Postharvest Nutrition

Yet again, 2022 has been a whirlwind of a growing season and here we, are in mid-September with apples coloring up and pears ready for storage. We started off the year with a cold, wet spring and multiple days of heavy snow during full bloom. For some orchards in the...

Physiology of Pre-Harvest Fruit Drop in Apple

Optimizing performance of apple stop-drop products can be improved with a basic understanding of the physiology of pre-harvest drop and some of the factors that can influence it. Apples are a climacteric fruit, meaning that the maturation and ripening processes are...

Post-Harvest Planning for Hops

The past few years have provided unusual environmental challenges to hop production in the PNW growing region. Fluctuating and abnormal precipitation and temperature feel like the new normal. However, September always brings the familiar and welcome constant of hop...

Heat Mitigation and Cooling Techniques

It’s no surprise here in Eastern Washington that sunburn protection is crucial for getting apples in the bin. With temperatures guaranteed to reach the high nineties, utilizing a variety of cooling methods can play a major role in preventing sunburn. The cooling...

Irrigation Around Honeycrisp

Since its release into the world out of Minnesota in 1991, the Honeycrisp has become one of the most sought-after apple varieties on the market. Unique in that the flesh has larger cells that burst when bitten into releasing more juice, Honeycrisp was bred for its...

Can PURIC® Humic Acid Increase Water Holding Capacity of Soils?

Much of the west is facing water shortages and many growers will not receive full allotments of water to grow their crops. The literature is ripe with citations of humic substances and organic matter increasing soil water holding capacity, but can applications of a...