple Commission looks to focus on home court strength.
Hansen: Going for stable and sustainable
Washington Wine’s research program forging ahead with record-breaking funding.
Roche: Mechanical fruitlet thinning
New tool shows promise in trials by French researchers, especially when paired with mechanical bloom thinning.
Prengaman: 2020 revision
We're going on, just like you.
Brandt: Global brands offer value
The enduring success of Pink Lady shows why critical mass matters for fruit branding.
Fazio: Let’s make this work
When MSNBC and farmers agree, folks should listen in D.C.
Tynan: Lessons learned from year one of FSMA farm inspections
First on-farm inspections under the Food Safety Modernization Act began in spring 2019.
Critzer and Gordon Nuñez: Ready for the FSMA future
A variety of resources available to help with training and implementation of food safety practices on the farm.
DuPont: Soil biology in orchards
A very close-up look at who is there and why you should care.
Dininny: Growing forward
New circulation coordinator joins Good Fruit Grower.
Dininny: Our new reality
Coronavirus sweeping the globe means instant change — and likely lasting effects.
Prengaman: A focus on fire recovery
Australian devastation points to the increasing wildfire risk for growers and the need for more research and resources.
Good to Know: Reflections on the elder statesmen of apple and pear IPM
The integrated pest management foundation that entomologists Stan Hoyt and Everett Burts built decades ago still supports growers today.
Good to Know: The 1-2-3 rule for renewal pruning
Use the 1-2-3 rule of renewal pruning to keep the fruiting wood of apple and pear trees young and productive.
Scharlau: Ensuring clean plant sustainability
National Clean Plant Network vital to success of the grape, hop and tree fruit industries.
Good to Know: Spotted lanternfly risk regions mapped
New analysis shows suitable habitat for invasive sapsucker in Washington’s wine grape and tree fruit production regions.
Hansen: A lot to look forward to
Eight great reasons to be excited about V&E research.
Good to Know: Risk reduction proven
WSU researchers demonstrate that routine export quarantine sufficiently controls powdery mildew pathogen on fresh sweet cherries.
Johnson: Ghost apples appear at Good Fruit Grower
How a few photos captured on a chilly day in a Michigan orchard became a viral sensation.
Dininny: A Good Fruit goodbye and a welcome, too
We’re starting the new year with some new staff changes.
O’Rourke: Is apple demand falling?
If so, how should the Washington apple industry respond?
Hanrahan: Looking ahead to the next 50 years
Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission wants industry members engaged in creating their future.
DeVaney: Washington tree fruit industry future focused
The Washington State Tree Fruit Association plans more education for workers and lawmakers.
Good to Know: Why some seasons are worse for powdery mildew
Temperature, humidity, solar radiation and other factors combine to create ‘high-pressure’ vintages.
Hansen: From wish list to reality
Strategic research initiative targets precision viticulture and enology through mechanization and innovation in Washington vineyards.
Mattheis: 1-MCP research a fruitful endeavor
USDA-ARS Tree Fruit Research Laboratory in Wenatchee, Washington, was key in implementing 1-MCP technology for the tree fruit industry.
Fryhover: Retail has much to say
… are we listening?