research

Grant to help Penn State chemical apple blossoms thinning research

Apple production contributes billions to the U.S. economy; however, the apple industry faces challenges related to a labor shortage and application of excess fertilizer and chemicals, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). One... more »

New SWD biopesticide being developed at MSU through USDA grant

A Michigan State University researcher has received a $325,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to develop a yeast-based biopesticide that targets spotted wing drosophila (SWD), an invasive... more »

Researchers studying natural methods to help strawberries, cutting chemical fumigation

Researchers studying natural method to help strawberry growers In strawberry farming, soilborne pathogens have long presented a challenge. Historically, chemical fumigation has been the preferred method of reducing harmful soil pathogens. However, new regulations are... more »

Plum factors: Successful varieties offer growers opportunities

In North America, there are two groups of plum species which enter into commerce. The most well-known are the Japanese types — the ones most shoppers know as fresh plums because they are in most... more »

IFTA members gain grove insights, view Central Valley tech and orchard practices

During the California’s Central Valley tour, participants in the International Fruit Tree Association’s 2024 event viewed a variety of fruit tree training, pruning and harvesting methods. The orchard bus tour showed how growers are more... more »

New varieties help Florida strawberry growers

Following hurricanes Helene and Milton, Florida growers are showing resilience in ensuring fresh Florida strawberries are available this season. Through hard work and efficient problem-solving, Florida growers have planted the fruits consumers enjoy from December... more »

USDA to open Davis, California, ag research center

The USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) broke ground on the Agricultural Research and Technology Center (ARTC) in Davis, California, marking a new phase in agricultural innovation. The modern facility will centralize ARS labs currently at... more »

UF studies crop fertilization rates

The University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has long studied crop fertilization rates. In 2022, state funding made it possible for the UF/IFAS Nutrient Management Program (NMP) to begin scrutinizing long-established fertilization... more »

Editor’s Letter: Plan, reflect, learn

This year is just flying by! It’s hard to believe it is already October, and all of us here at Fruit Growers News (FGN) are looking forward to the months to come, especially December. The... more »

Garden State’s Philip E. Marucci Center aims to solve blueberry, cranberry issues

The Philip E. Marucci Center for Blueberry and Cranberry Research and Extension, a division of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, conducts and shares research vital to the cultivation of quality blueberries and cranberries... more »