Recently published articles featured on Good Fruit Grower.
Releasing research on sterile insect release
Michigan team studying sterile insect release in two states.
Drone business is on the rise
Company peaks its capacity for sterile insect release by drone.
Vaccination motivation
Groups spread message of vaccine importance among farmworkers.
Lessons in eradications
Following successful efforts, experts are asking what went right and if we can do it again with future infestations.
Luke Tonnemaker, a young grower from Royal City, Washington
Luke is a fourth-generation farmer who studied food and nutrition at University of Idaho. He’s the son of Sonia and Kole Tonnemaker.
New task force tackles codling moth
Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission created team of nearly 30 to take the lead in managing the pest.
Help from above for tree fruit growers
Changes in climate and wages may fuel a surge in aerial applications.
Fire blight fusion
National $5 million project will unify regional research efforts.
Crisis communication: Engage, don’t duck
Media experts recommend proactive and transparent communication during a crisis.
Wanted: Bacterial pathologist
WSU endowment shifts priority hiring target.
Grape disease detection from the final frontier
Cornell pathologist using satellites, aircraft, other disease-detecting tools.
What can chitosan do?
Seafood byproduct might help prevent apple scab.
Ruben Canales, a young grower from Benton County, Washington
Ruben is a second-generation grower who has worked as a journeyman electrician to purchase his first orchard. He is the son of Liduvina and Ruben Canales.
X disease-free cherry trees
As X disease epidemic spurs more orchard removal, spotlight turns to protecting a healthy tree supply for replanting.
Doubling down on reducing drift
New compliance focus and new training program proposal in Washington aim to improve pesticide safety without additional regulation.
Cherry trees and X disease: Remove now, replant when?
Experts share the latest findings and best practices for managing X disease.
Genetic study shows maturity matters in storage disorder development
Cutting-edge genetic research techniques help USDA postharvest scientists study fruit maturity and storage disorders.
Follow the Silk Road to find apple ancestry
Apple genome history could point the way forward.
California cuts back wine grape acreage
Vineyard removals and a short 2020 crop ease the pressure, but “structural oversupply” remains.
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.
A pathway for pears
WSU’s Musacchi says two-leader plantings can give pear growers the long-awaited benefits of higher density production today.
App delivers new language for labels
UW researchers develop phone apps to translate pesticide labels.
Collaborative robotics tested in tree fruit
Researchers develop platform that mixes automation with human hands.
Organic ins and outs
Three pear industry leaders discuss the considerations of organic production.
Study targets grapevine sources and sinks
A framework from Cornell and Penn State viticulturists for keeping vines in balance.
Changing overtime rules for ag
Washington growers await clarity on overtime mandate.
Cold boundary for Northern EverCrisp growers
Late-ripening MAIA1 poses a risky proposition for Northern growers.
Washington vineyard betting on bubbles
One Washington winery is planting sparkling-specific vineyards to capitalize on the growing demand.
Weather events make farming riskier and harder
Northwest Michigan farms struggle with climate change.
Clayton Ringer, a young grower from The Dalles, Oregon
Clayton is a first-generation farmer who returned to the Columbia Gorge after spending time working in industrial solar energy. He’s the son of Kristen and Jai Ringer.
Fighting spotted lanternfly
Researchers seek long-term management strategies.
Washington state fines Gebbers Farms $2 million for COVID-19 safety violations
Summer deaths of two H-2A employees spurred investigations of health and safety violations in housing and transport.
Early-season scouting for grape powdery mildew
Tips to help identify this “late season” disease.
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.
NHC welcomes two new staff members
Two new staff members joined the Northwest Horticultural Council in late 2020: Riley Bushue as
Washington state cites and fines Evans Fruit $156,000 for not enforcing mask requirements
This week, Washington state cited and fined Evans Fruit Co. of Yakima $156,000 for two
Restart the ripening clock
A genetic discovery leads to new compound that could kick-start pear ripening and shows potential in sliced pears.
Robots keep social distance
Packing line automation spreads out employees during pandemic.
H-2A rules remain the same, after proposed changes and lawsuits
After more than a year of proposed changes, lawsuits and “final” changes that ended up
Optical advantage for fruit quality research
New state-of-the-art sorting line helps Washington State University researchers measure fruit quality.
Fairer forecast for Michigan growers
MSU’s Enviroweather is testing redesigned website with improved mobile access.
Operation integration for orchard data deluge
Orchards produce more data than ever, but companies see the need for integration to help growers and packers use that data to make decisions.
Packers dwarfed but not disadvantaged
East, Midwest push back against Pacific Northwest pressure.
Vineyard soil study ready to dig in
Washington State University professor leads vineyard soil sampling project to help determine soil health.
MSU viticulturist has grape expectations
New extension educator sees world-class potential in Northwest Michigan.
Cosmic cousin still growing
Growers, industry build the WA 2 program with little fanfare so far.
Virtual reality for Eastern shows
February tree fruit conferences in New York and Mid-Atlantic will go online this year.
Political prognostications
2021 will bring policy changes, challenges.
Chelsea Van Acker, a young grower from Williamson, New York
Chelsea grew up on the family farm, Van Acker Farms, graduated from Cornell University and works in field services for New York Apples Sales. She’s the daughter of Dan and Lori Van Acker.