crops

Research on Phytochemicals continues for a second year

A microphoto of a phytochemical, courtesy of WSU Extension. PULLMAN – Research on the benefits of phytochemicals in apples and raspberries will expand to include other major Washington crops, continuing a project that a WSU scientist began last year.   Bernd M. Lange, assistant professor in WSU’s Institute of Biological Chemistry, spearheaded the research project, […]

Peanuts make suprising debut

Photo: Like pennies from heaven, peanuts fall during October harvest in Pasco. (Photo by Kevin Montgomery).   Peanuts, traditionally a southern crop, have found a new calling in the sagebrush-covered soil of eastern Washington. On a WSU test plot in Pasco, recent harvests have produced peanuts in yields equal to or surpassing the national average. […]

Drought conditions bring tough choices for growers

Drought conditions in Washington, especially irrigation rationing in the Yakima Valley, are leading to hard choices for area growers, according to two Washington State University Extension educators.“We’re already seeing some crop shifting,” said Bob Stevens, extension soil scientist and interim director of WSU’s Prosser Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center. “Some orchards already are being […]

Beetle invades crops; Extension preparing for counterattack

Washington State University Extension is seeking information from farmers who have infestations of  cereal leaf beetles in their fields to aid a statewide biocontrol project. (Photo left)Biocontrol is the deliberate use of one living organism to control another.The cereal leaf beetle is a newcomer to the state, according to Diana Roberts, WSU Spokane County area […]