WSU Research Centers

Fighting tulip weeds, diseases with cover crops

By Cathy McKenzie, WSU Mount Vernon MOUNT VERNON, Wash. – Rotating cover crops in tulip fields shows promise for fighting disease in the economically important flower bulb, according to early research findings at the Washington State University research center in Mount Vernon.

Grafting research could rescue state’s watermelon crop

By Scott Weybright, College of Agricultural, Human & Natural Resource Sciences MOUNT VERNON, Wash. – The watermelon crop has declined dramatically in Washington because of disease. But Washington State University researchers are developing a solution that involves grafting watermelon plants onto squash and other vine plant rootstocks.

Feb. 27: Potato workshop highlights best practices, research

By Cathy McKenzie, WSU Mount Vernon MOUNT VERNON, Wash. – Diseases and weeds that afflict potatoes and best practices for growing them in western Washington are among the topics at a potato workshop 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at the Washington State University Mount Vernon Research Center, 16650 State Route 536, Mount Vernon.

Feb. 11: Blueberry workshop examines organic alternatives

By Cathy McKenzie, WSU Mount Vernon MOUNT VERNON, Wash. – Alternatives to pesticide use will be discussed by Washington State University researchers at a blueberry growers workshop 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, at the WSU research center, 16650 State Route 536, Mount Vernon.

Winter soil testing, research aid spinach seed growers

By Cathy McKenzie, WSU Mount Vernon MOUNT VERNON, Wash. – Soil from area growers is being tested through mid-February at Washington State University Mount Vernon to determine field suitability for planting spinach seed in spring. Meanwhile, related spinach disease research recently was accepted for publication.

Study reveals promise for expanding hard cider industry

By Sylvia Kantor, College of Agricultural, Human & Natural Resource Sciences MOUNT VERNON, Wash. – A new study by researchers at Washington State University shows that mechanical harvesting of cider apples can provide labor and cost savings without affecting fruit, juice or cider quality.

Nov. 20: Advocate promotes agricultural, cultural diversity

By Louisa Winkler, WSU Mount Vernon MOUNT VERNON, Wash. – An expert on the cultural and plant diversity stewarded by farming communities around the world will present the free, public Harvest Seminar at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, at the Washington State University Mount Vernon Research Center, 16650 State Route 536.

Rebuilding soil boosts threatened beet seed production

By Cathy McKenzie, WSU Mount Vernon MOUNT VERNON, Wash. – Growers in the fertile Skagit Valley have reported drops in historical beet seed yields of as much as 50 percent, according to Lindsey du Toit, vegetable seed pathologist at Washington State University. While disease and herbicides may cause isolated problems, researchers recently determined that poor […]