Pears

Sensors help trees tell growers when they are thirsty

The traditional method of using technology to alert growers of the need to irrigate involves soil-based sensors, which do well at relaying moisture data at a specific depth and location. Dendrometers, which measure the expansion... more »

Bug Barriers: Research studies netting effect on BMSB

Netting is being evaluated in apple orchards across the country. Sometimes it’s to protect the fruit from sunburn or hail, and sometimes it’s to improve thinning by keeping pollinators out. At North Carolina State University... more »

Coast-to-coast research battles fire blight in apples, pears

Fire blight can cripple apple production and kill young trees. The disease is also difficult to control. Researchers at Virginia Tech’s Alson H. Smith Jr. Agricultural and Extension Research Center in Winchester, Virginia, are studying... more »

California fruit association calls for more pest agency funding

The California Fresh Fruit Association joined dozens of other agricultural organizations in requesting increased funding for the USDA’s Office of Pest Management Policy. The office coordinates with the producer and user communities to ensure the... more »

New AI: early size profile available for pears

The U.S. is one of the top three pear producers globally, and work is under way in many areas of the supply chain to ensure more pears make it to market. From rootstock research and... more »

Never-ending rain leads to pest, disease concerns

A seemingly endless flow of water saturating their fields is burdening California growers with pests and diseases. Growers of strawberries and other fruits expect the heavy rains to delay some planting and harvesting and cause... more »

Pear marketing order to have election for two seats

The Washington and Oregon pear marketing order’s Fresh Pear Committee is seeking two grower member alternates from the Wenatchee, Washington, district. The election for the two alternates from the Wenatchee district (Chelan and Douglas counties)... more »

Balchem organic registrations to aid tree fruit, grapes, berries

Balchem Plant Nutrition has received registration for two organic foliar products that can aid growers of organic fruit and vegetables. The new product combinations provide convenient and safe solutions for organic fruit and vegetable growers,... more »