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Overview

Scientists and science educators in the Wenatchee Valley have been gathering for the past few years for weekly seminars to catalyze the development of an engaged regional scientific community. Each series features the research of local scientists and invited guest speakers.

This year’s series can be attended virtually or in-person. In-person events are held at the Washington State University Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center in Wenatchee, and are open to the public. Join us for this great opportunity to learn about the incredible research in our own backyard. Prior registration is not required to attend these events.

This project is supported by a grant from Our Valley Our Future. Other supporters include: NCESD, Apple STEM Network, WSU Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center, Wenatchee Valley College, and USDA Research Station.

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Agronomic Strategies to Address Biennial Bearing in Apple Trees

Presented by Thiago Campbell, Ph.D Candidate at Washington State University

Biennial bearing in tree fruit can be problematic, and these patterns are not unique to tree fruit and occur in natural species. Masting, or the abundant production of seeds in some years, can also be observed in natural tree species. Despite extensive research, biennial bearing still affects commercial orchard production. Biennial bearing cycles are costly, with inconsistent yields and fruit quality occurring yearly. Crop load management is one commonly used management strategy to control biennial bearing. However, trees can continue a biennial cycle the year following adequate crop thinning. We evaluated six different agronomic strategies to combat biennial bearing in apple trees: two for low-cropping trees (“off” year) and four for high-cropping trees (“on” year). In 2023, ‘Honeycrisp’ trees on B.9, G.41, G.890, and M.9-T337 rootstocks in their high-cropping year were root pruned, girdled, sprayed with ethephon, or fertilized with nitrogen (ammonium nitrate) in the fall, along with untreated control. In their low-cropping year (2023), trees were defoliated and sprayed with gibberellic acid (GA3) and untreated control. Crop load, vegetative growth, and fruit quality were measured for treated trees and controls. Carryover effects of treatments were calculated to quantify the reduction/amelioration of biennial bearing incidence. Effective agronomic strategies for managing biennial bearing can be inconsistent and need further investigation into their impacts.

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The seminar presentations are intended for a ‘science-based’ audience, including researchers, postdoctoral scientists, teachers, graduate students, undergraduate scientists, and science enthusiasts.

K-12 educators are also encouraged to attend the seminar series to learn about local career connections and research efforts that they can bring back to their students. Clock hours are available through the North Central Educational Service District for attending the series.

Date & Time

Wednesday, October 16
4:00pm – 5:00pm

Location

WSU Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center
1100 N Western Ave, Wenatchee, WA 98801

Registration Price

Free

Clock Hours

1 Clock Hours Available for Purchase

Click here to register on pdEnroller for Clock Hours

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