The latest free guides from student scientists and experts with WSU Extension can help Northwest farmers protect apple and pear orchards from heat stress and disease, explore new technology that converts waste into energy, and better understand the genetics involved in dairy cow breeding.
Managing Heat Stress in Apple Orchards (TB103E)
In apple orchards, heat stress can cause severe damage to trees and fruit, and climate projections suggest more frequent extreme weather events in the future. Effectively cooling down your apple orchard begins with knowing your options. This guide by Department of Horticulture doctoral candidate Thiago Campbell, Associate Professor and Endowed Chair Lee Kalcsits, and Professor and Viticulture Extension Specialist Michelle Moyer covers ways to manage heat stress and includes a breakdown of each strategy’s relative costs, effectiveness, and timing for application of each.
Anaerobic Digestion for Waste Management and Energy Generation in the Pacific Northwest (FS390E)
Able to generate renewable energy from waste, anaerobic digestion technologies hold the potential for widespread adoption. In this Extension publication, experts answer commonly asked questions about these technologies; diagrams and figures further break down the process. Authors include Aaron Whittemore, associate in research at the WSU Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources, Embrey Bronstad, wastewater engineer with Brown and Caldwell, and WSU Energy Program Director Georgine Yorgey.
Fire Blight of Apple and Pear in Washington (FS391E)
Fire blight is an important disease affecting pear and apple crops throughout Washington state. Learn about host range, transmission and symptoms, management and products, temperature risk models, and more. Authors are Associate Professor S. Tianna DuPont, Tree Fruit Extension Specialist Emeritus Tim Smith, Oregon State University Professor Ken Johnson, and WSU Professor Youfu Zhao.
Understanding and Using Genomic Selection in Dairy Herds (FS392E)
Genomic selection was commercially introduced to the dairy industry in 2009, allowing for a more accurate selection of traits important to producers. Learn more about genetic selection and identify the genetic traits and testing options available to reach and advance management goals and breeding objectives. Authors are Allison Herrick, doctoral candidate in the Department of Animal Sciences; Shannon Neibergs, director of the Western Center for Risk Management Education and Extension specialist; and Holly Neibergs, professor in the Department of Animal Sciences.
View more original and revised guides online at the WSU Extension Publications website.