Recently published articles featured on Good Fruit Grower.
Pruning robot makes the first cut
Years of testing in robotics labs and virtual orchard simulations prepared a pruning robot for its debut trial in a UFO-trained cherry block.
Weeds that foster disease
As researchers learn more about the leafhoppers that transmit X disease, the weeds they feed on have become a management concern.
Tech to take on the future
New York wine industry conference focuses on the changing landscape.
Two-year trip from vine to wine
Walla Walla Community College program enters its 20th year, attracting students from across the country to prepare for wine careers.
To predict bitter pit, let it sit
Passive model predicts bitter pit percentage in Honeycrisp.
Don’t trust, verify
Growers test products to make sure they work.
Future forecasts call for more heat, more often
Heat wave of 2021 may not be so unusual in the future.
Apples in extreme heat
Researchers share how future heat will affect apple farming.
A lot of choices for cherry rootstocks
Options range from tried-and-true to new and experimental.
Carneval cherry challenge
DNA tests link sport cherry in Washington to variety propagated in Canada.
Connor Duim, a young grower from Zillah, Washington
Connor graduated from Wenatchee Valley College with a degree in sustainable agriculture. He’s the son of Sheryl and Mike Duim.
Nights in shining orchards
Growers contemplate resuming night harvest after 2021’s heat forced their hand.
Thurlby: Fruitful thinking
Northwest cherry growers hope to take advantage of market opportunities in 2022.
Codling moth control: The math on mating disruption
The most effective approaches for codling moth mating disruption are based on trapping data.
Progressive Pennsylvanians
Slaybaugh family’s “orchard facelift” targets modernizing and mechanizing.
Vineyards adopting a flexible philosophy
Labor challenges require new ways of doing business in the vineyard.
Keep the peach in reach
Pedestrian orchards keep labor costs in check for Idaho growers.
A grower’s tale of sucker grafts and drive rows
California’s Jeff Colombini discusses growing techniques, economics.
California growers choosing almonds over apricots
Labor costs for stone fruit production push growers toward nut crops.
A blanket check for your orchard
Ten tips to get the most from cover crops.
Some ground rules for breaking ground
IFTA panel offers soil prep, rootstock and planting tips.
Fine-tuning work time
Growers, managers adjust to new reality of overtime.
H-2A rising, still
Use of guest worker program surges amid challenges, cost increases.
Let’s make a meal deal for guest workers
Wisconsin orchard finds efficient way to feed its H-2A workers.
Codling moth control: Back to biology
Pest experts detail scientific foundations to kick off Codling Moth Summit.
Willett: The past and future of codling moth control
Looking back on past success can help the industry meet current pest management challenges.
Jutsely Rivera, a young grower from Moxee, Washington
Jutsely is a second-generation farmer who earned an environmental studies and chemistry degree from Gonzaga University. She’s the daughter of Ana Valenzuela and Jose Rivera.
Wafla hires CEO, communications director
Wafla, a nonprofit farm labor association based in Lacey, Washington, has named Enrique “Rick” Gastelum
Martinez: Help wanted
Labor recruiter provides perspective on H-2A, responsible recruitment and the ag labor shortage.
Waste not this year with weed control
Follow best practices to conserve herbicides during shortage.
Electri-fried weed control trials underway
Oregon State University leads electric current project with potential for organic weed control in blueberries, apples and almonds.
New fronts on the fire blight fight
Researchers discuss nonantibiotic fire blight control methods.
New York faces a new reality with fire blight
State’s growers are dealing with frequent fire blight outbreaks.
Downpours and drainage
Heavy storms hitting Pennsylvania orchards harder; growers share how they are dealing with the deluge.
Colorado replants and reimagines
Following a killing freeze, some family fruit farms are reconsidering their future.
An uncertain path for a Colorado family farm
Organic grower reflects on the future of his family farm after back-to-back disasters and the ongoing threat of drought.
Apple expectations
A Colorado fruit-growing family refocuses on apples — and cider.
Good to Know: Pay attention to paraquat
Following safety concerns in registration review, restricted-use herbicide now has additional requirements for handlers and applicators.
Benedict: Washington invests in soil
The state’s soil health initiative will combine long-term research and incentives to encourage adoption of recommended practices.
Dininny: Tell us about you
Take part in our quick online survey to help us plan our coverage for the upcoming season.
Soil sensor pros and cons — Video
WSU irrigation specialist provides growers with a rundown on five soil sensors.
Johanny Castro Chinchilla, a young grower from San José, Costa Rica
Johanny grew up working on a coffee farm and earned a bachelor’s degree in agronomy and a master’s degree in crop protection from the University of Costa Rica. He’s the son of Marea Elisa Chinchilla and Gerardo Castro.
Tall order for dwarfing roots
New OSU researcher aims to renew work with amelanchier rootstocks for pears.
Growing out of green spot
Growing evidence suggests green spot in WA 38 is similar to bitter pit, and incidence is declining as trees mature and settle down.
Climate protection tips for vineyards
Climate change is bringing more heat waves, droughts and early frosts to vineyards. Experts on a Unified symposium panel advised growers on how to keep vines healthy in the new normal.
Research rebuild for Oregon tree fruit team
With new postharvest scientist, Hood River, Oregon, restaffs its research team.
New scientists, new research directions
USDA programs take on soil health and postharvest research for tree fruit and grapes.
Adams’ apples, plus peaches and pears
IFTA tours Pennsylvania: Fresh sales, high-density plantings and precision ag on display in Adams County.
IFTA digs into RAD
Researchers narrowing in on causes of rapid apple decline.
Frost defense by air and ground
Penn State studies autonomous frost protection in orchards.