Vineyard innovations
A mechanical fruit thinner has scuffed some of these berries, which will later desiccate and fall off.
Efficient over-the-row tractors and
On the fast track
Michael Weber picks some samples of Mairac in a Washington State test planting.
With apple variety breeders putting a strong emphasis
Heading for trouble
Tree pruning is one of the most important horticultural practices in an orchard. When you prune in winter, you are
Rubens put to the test
The Rubens apple is harvested in early September, after Gala, and turns a vivid orange-red
Good to Know – Barritt, Evans
Since 1994, Washington State University has strived to develop new apple cultivars with outstanding eating quality as quickly as possible.
Novel approach
Pete Van Well (left) and Alessio Martinelli of CIV, Italy, admire the color of Rubens apples in Wenatchee, Washington, just
Good Point – Chris Schlect
America’s system of delivering food to retail customers is a marvel. Without a cadre of governmental central planners dictating production
Five food-safety lessons
The tree fruit industry can learn some valuable lessons from past food-safety scares, according to Dr. David Gombas, senior vice
Last Bite – Groceries, politics, land, fruit
Walter Bolinger became a fruit grower and packer after working for many years as a shopkeeper.
Merchant, politician, real estate developer,
Take food safety seriously
The risk of tree fruits causing outbreaks of food-related illness is low. In fact, no outbreak has ever been linked