Three Northwest industry groups have organized pruning demonstrations on how to stop postharvest diseases spread by infected Manchurian crabapple trees.

The demonstrations specifically address regaining apple access to China, where officials have  stopped issuing import permits for Washington State apples due to the interception of two post harvest diseases.

Northwest Fruit Exporters, the Northwest Horticultural Council, and the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission have organized two pruning demonstrations to help orchardists qualify for exports to China.

One demonstration will be held Thursday, March 20, at 2 p.m. at 19665 Road 5 SW, Quincy, Washington. The second will be held Friday, March 21, at 10 a.m. at Watson Draw Road in Pateros, Washington.

For further information such as driving directions, please visit the Northwest Horticultural Council web site.  Or contact Fred Scarlett at 509-576-8004.