Stefano Musacchi, Endowed Chair for Tree Fruit Physiology and Management in the Department of Horticulture, recently received $249,000 from the U.S Department of Agriculture to optimize the orchard management and fruit quality of the Cosmic Crisp apple.
The grant is focus on training systems to optimize vigor control and quality of Cosmic Crisp, the latest creation of WSU’s world-class apple breeding program led by Kate Evans.
Funding comes via the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service Speciality Crop Block Grant program.
Also listed in the grant are R. Karina Gallardo, Associate Professor, Extension Specialist in the School of Economic Sciences; Lee Kalcsits, Assistant Professor, Tree Fruit Physiology; Desmond Layne, Professor of Pomology and Director of Agricultural and Food Systems and Integrated Plant Sciences; and Sara Serra, Assistant Professor in Horticulture.
Learn more about the Cosmic Crisp apple here.
Learn more about the WSU tree fruit program here.