Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission Wenatchee WA

Spotted Wing Drosophila Update

The SWD update page is now operational on the WSU Extension website. For the latest information on spotted wing drosophila, visit SWD update - WSU Extension

2011 Apple Residue Studies

Washington apple growers have dozens of insecticides and fungicides at their disposal and use of these products according to label instructions typically leave chemical residues of fruit at harvest at levels which have been deemed safe by the US Environmental Protection Agency. However, many foreign markets set their own Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) which may be more conservative than US standards. In order to provide more information to help Washington growers make appropriate choices with their pest management programs, the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission recently conducted a study of pesticide residues in Gala apples, the report for which is available at the link below:

2011_WTFRC_Apple_MRL_Report.pdf

Phase 4 Evaluation of WA2

Applications are available for participation in Phase 4 evaluation of WA2. For more information contact Sandy Stone at (509)665-8271, ext. 7.

AppWA2forPhase_4_2012.doc

Special Project Assessment Results

The results of the referendum establishing a special assessment for the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission have been certified. Both Apple and Pear passed while Cherry and Soft Fruits failed. For a detailed account of results, click on the link below:

Referendum_results.doc

2011 Cherry Pesticide Residue Studies

The recent infestation of in Northwest orchards by Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) has necessitated significant modification of cherry pest management programs, including potential use of products which have not yet been widely used in cherry. Recently, a research project funded by the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission, California Cherry Advisory Board, Oregon Sweet Cherry Commission and BC Cherry Growers studied residue levels of six insecticides which may be used against SWD. The project was led by David Haviland of the University of California Cooperative Extension, who recently submitted two versions (full and abridged) of a project report. A companion study conducted by Tory Schmidt, Research Associate with the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission, focused on residues of three alternative insecticides and two fungicides commonly used in cherry. To view reports for these projects, click on the links below:

Haviland_full_technical_report.pdf Haviland_summary_report.pdf 2011_WTFRC_Cherry_Residue_Trial_Report.pdf