WENATCHEE, Wash. – A variety of tree fruit research and extension projects will be the feature of the second annual field day at Washington State University’s Sunrise Research Orchard Thursday, July 29. Activities begin at 9 a.m. that morning and end at noon; lunch will be provided at the orchard site. There will be an opportunity to visit with WSU researchers and Extension faculty as well as researchers from other institutions collaborating on projects with WSU faculty.
Projects that will be featured at the field day include:
- Mechanical thinning technologies and results of studies
- The operation of a sensor network
- Discussion of an orchard platform ergonomics study
- A weed seeker technology with an electric ATV and
- Results of a new study on controlling apple replant disease with natural fumigant technologies.
There also will be an update on the apple-breeding program, as well as the apple genetic library planted at the new orchard and how it will be used in the breeding program. In addition, scientists will give a progress report on a project to enhance biological control in Washington orchards along with examples of new trapping systems for beneficial insects.
The WSU Sunrise Research Orchard is located between Wenatchee and Quincy on Highway 28. From Wenatchee travel south about 11 miles and turn left on Sunrise Lane. From Quincy, travel toward Wenatchee on Highway 28 about 17 miles and turn right on Sunrise Lane.
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