Not-so-jolly invader: English holly spreads across Northwest forests

WSU experts warn that English holly, once planted for holiday cheer, has become a fast-spreading invasive species overtaking Northwest forests.

A gloved hand holds the branch of a holly berry shrub.

Bacteria could alleviate the smoky taste of wine grapes exposed to wildfires

A bacterium that lives on grape plants can break down guaiacol, an unpleasant-tasting substance that ruins wines made from grapes exposed to wildfire smoke, according to new research.

A grey tube expels smoke which twirls upward toward green grapevine leaves.

Powering predictions for potato farmers

Potato growers in Washington have a powerful new tool to help them make decisions about their crops, one that’s saving the industry in the state nearly $10 million each year.

Close-up of a flowering potato field, with a dozen or so people standing out of focus in the background.

WSU Extension’s Whidbey Gardening Workshop wins international community service award

Island County Master Gardeners are proud to announce that their Whidbey Gardening Workshop has been awarded first place for community service in the David Gibby International Master Gardener Search for Excellence Awards.

Volunteer gardener booth in gymnasium -

WSU V&E department launches brewing certificate

Beer lovers, homebrewers, and aspiring brewing professionals have a new way to enter the industry through WSU’s newly launched Brewing Certificate Program.

A person pours a grain from a bag into a large metal vat.

Founding chair of V&E department named Future 40 Tastemaker by Wine Enthusiast

Jean Dodson Peterson, the founding chair of the Department of Viticulture and Enology, was recently named one of Wine Enthusiast magazine’s Future 40 Tastemakers.

Jean-Dodson-Peterson

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture helps break ground for new USDA-ARS Plant Sciences Building

Officials, legislators, and university leaders broke ground for the new USDA-ARS Plant Sciences Building on the Pullman campus

USDA-ARS Plant Sciences Building Groundbreaking