GENERAL INFORMATION
The WSU-TFREC, USDA-Tree Fruit Research Lab and NOAA-National Weather Service are located at a single campus in the town of Wenatchee. Wenatchee is situated on the Columbia River at the eastern edge of the Cascade Mountains. It is centrally located in the tree fruit growing region that runs north-south from Canada to Oregon. The Wenatchee facility is at 245 meters (800 feet) above sea level. Average annual precipitation is about 25 cm (10 inches), occurring mostly during winter. Irrigation is essential for tree fruit production. Daily maximum and minimum temperatures average 88 and 57 F in July and 33 and 19 F in January.
The research laboratories and orchards are not open to the general public. Special educational tours and field days are offered by appointment to tree fruit growers, packers, and field consultants. Tours for special interest groups can be arranged through the superintendent. Accommodation of tour requests may not be possible without advance notice.
ENTOMOLOGY
Entomological research emphasizes biology, ecology and control of insect and mite pests of tree fruits. Major entomological pests under investigation include codling moth, pandemis leafroller, pear psylla, apple aphid, leafminers and several mite species. Research activities include developing and evaluating models to predict population dynamics of insects, developing sampling techniques and determining action and economic injury thresholds for arthropod pests and developing integrated chemical and biological control systems that maximize control of pest species while minimizing pesticide use.
HORTICULTURE
Horticultural research examines management strategies to manipulate growth, form and productivity of fruit trees, and quality and storage potential for harvested fruit. Special research areas include development and evaluation of high-density orchard management systems, dwarfing rootstocks, and pruning, training and tree support techniques; selection and development of new apple cultivars adapted to central Washington; diagnosis and quantification of cold-induced plant injury; refinement of evaporative cooling methods; development of predictive indices for maturity, quality and longevity of harvested fruits; development of postharvest practices to maintain fruit quality and enhance storage life; quantification of the effects of environmental conditions and growth regulating substances on tree physiology and horticultural performance. Some research is also carried out on basic physiology and biochemistry of fruit trees.
PLANT PATHOLOGY
Plant pathology is the study of diseases. Plant pathological research in Wenatchee focuses on the etiology, epidemiology and control of tree fruit diseases, both before and after harvest. Research programs include development of methods to detect and diagnose diseases caused by bacteria, fungal and viral pathogens; prediction of induction and severity of disease development; and development and testing of chemical and biological control methods for pathogens.
SOIL SCIENCE/PLANT NUTRITION
Soils research at WSU-TFREC focuses on understanding the physical, chemical and biological properties of orchard soils and the management of these soils to benefit tree fruit production while maintaining or enhancing soil and water quality. Research programs include quantification of soil fertility status, development of improved irrigation and fertilization practices, fruit tree mineral nutrition, and management of soil acidity.
CENTER FOR SUSTAINING AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES (CSANR)
CSANR was established in 1992 in the College of Agriculture and Home Economics at WSU following legislative authorization. The CSANR works to develop and foster agriculture and natural resource management approaches that are economically viable, environmentally sound and socially acceptable. CSANR activities have focused on food system education, soil quality improvement, and improved farmer-consumer communication and cooperation. The state coordinator is housed at WSU-TFREC, working on erosion control in the Columbia Basin, formation of a marketing and production alliance to provide incentives for the use of more environmentally sound practices in apple production, expansion of farmer initiated research and demonstration, and several training and information delivery projects.
METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE
NOAA-NWS monitors current meteorological conditions and provides agricultural weather forecasts. This information is provided to tree fruit growers and the general public.
Don C. Elfving, Horticulture; Superintendent
Bruce H. Barritt, Horticulture; Apple orchard management systems and rootstocks; apple cultivar breeding and development
Elizabeth H. Beers, Entomology; Indirect insect pests
Jay F. Brunner, Entomology; Direct insect pests
John E. Dunley, Entomology; Tree fruit entomology
David Granatstein, Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources
Gary G. Grove, Plant Pathology; Preharvest diseases
Delmer O. Ketchie, Horticulture; Fruit tree winter hardiness; pear varieties/rootstocks, management
Eugene M. Kupferman, Horticulture; Postharvest maturity, handling and storage
Frank J. Peryea, Soil Science and Horticulture; Orchard soil management; fruit tree mineral nutrition
Larry E. Schrader, Horticulture; Fruit tree physiology
Kathleen M. Williams, Horticulture; Pear horticulture; orchard management; evaporative cooling; nursery tree quality