Food & Agriculture

Grapevine powdery mildew is a perennial challenge grape growers face that can decimate crops if left unchecked, costing the industry hundreds of millions of dollars annually.

WSU has enthusiastically supported the bill since its first hearing in January, testifying that legislation such as this will improve the educational experience of enology and viticulture students.

WSU researchers have found a way to make food taste salty but with less of the sodium chloride tied to poor health.

The refrigeration technology the researchers are developing centers on fighting varroa destructor mites, one of the leading causes of colony collapse disorder in honey bees.

WSU animal sciences researcher Amber Adams Progar is helping launch the new Washington State Dairy Safety Network to help dairy employees stay safe on the job.

Four elk with elk hoof disease were detected in recent months in northwest Washington in areas where the disease had previously not been detected.

Topics will include new tools in the 2018 farm bill to increase rural broadband e‑Connectivity access, expanding credit to rural communities, and other key provisions relating to USDA Rural Development programs.

The research could help in the development of more efficient plant breeding programs.

Extension specialists with WSU Tree Fruit Extension and Oregon State University will lead this year’s Cherry Fruit School, to be offered in four locations.

The Spokane County Extension Plant Clinic has about 160 active volunteers and 22 diagnostic specialists currently. The program is open March 1–Oct. 31.

A webinar titled, “What the Bug is That? New Invasive Insects on the Horizon,” will be presented noon–1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25. Anyone is welcome to attend online.

Scientists design a genetically distinct variety of wheat that is safer for people with celiac disease, opening the door for new treatments and healing potential.

“This is a poverty alleviation effort, where we can empower families to increase their economic resiliency.” — Anthony Gromko, WSU Extension

Few gifts say Happy Valentine’s Day better than wine and chocolate. But exactly what makes them so desirable, so delicious, has long remained a mystery.

WSU Extension’s upcoming Coached Planning Short Course will teach forest owners develop effective management plans for their forests, beginning Feb. 20.

WSU horticulture researchers work with scientists nationally to uncover secrets of the Rosaceae genome family, including roses, apples, almonds, cherries, pears, raspberries, strawberries.