Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation Newsletter June 2006

Mission: WWFRF exists to advance fruit horticultural programs for our unique Western Washington maritime climate through advocacy, research, education, and demonstration for the benefit of the general public and the small farmer.

IN THIS ISSUE: President’s Message...... 1 Board of Directors Minutes: March 25, 2006 ...... 2 Membership Meeting Minutes: March 25, 2006 ...... 2 Thank you for your donations!...... 2 First Quarter Financial Report: 1/1/06 - 3/31/06 ...... 3 Win a Prize! ...... 3 WWFRF MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION QUESTIONNAIRE ...... 4 Calendar of Events for the Remainder of 2006...... 5 WWFRF Board Meeting Notice...... 5 Fruit Facts: Cherries ...... 6 WWFRF Fruit Display Garden Progress Report ...... 7 WSU Fruit Horticulture – Quarterly Report May 2006...... 7 WSU Fruit Horticulture – Harvest Report 2005...... 8 A Selection of Fruit and Vegetable Canning Websites ...... 14 Membership Report...... 16

President’s Message By Kristan Johnson, WWFRF President, Board Member

Great new things to report, liter ally happening as you read this!

Besides the stunning new 8 million dollar facility literally coming together at the NWREC here in Mt. Vernon, we have a brand new

system of engaging you, our members, into the inner workings of our organization and ultimately our success as we move into our next 15 years of evolution as one of the best non-profit fruit

research foundations in the United States, if not the world!

What I am talking about is a computer registration system, which

allows you to fill out a detailed one-page questionnaire, and to follow that up by becoming part of our family of volunteers and

helpers. Almost everyone has said that they really want to LtoR: Kristan Johnson, Sam Benowitz and De Arbogast discussing volunteer to help, but until now we haven’t been able to pair up the new “fruit booth” display at the 2006 Spring Fruit Show at your wants with our needs! Ballard High School in Seattle.

Thanks to the generous offerings of Sam Benowitz, owner of Raintree Nursery, we have purchased a terrific custom built laptop computer programmed with our new database inquiry system, which will enable us to track not only your individual desires, but also your needs as a total group, so that our functions become tailor fit to your changing interests.

Ultimately, this system will make registration quicker and simpler. Of course we will have to work out some of the inevitable bugs that often crop up when introducing a new thing like this, but we ask for your patience and help while we make the transition. Please use the one page questionnaire in this newsletter to preregister, so that when you come to the harvest days you can simply turn it in. If you’re receiving this newsletter by email or U.S. mail, please mail your completed questionnaire ASAP to : JoAnn Alidina, WWFRF Membership Chair, 704 N. 84 th St. Seattle, WA 98103-4328 . Let us know what you think about any of the questions or otherwise, because your ideas are very valuable to everyone!

Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation (WWFRF) June 2006 Newsletter Page 1

This wonderful organization is run completely through the efforts of volunteers such as yourselves. Some of us are on the board of directors steering a smooth course through often turbulent waters, and some of us volunteer in activities such as helping to register folks and park cars which keeps us running on a day to day basis. We simply cannot exist without your volunteer help! No one gets paid more than the satisfaction of doing his or her part to help keep this organization running smoothly.

We are still trying to fill a significant shortfall of research funds, which have not been pledged by other affiliated organizations. If you know of a “patron saint”, who would care enough to donate some much needed money directly to fruit research, please direct them to me, we can’t thank you enough.

We also need someone who is computer savvy to help with the newsletter, and folks to help with the Harvest Days. So don’t be shy, let’s see those smiling faces reaching out to give us a helping hand, and do give us a call!

See you soon, when we start tasting and harvesting the fruits of our volunteer labors! Kristan Johnson

Board of Directors Minutes: March 25, 2006 Membership Meeting Minutes: March 25, 2006 By Linda Markholt, WWFRF Recording Secretary, Board Member

See www.wwfrf.org NEWSLETTER tab to view the minutes of both meetings.

Kristan Johnson points out details of the garden model to Linda Markholt who arranged and brought the beautiful floral centerpiece, that added a very inviting touch to our display table at the 2006 Spring Fruit Show.

Our March 25, 2006 Spring Fruit Show in Seattle was very successful, and we look

forward to returning to the completed new

facility here at Mt. Vernon. If things proceed

as schedule, we should be meeting with you in the new WSU NWREC at Mt. Vernon for the Fall Open House and Harvest Day on October 14 th !

Thank you for your donations!

The WWFRF Board extends a heartfelt thank you to the following individuals, companies and organizations for their generous donation to WWFRF during 2006:

Priscilla Antrim $75 Laurel Moulton $15 Duane and Laura Brady $25 Frank R. Peters $200 Norman G. Brocard $10 Clark Peterson $50 Ursula Choate $50 Sakuma Bros. Farms, Inc. $200 Woody Deryckx $175 Ralph Smith $200 Memorial for Steve Smith James Eberhardt $25 Larry Soll $100 Erik D. Johnson $40 Western Cascade Fruit Society $695 (Judi Stewart, President) Microsoft Matching Gifts Program $500 (Sean C. McDowell) TOTAL: $2,360.00

Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation (WWFRF) June 2006 Newsletter Page 2

First Quarter Financial Report: 1/1/06 - 3/31/06 By Georgene Lee, WWFRF Acting Treasurer, Board Member

Total Funds on hand 1/1/06 $20,217.63* Income first quarter: Donations first quarter 2,614.50 Membership dues 2,795.00 Matching funds/Microsoft 500.00 Total funds on hand $26,127.13

Expenses first quarter : Funding balance 2005 pledge WSU $ 5,185.00 Antique apple plants for display garden 133.25 Printing & Mailing 456.85 Internet connection cost 45.00 Total Expenses first quarter $ 5,820.10

Overall total end first quarter $ 20,307.03

*(Breakdown: Unrestricted $10,300.72 – Display Garden $9,916.91)

We have pledged $15,000.00 to WSU for fruit research for 2006 which is payable quarterly. This is down from $20,000+ that we usually have pledged because of anticipated shortfall in collections. We urge everyone that has an interest in fruit research for our Pacific Northwest climate to keep up their membership and consider making an extra donation, if possible, to help further this important research. If we don’t it could very possibly be discontinued.

Win a Prize!

Just fill out and email or drop-off at the next Harvest Day, the WWFRF Membership Registration Questionnaire on the following page and your name will be entered to win one of the following prizes:

WWFRF Life Membership Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation $25 gift certificate for plants LIFE MEMBERSHIP at Raintree Nursery

A home baked apple pie

A box of freshly picked premium apples

Even more prizes!!

Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation (WWFRF) June 2006 Newsletter Page 3

WWFRF MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION QUESTIONNAIRE Mail to JoAnn Alidina, WWFRF Membership Chair, 704 N. 84 th Street, Seattle, WA 98103-4328 OR drop off the completed questionnaire when you register at the next Harvest Day!

NAME: DATE:

ADDRESS:

CITY: STATE: 9-DIGIT ZIP:

TELEPHONE: ( ) EMAIL ADDRESS:

Please check all applicable areas:

Membership Type: New__ / Renewal__ / Rejoin__ / Year Joined ____ Category: One Day $15 __ / One Year Individual $25 __ / One Year Family $40 __ Number of members in Family: 1__ / 2__ /3__ /4__ Age groups (one check per member): under 13___ / 13 to 29___ / 30 to 59___ / over 60__

Extra Donation for WWFRF program at Mt. Vernon: $ (All donations are tax deductible due to the non-profit status of WWFRF)

For each category, please number 1=favorites thru 5=least favorites: What Are Your Fruit Interests? Apples__ / Pears__ / Peaches__ / Plums__ / Cherries__ / Kiwis__ / Nuts__ / Berries__ / Grapes__ / Unusual Fruits__ / Pruning__ / Grafting__ / Pest control__/ Espalier__ / Rootstocks__ /

WWFRF is a totally volunteer run organization and it is completely dependent on the hours and money put in by its members. We know you are busy, but please help up with a donation of your time or your money. On average how many hours a month would you be willing to donate to the organization: 0__ / 1__ / 2__ / 3__ / more__ /

How Can You Help? Giving ongoing Organizational Support: [Check all applicable areas] Board Member__ / Committee Chair__ / Nominating__ / Speakers__ / Newsletter__ / Field Days__ / Fundraising__ / Membership__ / Publicity__

How Can You Help? Day Activities: [Check all applicable areas] Educational Booth__ / Registration Table__ / Parking__ / Fall Meeting__ / Spring Meeting__ / Harvest Days__ / Sampling tables__ / Handing Out Harvest Bags__ / Special Harvests__ / Fruit Tasting __ / Rootstock Sales__ / Apple Display at WCFS Fall Show__

Fruit Display Garden Day Activities: [Check all applicable areas] Thursday 10am to noon Work Parties__ / Pruning__ / Espalier__ / Weeding__ / Mowing__ / Drip Irrigation__ / Bird Netting__ / Labeling__ Do you plan to participate in at least 1 Harvest day this year? Yes__ / If no__ / what are your reasons?

What do you Like Best about WWFRF? [Check all applicable areas] To Learn How to Grow Good Fruit__ / Support Local Fruit Research__ / Taste New Fruit Varieties__ / Pick Fruit at Harvest Days__ / Meet people with like interests__ / Expose Your Children to Fruit Growing__ / Other specifics

What would you like to see Improved with WWFRF? [Check all applicable areas] Better Speakers__ / Better Classroom Classes__ / Better Hands-on in the Field Classes__ / Better Harvest Days__ / More Support for Local Fruit Research__ / More children activities__ / More activities in Fruit Display Garden__ / Other specifics

Have you ever purchased anything at our Field Days? [ ] No [ ] Yes, What? What commercial exhibits would you like to see at our Field Days?

Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation (WWFRF) June 2006 Newsletter Page 4

Calendar of Events for the Remainder of 2006 Don’t forget to bring your

friends and family to July 8 Harvest Day: Cherries 11:00 am – 2:00 pm Harvest Days for a fun & See the next page for “Fruit Facts” about Cherries memorable experience!

August 12 Harvest Day: Peaches, Plums, Nectarines 11:00 am – 2:00 pm Go to http://www.davewilson.com/br40/br40_trees/br40Plum_Prun.html for detailed information about Plum varieties.

September 9 Harvest Day: Asian Pears, Early Apples 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

October 14 Fall Field Day: Antique Apple Day! 9:00 am – 12:00 pm & Harvest Day: Apples, Pears 1:00 – 3:00 pm Learn about best fruit varieties, harvest techniques, fruit preservation and storage, orchard mason bees, fertilizer and nutrition, home wine and cider production, and fruit tasting.

LOCATION: Unless otherwise stated, all events are held at Washington State University, Northwest Washington Research and Extension Center, 16650 State Route 536, Mount Vernon, WA.

From SOUTH: In Mount Vernon Exit I-5 at Exit 226 (Kincaid Street). Turn LEFT (West) under the freeway, then turn RIGHT at the 3rd stoplight (South First Street). Follow South First Street to the 2nd stoplight and turn LEFT onto Division Street. Follow Division Street which becomes State Route 536 (Memorial Highway) across the Bridge over the Skagit River, about two miles through the stoplight at Avon-Allen Road. WSU NWREC is about 500 yards on the LEFT (South) side.

From NORTH: In Burlington Exit I-5 at Exit 230 (Highway 20). Turn LEFT (West) onto Highway 20. Continue about two miles to stoplight at Avon Allen Road; turn LEFT (South) onto Avon Allen Road. Continue to the stoplight at State Highway 536 (Memorial Highway). Turn RIGHT (West) onto State Route 536. WSU NWREC is about 500 yards on the LEFT (South) side.

From ANACORTES: Take Hwy. 20 East to State Route 536 (or Memorial Hwy.) Take RIGHT onto SR 536. WSU NWREC will be on RIGHT side.

WWFRF Board Meeting Notice

All members are invited to attend the WWFRF BOARD MEETING

Saturday, July 8, 2006 from 8:00 am – 11:00 am Location: WSU NWREC Auditorium 16650 State Route 536 Mount Vernon, WA

Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation (WWFRF) June 2006 Newsletter Page 5

Fruit Facts: Cherries

To view this article in color, go to www.wwfrf.org and click on the ‘Newsletter’ tab.

Varieties Color Flavor Texture ChelanN® -Early to Late June The leading early-ripening sweet cherry of the Pacific Northwest. Fruit ripens Sweet, rich flavor Skin- Mahogany-Red, Flesh- two weeks ahead of Bing, yet resembles Bing with firm, round, heart-shaped (16-18% fruit Mahogany fruit of good size. The best deep, mahogany red cherry before Bing and less sugar) Firm susceptible to rain-cracking. Tieton TM - Available Early June to July USPPAF Extraordinarily large in size, with excellent firmness and a mild sweet Early variety (16- Skin- Mahogany-Red, Flesh- flavor. TietonTM is an early-season mahogany red cherry, ripening one week 18% fruit sugar), Mahogany before Bing. The impressive size, attractively glossy fruit, and thick green stems ships well produce a visually stunning fruit for premium displays. Bing - Available Mid June through early August Skin- Mahogany, Flesh- The leading commercial sweet cherry in North America. Fruit is firm, juicy and a Mahogany Sweet, rich flavor deep, mahogany red when ripe. Exceptionally large fruit of finest quality, with an (17-19% fruit intensely sweet, vibrant flavor. Bing has become the standard to which other sugar) Firm varieties are compared. Rainier - Available Late June through early August Very sweet, A very attractive, exceptionally large, yellow cherry with a bright red blush. delicate flavor Skin - Golden with pinkred Rainier has a distinctive and superior appearance among sweet cherry varieties. (17-23% fruit blush, Flesh- clear-colored Delicately flavored with extraordinary sugar levels, the flesh is pure yellow, very sugar) finely firm and finely textured. A premium niche variety that ripens after Bing. textured Lapins - Available Early July through late August A large, highly crack-resistant, mahogany red cherry that is rapidly replacing the Late variety (17- Skin- Mahogany, Flesh- Red, late-season variety Lambert. Lapins matures ten days to two weeks after Bing, 19% fruit sugar), large fruit with shiny skin exhibiting excellent firmness and flavor. As with all Northwest Cherries, Lapins solid texture creates a beautiful display. Skeena TM - Available Mid July through early August Large, very firm and sweet, Skeena continues to grow in popularity with Late variety (19- Skin- Mahogany, Flesh- Red, consumers and growers. Maturing about 16 days after Bing, this dark red to 20% fruit sugar), large fruit with shiny skin almost black variety has a very dense texture. A great late-season variety which solid texture will keep you in cherries until the end of July. Sweetheart TM - Available Late July through mid August Late variety (16- A large, bright red cherry maturing one week to ten days after Lapins (3 weeks Skin-Dark red, Flesh-Dark 19% fruit sugar) after Bing). Sweetheart TM has a mild, sweet flavor and outstanding firmness. red, Heart-shaped superior shipping This heart- shaped cherry ships extremely well, and will keep your late July and texture August cherry displays full.

Freezing Northwest Sweet Cherries Work with small amounts (3 to 5 pounds) of Northwest fresh sweet cherries to allow for quick handling and freezing. Select firm, ripe Northwest sweet cherries. Rinse and drain cherries thoroughly. Pack according to preferred method and freeze immediately. Method 1 – Whole with Stems Spread cherries with stems intact in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze the cherries until firm. Pack into freezer-proof containers or plastic freezer bags; remove excess air, cover or fasten tightly and freeze. Method 2 – Dry Sugar Pack Add 1/3 cup sugar for each pint of pitted or unpitted fresh sweet cherries; toss lightly to coat cherries. Fill freezer containers or bags; shake to pack fruit. Add more cherries to fill containers or bags. Cover tightly and freeze.

See http://www.nwcherries.com/stonecherry.php for more information.

Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation (WWFRF) June 2006 Newsletter Page 6

WWFRF Fruit Display Garden Progress Report by De Arbogast, Board Member, WWFRF Fruit Display Garden Committee Chair, Webmaster

The fruit trees are loaded with fruit this spring, especially the pears. This may, in part, be due to the Mason Bee hotel that was installed in March. Fruit thinning has become a major project. All walking paths have been seeded with clover, saving us the expense of applying cedar chips. We are attempting to control weeds and conserve moisture by applying grass clippings around the base of all trees (a new lawn sweeper has been purchased). This appears to be working well but requires a lot of extra effort. We have discontinued the use of herbicides. The 10 new stone fruit trees, transplanted last December, are doing well. Irrigation lines have been installed around these trees. Anthracnose has invaded the West-fence trees. We are cutting out and torching the cankers in an effort to control this disease. Powdery mildew, peach leaf curl and aphids are ongoing problems. Spray programs have continued since January, thanks to Hollis Spitler.

Due to the very low volunteer turnout, all garden expansion projects have been discontinued. We are just able to maintain what we have, thanks to the efforts of our current volunteers: Rex Stillwell, Leif Abrahamson, Jay Scott, Bill Pihl, Carol Butz, Henri & Gayle Lebihan, and Dennis Davenport.

Come join us at the WEEKLY WORK PARTY – check out the WWFRF online calendar for details! Every Thursday, 9:00 am to 12:00 noon

WHERE: WWFRF Display Garden located adjacent to the WSU NWREC in Mount Vernon. BRING: Please bring your own garden tools, gloves, weed bucket, and bottled water. Hone your pruning skills, expand your knowledge of fruit trees and gardening while you provide an invaluable service for WWFRF! We’ll provide the fun and friendship. CONTACT: De Arbogast , WWFRF Display Garden Committee Chair, Email: [email protected] Ph. (360) 387-7498

WSU Fruit Horticulture – Quarterly Report May 2006 By Gary Moulton and Jacky King, WSU NWREC Staff and WWFRF Board Advisors/Representatives

The most significant accomplishment for us this spring has been the completion of our bulletin publications. EB 0937, formerly titled Tree Fruit Varieties for Western Washington , had not been revised since 1992. This bulletin has served for many years as the main reference for home orchardists in choosing the best varieties for our area, but it was in need of a major update. Also, we felt that it was time to expand the bulletin to include not just variety selection but also some basic material on orchard culture and management.

Work on this project has progressed steadily and the manuscript of the new EB0937 Fruit Handbook for Western Washington: Varieties & Culture is now “in press” at the WSU Publications Department in Pullman. We hope to see the first copies available to the public by early June. This bulletin is directed not only to individual home growers but also suitable for use in Master Gardener training and similar instruction. We are working on a PowerPoint presentation designed to accompany the bulletin, incorporating much of the information and adding a set of slides to illustrate all the named varieties. This could be made available as a CD disk as needed.

Earlier in the year we completed two new bulletins EB 2001 Growing Wine Grapes in Western Washington (November 2005) and EB 2002 New Alternative Fruit Crops for Western Washington (March 2006). Both of these publications are available from local County Extension offices, and can be viewed online as well: EB 2001 - http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/eb2001/eb2001.pdf EB 2002 - http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/eb2002/eb2002.pdf

Most of the information in these bulletins comes directly from the tree fruit and grape trials we have done here at Mount Vernon over a number of years. The support of the WWFRF and the volunteer work of so many WWFRF members has been crucial in maintaining these projects and we appreciate their help very much.

Raintree Nursery offers the best fruit varieties tested at the WSU Northwest Washington Research and Extension Center. Visit www.raintreenursery.com and place your order today! Call (360) 496-6400 for a FREE color catalog.

Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation (WWFRF) June 2006 Newsletter Page 7

WSU Fruit Horticulture – Harvest Report 2005 By Gary Moulton and Jacky King, WSU NWREC Staff and WWFRF Board Advisors/Representatives

TREE FRUIT Note on Plot Consolidations In 2005 we consolidated several blocks and removed others to make spraying, pruning and other maintenance more efficient. In some cases trees were transplanted to other blocks. Recommended varieties that have proven their quality were moved to the WWFRF Demonstration Fruit Garden to become part of the permanent inventory. In future years we will continue to bring in new fruit varieties to the research trial plots for evaluation and sampling. Those that perform well over time will be made available to transfer into the Demo Garden as needed.

Cherry Due to warm early spring weather in 2005, the cherries ripened about 10-14 days earlier than average. Fruit set was good in most varieties, but rainy weather occurred in early and mid June just as the crop was ripening. Because fruit is more susceptible to brown rot as it approaches ripeness, a special early harvest for WWFRF members was held on July 7. Waiting until the scheduled date on the following weekend would have lost most of the crop.

Lapins is still the most reliable self fruitful sweet cherry but the recent introductions Tehranivee and Vandalay look good also, particularly for their high productivity. Surefire still stands out as a top rated productive pie cherry, well suited to home gardens for its compact growth habit. New: Several new selections from Geneva look promising and we hope to have samples from them in 2006: NY 205 , NY 242 , NY 5288 and NY 7855 .

Apricot The 2005 season was another good apricot year similar to 2004. Trees of Puget Gold produced a good crop, Patterson was moderately productive and Westley looked particularly good. The trees are healthy, it is productive and also ripens about 10 days to 2 weeks after Puget Gold . Several new varieties and selections from both Geneva and Rutgers breeding programs are on trial: Jerseycot, NJA 43, NJA 97, NJA 105, NY 525, NY 592, NY 605 and NY 609. A few of these produced sample fruit in 2005 but yields on most were poor. They will receive final evaluation in 2006. No apricot variety we have tested has shown any commercial potential because of inconsistent productivity. We continue to look for new apricot varieties that might have better potential. New: Hunza , Chinese Montgamet (sweet pit variety)

Peach It would be hard to match the record peach crop of 2004. The 2005 season was not as productive overall and a few varieties did not fruit, but on most varieties the fruit set was still very good and we had a chance to see which of the ones that did so well in the ideal conditions of 2004 were consistently good again this year. Our special harvest volunteers again were significant in helping us to collect data on all of the varieties that produced fruit.

Classic varieties like Redhaven and Harken did well again in 2005. Some of the newer standout varieties definitely should be considered among the best ones to try, such as Starfire , Juneprince , Risingstar and Blazingstar, and Early Loring , an older variety not previously tested here HW 272 , a high quality peach selection from Harrow, Ontario is consistently productive in our climate; and local nurseries are seeking permission to produce and sell trees. Also promising is Township , a new leaf curl resistant seedling of local origin. We look forward to seeing how it does in 2006.

Positive characteristics that rate high are consistent productivity, high quality and low rate of split pits.

Established varieties (several years on trial) CULTIVAR HARVEST % SPLITS COMMENTS Harrow Diamond July 11 -- Yellow, semi cling, v. large pit, astringent skin Saturn July 14 -- White, peentao type, sweet, not highly productive, discard Early Redhaven July 16 12 Yellow, cling, good flavor, attractive, size med to large Harbelle July 20 5 Yellow, free stone, standard reliable producer Harken July 29 0 Yellow, free, good flavor, attractive, uniform, small pit

Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation (WWFRF) June 2006 Newsletter Page 8 Redhaven July 29 1 Yellow, semi free, standard commercial, good flavor hard to beat HW 272 July 29 4 Yellow, free stone, productive, excellent flavor, worth naming Redstar July 29 12 Yellow, semi free, good flavor & color, sweet, somewhat bland Flamin Fury PF 12B August 4 -- Yellow, cling, unproductive, discard Harrow Beauty August 4 0 Yellow, semi free, good flavor, fair color, unproductive, discard Starfire August 12 1 Yellow, free, reliable, productive, good flavor, attractive, uniform

New introductions & selections CULTIVAR HARVEST % SPLITS COMMENTS Scarlet Pearl July 11 -- White, semi cling, very sweet, juicy, variable productivity Springprince July 11 -- Yellow, semi free, moderate set, check in 2006 Sunbright (B) July 11 -- Yellow, semi cling, mediocre flavor, discard Summer Prince July 14 6 Yellow, free stone, melting flesh, excellent color Juneprince July 14 1 Yellow, free stone, good flavor, very attractive, productive D 88-147 July 20 0 White, semi cling, aromatic, attractive color, crunchy sweet Junegold July 20 16 Yellow, semi free, very good flavor, moderately productive Risingstar July 20 9 Yellow, semi cling, very good flavor, highly rated, productive GaLa (S) July 22 1 Yellow, free, good flavor, nice texture, moderately productive Early Loring July 29 5 Yellow, free, ex color, flavor fair to good, very productive D 91-184 July 29 18 Yellow, semi free, very productive, flavor good Township August 1 1 Yellow, free, ex leaf curl resistance, young trees, promising Blazingstar August 4 1 Yellow, semi free, very good flavor, highly rated, productive Vivid August 4 3 Yellow, free, ex. bright color, large, good flavor, some end cracks J 19-28 August 12 0 White, free, flesh tinged red, crunchy firm, very sweet L 7-176 August 12 1 White, free, crunchy firm, crisp, nice color, mild, sweet Ernie’s Choice August 12 -- Yellow, free, firm, good flavor, attractive, few fruit Contender August 12 0 Yellow, free, good flavor, less productive than in 2004 Allstar August 12 0 Yellow, free, attractive, good flavor, productive, check in 2006 Coralstar August 12 0 Yellow, semi free, v attractive, good size & flavor, productive FA 100 August 12 1 Yellow, free stone, red pit, v good flavor, attractive, check in 2006 NJ 318 August 12 -- White, semi cling, large, very sweet, attractive pink blush HW 273 August 16 4 Yellow, semi free, pale color, flavor fair to good, productive H 4-44 Did not fruit K 22-42 Did not fruit H 11-73 Did not fruit H 14-126 Did not fruit D 101-162 Did not fruit Black Alexander Did not fruit

Nectarine Bloom conditions for the nectarines were the same as for the peaches, and most varieties also had a fairly productive year. Hardired , a yellow fleshed nectarine ripe about 10 days after Redhaven, is still the most reliable producer we have tested.

CULTIVAR HARVEST % SPLITS COMMENTS K 56-4 July 29 0 White, semi cling, attractive, good quality, sweet floral taste HW 110 July 29 37 Yellow, semi cling, ex color, flavor fair, non acidic, rather bland HW 108 July 28 0 Yellow, semi free, ex flavor, productive, worth naming Hardired August 12 0 Yellow, semi free, very productive – still the best Roseprincess August 4 2 White, semi free, attractive color, blossom ends crack SunGlo August 12 7 Yellow, free stone, ex flavor, low acid, not highly productive HW 111 August 12 2 Yellow, free stone, good flavor, ex color, productive HW 112 August 17 1 Yellow, semi free, bicolor, rather tart flavor, astringent K 54-25 Did not fruit

Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation (WWFRF) June 2006 Newsletter Page 9 Plum Plum production was good in 2005, most varieties yielded a full crop and the quality was excellent. Obilnaja , from eastern Europe, produced a good yield of flavorful fruit, small to medium in size. Also in the early-mid season, Shiro had a large crop of fruit, yellow and very juicy. This is one of the most reliable Japanese type plums in our area.

Several very good European type plums have also been introduced recently. Vision is a late Italian prune type from the Vineland, Ontario breeding program, with attractive dark purple-blue fruit and dense sweet flesh. Ripe in late September, it is a very good choice to extend the fresh plum season. The longtime favorite Mirabelle 858 is now called Geneva Mirabelle --many have sampled this small, sweet yellow plum, well suited to home gardens, excellent for fresh eating and for culinary use. Blues Jam, tested as NY 58.904.1, is a late ripening blue plum, small and round like a Damson but much sweeter, and very productive. We are continuing to evaluate stone fruit and to acquire a few of the most promising new introductions.

In 2005 the stone fruit plots were consolidated, the two oldest plots were removed, and some of the best performing varieties moved into the Demonstration Fruit Garden.

Pear In 2005 most pear trees did not produce as well as usual, and yields for most of the varieties were only fair. The most likely reason for this low productivity, which was reported by many area home orchardists, was the very cold weather at bloom time, which limited bee activity and pollination.

One exception was the Stutgarter Gieshirltle, an interesting little pear ripening very early (mid August) that produced its usual full crop. Trees begin bearing young and are very productive. The small sweet pears can be eaten ripe right off the tree, making them an excellent choice for home gardens and ornamental-edible landscaping. Another variety that did well in 2005 was Blake’s Pride , introduced from the USDA breeding program for fire blight resistance. It is a russet pear somewhat similar in appearance to Taylor’s Gold Comice but ripening slightly earlier. It has a sweet flavor but is not as juicy and melting in texture as Taylor’s Gold .

Trees of standard Comice were not as productive as in 2003, a peak year. Trees of the russet sport Taylor’s Gold Comice yielded a good crop of very attractive, uniform fruit. In the late season, Abbe Fetel and Packham's Triumph both had a good set of uniform, well sized fruit.

Asian Pear (Nashi) Mature trees of most varieties set well in 2005 and some were thinned to improve fruit size. Young trees of Hamese #1 (yellow skin) ripened earlier than usual in August. Mishirasu produced some very large fruit. Although the fruit is heavily russeted and unattractive, the excellent flavor and firm crisp texture make it a good choice for home gardens.

In 1999 a number of volunteer seedlings that had sprouted up in our old Asian Pear block were transplanted into a nursery row to grow out in hopes that some of them would be worth future propagating. Compared to normal grafted fruit trees, it takes much longer for seedling trees to mature and start producing fruit. So it was only in 2005 that we began seeing some fruit to evaluate from these seedling trees. At least one of the Asian pear seedlings produced some very flavorful and attractive fruit and it has been marked for further propagation on a grafted rootstock in 2006. If the grafted trees perform well, this could be a new variety we will be naming and introducing in future.

Unusual Fruit In 1997 a planting of unusual fruit was established with additions in 2000-02. Among the fruit kinds that have been planted are figs, kiwi varieties (both Actinidia deliciosa and A. arguta clones), black, red and white currants, persimmons, paw paws, and seedless grape varieties. Some of the uncommon bush fruits include aronia, mulberry, elderberry, honeyberry, seaberry (sea buckthorn), mountain ash, cornelian cherry and sorbus.

In 2005 there was a good crop on all the kiwis. Hardy kiwis have very good potential for commercial production, including organic culture as they are effectively disease resistant.

Two plants of aronia ( A. melanocarpa ) planted in 1998 have produced consistently heavy yields since 2001, sometimes over 25 pounds per bush. Netting is essential to keep birds away, as the berries do not reach full ripeness (20-22 brix) until mid October. Fruit will continue to ripen on the bushes turning to “raisins." Aronia in the home garden is mostly used for juice and jelly.

Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation (WWFRF) June 2006 Newsletter Page 10 Trees of quince Aromataya (planted 1999) and Van Deman (planted 2000) both produced large crops of fruit in 2005. Quinces are primarily used in cooking, as they are very hard and rather inedible direct from the tree. There is a small, specialized commercial market supplying ethnic Mediterranean restaurants with culinary quinces. Varieties of mountain ash Ivan’s Beauty , Ivan’s Belle and Nevezhinskaya all produced a crop of fruit in 2005. Here again culinary preparation is needed as the fruits direct from the tree are not appealing in texture (rather mealy) and quite astringent in flavor. The trees are very ornamental with attractive deep green leaves, white clustered flowers, and colorful red or orange fruit.

Varieties of Cornelian cherry ( Cornus mas ) Red Star , Pioneer and Elegant planted in 1998 produced well in 2005. The fruits are red, about 1'' long and narrowly oval in shape with a single large seed. They can be eaten off the bush but are somewhat strongly flavored so might more commonly be used in cooking for jelly or jam. The flowers, opening very early in spring (February-March) are a showy bright yellow and cover the bushes before the leaves emerge, making this a spectacular ornamental shrub.

Apple In 2005 the fruit set was good for most varieties. In determining optimum harvest for a specific variety, we relied extensively on indices of starch conversion, fruit firmness, and soluble solids (sugars) as well as external color. Since individual tastes in apples vary widely, the format below includes a rating for sweetness, tartness or acidity, and complex flavor. Some apples, such as Karmijn de Sonnaville, combine high levels of acid with high levels of sugar, while others are primarily sweet or primarily tart. Complexity in flavor indicates the presence of subsidiary flavors beyond “basic apple,” for example some varieties have a hint of anise, citrus or banana, others are spicy or aromatic. Ratings are subjective to some degree, though sugar and acid can be specifically measured.

In the table below, the rating scale follows this system: Sweetness (SW) 5=very sweet, 3=moderately sweet, 1=low sweetness Tartness/Acidity (TR) 5=very acid, 3=moderately acid, 1=low acid Complexity (CX) 5=highly complex subsidiary flavors, 3= some subsidiary flavors, 1=no subsidiary flavors

Established varieties (several years on trial) CULTIVAR HARVEST SW TR CX COMMENTS Sansa Aug 23 4-5 2 3 Ex red color, attractive finish, productive Gravenstein Aug 27 2 4 3 Standard sauce & pie apple, bicolor stripe Gravenstein, Red Aug 27 2 4 3 Excellent culinary, identical to standard except more red Tsugaru, Homei Sep 2-8 4 1 2 Attractive red color, productive, multi-pick Redmax Sep 2-11 3 4 2 Red McIntosh sport, productive, stores well for early season Improved Sep 2-11 3 4 2 Very good Mac type, uniform, attractive, picks easily McIntosh Marshall Mac Sep 2-11 3 4 2 Productive reliable Mac type Mott Pink Sep 6-12 2 5 2 Yellow blushed pink with pink flesh, productive novelty Morspur Mac Sep 8-14 3 4 2 Very attractive, ex color & finish, good Mac flavor Beni Shogun Sep 8-21 5 1 3 Early Fuji type, some russet Rogers Red Mac Sep 11 3 4 2 Productive, ex color & finish Rubinette Sep 16-24 4 5 5 Productive, uniform, size below medium, ex quality Royal Court Sep 20-24 3 3 4 Red sport of Cortland, ex color, large, mod productive Empire, Royal Sep 21 4 4 2 Good color, not as dark as Thome cv, productive, stores well Sonata (Pinova. Sep 21-30 4 2 3 Golden type with Cox parentage, attractive, ex flavor, stores well, some used Corail) for hard cider trial Gala, Brookfield Sep 26 4 2 4 Productive, ex color, later ripening than other Gala types Fuji, September Sep 29 5 1 3 Productive, ex color & quality, little russet, stores very well Wonder Redcort Oct 12 3 3 3 Productive, fruit large, good quality, sprawling tree habit Braeburn, Joburn Oct 12-20 3 5 3 Red sport of Braeburn, earlier & better color than standard, productive, high quality, ex late keeper

Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation (WWFRF) June 2006 Newsletter Page 11 Recent introductions & selections CULTIVAR HARVEST SW TR CX COMMENTS Monark July 30-Aug 3 4 2 Bicolor, good in early season, refreshing, softens if left on tree for long 6 Arkcharm Aug 2-6 4 3 3 Attractive bicolor, very good flavor, not for long storage Zestar Aug 11-18 4 3 2 Good color, very good flavor, holds well on tree Ellison’s Orange Aug 20-27 3 4 4 Bicolor, some russet, v good quality, also used in cider NYB 298 Aug 23 4 3 2 Very productive, attractive bicolor, size med-lg Mikki Life Sep 2-8 4 4 4 Bicolor, mod productive, juicy, may be good cider blender Greensleeves Sep 2-8 3 5 4 Attractive green apple, crisp, nice tartness just off tree Gala, Gale Sep 11 4 2 3 Good red color, typical Gala, fruit tends to be small AA 59 Sep 21 4 2 2 Golden type, nice copper blush, productive NY 486 Sep 21 5 4 4 Golden russet, ex quality, gourmet potential, also cider Millenium (NY Oct 12-16 4 3 3 Attractive dark red, some russet patches, ex late keeper with McIntosh 460) characteristics Ambrosia Oct 12-16 5 2 3 Productive, size & color variable, very good quality, stores well Braeburn, Oct 16 3 5 3 Red sport of Braeburn, similar to Hillwell, not yet fully evaluated Lochbuie NY 489 Oct 16-20 4 3 2 Late Golden type, very productive, good quality

Many strains of Gala have been evaluated over the years, but in our trials Regal (Fulford) Gala has been outstanding due to its larger size fruit and good overall red color. Ulatrared has somewhat darker color than most. Brookfield Gala ripens 8-10 days later than other strains with good color and productivity. Gala and its strains are noted for sweet flavor. In general they do well here, if treated for prevention of apple scab.

Early ripening strains of Fuji, Beni Shogun and September Wonder (Jubilee) are very promising for our area. The latter seems to have a slight edge in appearance as it is not as prone to russeting. Braeburn and Hillwell (red) strain produced well with little russet. Hillwell is definitely preferable to standard Braeburn , and we are still evaluating the new strains Joburn and Lochbuie .

Among the varieties of Japanese origin that we have tested over the years, the ones best suited to our conditions have proven to be Akane , Sansa and Tsugaru Homei in the early season, in the mid season Hatsuaki, and in the late season the strains of Fuji mentioned above, Shizuka and Mutsu . Shizuka is very productive, flavorful, and more attractive than Mutsu , which ripens 7-10 days later in most years. Mutsu is of excellent quality but may not ripen fully in cooler areas.

Most of the Japanese introductions are sweet apples. Other good choices in this category include Zestar , a Minnesota introduction ripe in the early season, and Sunrise and Silken from Summerland, B.C.. All three are reliable producers of good quality fruit.

Cox types, derived from the English Cox's Orange Pippin , are noted for complex flavor blending sweet and tart. Ellison’s Orange and Rubinette are both high quality dessert apples. The latter is a medium to small apple with intense flavor that makes it a very popular gourmet item.

The McIntosh variety is very popular in the eastern United States, resulting in many Mac strains and crosses. In previous trials Jonamac , Spartan , and Empire have all proven to be well adapted to our area. Royal Empire , a red sport of Empire , has done very well here. Redcort , a red sport of Cortland, has a unique tart flavor at first picking and retains its firmness for later pickings. Empire and Redcort store better than the other Mac types. A McIntosh cross from Geneva, NY that has just been named is Millenium (NY 460). Ripe in the late season, it has good flavor and stores very well.

Disease Resistant Cultivars & Selections CULTIVAR HARVEST SW TR CX COMMENTS Pristine July 25 3 4 2 Yellow, crisp, holds well on tree and retains firmness HWR-19T-18 Sep 7 4 2 3 Firm, excellent red color, holds well on tree, productive Releika Sep 8 4 2 3 Ripe with Gala, attractive red, firm, crisp, holds well on tree Resi Sep 8 4 2 4 Ripe with Gala, attractive red, oblong shape, holds well

Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation (WWFRF) June 2006 Newsletter Page 12 CLR-20T-60 Sep 20 3 4 2 Large, bicolor yellow/red, flavor good, firm texture Vanderhoek Sep 21 2 4 2-1 Large bicolor sim to Gravenstein, flavor less than best Rajka Sep 21 4 3 3 Very firm, bright red, uniform, holds well, good flavor NY 75414-1 Sep 21 3 4 3 Ex wine red color, very good flavor, productive NY 79507-72 Sep 26 3 4 2 Dark red, flavor good to fair, firm NY 65707-19 Sep 29 4 2 3 Attractive bicolor, similar to Gala, ex finish, good flavor Belmac Sep 29 2 4 4 Allover dark red, ex late Mac type, good flavor & storage Scarlett O’Hara Oct 1 3 2 2 Bicolor, v productive, firm, flavor less than best Goldstar Oct 1 2 4 3 Green/yellow, late, good flavor

With its clean, crisp tartness and bright yellow color, Pristine is an outstanding early variety. New introductions from eastern Europe, Releika, Resi and Rajka , all produced a good yield of fruit in 2005 and look very promising at this point. They are an attractive bright red, and though a bit on the small side are just the right size for eating out of hand. Releika , ripe in late September, hangs on the tree without softening until November. Belmac , a recent scab immune Mac type from eastern Canada, ripens in mid to late October. It looks like it could be very promising as a late keeper. Scarlett O’Hara (Coop 25) is very productive, and the fruit is an attractive red, firm and crisp in texture, with fair to good flavor. Goldstar , a green-yellow apple from eastern Europe of rather tart flavor, ripens in late October and may be the answer for those who like a Granny Smith type. We look forward to seeing how it will do in 2006.

A number of new selections that were added to the disease resistant test plot in 2003 had a few fruit in 2005, and will be given a full evaluation in 2006. Some are crabapple types with reddish or purple foliage and red or pink fleshed fruit. AK 49-191-95. AK 51-19-95, AKR 52-151-95, AKR 53-44-95, UEB 2420-3 , UEB 2439-1, UEB 2489-1, UEB 3148-1 , UEB 3241-3, UEB 3262-2, UEB 3264-2, UEB 3267-1, UEB 3277-1, UEB 3285-2, and UEB 3290-1.

Cider Apples Trees in a replicated plot of cider apples -selected for hard (fermented) cider production- were harvested for cider in 2005, with the cooperation of Drew Zimmerman. All mature trees in the cider block produced fruit for cider this year. Younger trees planted in 2002 produced good crops in most cases and some were included in blends although there was not enough fruit from any one variety for a single-varietal evaluation.

One tree each of a number of cider apple varieties, some European and some old American cider apples was added to the trial in 2004. They will not have fruit for evaluation until 2006 or later. A new collection of pears especially selected for making perry (pear cider) was added in 2004 and may produce sample fruit next year.

Varietal ciders were made for evaluation as well as blends from cider and standard varieties. The 2004 ciders were evaluated in 2005. Ciders made in 2005 will be evaluated in 2006. For anyone who is interested in hard cider making, see our web page for general information on cider apple varieties and culture: http://mtvernon.wsu.edu/frt_hort/ciderapples.htm

Crabapples and Ornamental Tree Fruit In 2005 data were taken on trees in the crabapple trial, including bloom dates in spring (April-May) and a rating in late fall (November) of scab, mildew, and general tree health. Overall ornamental quality at that time was rated also. Photographs documented the appearance and qualities of promising varieties for use in publications. In 2004 a new ornamental tree fruit trial was initiated with funding from WSDA, which includes the existing ornamental crabapples and adds stone fruit (ornamental cherry, plum, peach and other Prunus spp.) and ornamental pear cultivars and selections.

Best rated ornamental crabapples include 'Evereste,’ ‘Golden Raindrops’ and ‘Red Jewel’ which show excellent overall ornamental quality and high disease resistance. Both 'Evereste' and 'Red Jewel' have abundant bright red fruit that persists well into the winter. Fruit of ‘Golden Raindrops’ is also persistent but yellow, small and less conspicuous.

Other white-flowering crabapples with good appearance and disease resistance are ‘Adirondack,’ 'Christmas Holly,' 'Lancelot,' ‘Silver Moon’ and 'White Angel.' Most of these will fit well to the backyard and urban landscape. 'Silver Moon' is large and vigorous, a fine candidate for public open spaces such as parks.

Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation (WWFRF) June 2006 Newsletter Page 13 The best rated pink-flowering crabapple varieties remain 'American Spirit,' ‘Louisa,’ ‘Candymint Sargent,’ ‘PinkPrincess,’ ‘Prairifire’ and ‘Prairie Maid.’ ‘Louisa’ is an excellent specimen tree, with a strongly weeping habit and pale rose-pink flowers. Field resistance to scab and mildew is also very good.

Some “micro-minis” have been on trial, with very dwarf tree habit, almost bonsai-sized. ‘Guinevere’ is a tree of horizontal spreading habit, with greenish bronze leaves and medium pink buds opening to pinkish white flowers. ‘Lollipop’ and ‘Cinderella’ have abundant white flowers and clean, small leaves of an attractive light green. The fruit is tiny and pearl-like; ‘Cinderella’ is yellow and ‘Lollipop’ is red. Any of these will fit well into a patio pot.

A 2002 introduction originating in the Puget Sound, ‘Marilee’ is patented by Marvin Jarmin of Mount Vernon. It has pink and white semi-double flowers and a narrowly upright growth habit which would be suitable for street side ornamental planting, especially as it sets no fruit to drop and make a mess. A WSU cross of Alkmene X Prima with white single flowers is immune to scab and produces attractive yellow fruit that hangs on the tree well into winter if not harvested. The fruit is tart but edible, useful for jelly, pickled fruit, and hard cider blending. Pollination trials in 1998 showed that this seedling will pollinate both Jonagold and Fuji. 'Pink Cloud' seedling has highly ornamental pink double flowers, bronze leaves, and large, tart red fruit.

In 2004 a number of crabapples came to us through the National Crabapple Evaluation Project, which has issued a new round of promising introductions. They are: Canary, Firebird, Holiday Gold, May’s Delight, Orange Crush, Prairie Rose, Pumpkin Pie, Scarlet Brandywine and Spring Sensation , also a tree of the new red-leaf sport Royal Raindrops . We look forward to seeing how they perform in our climate conditions.

The WSU Mount Vernon Research Station web site at http://mtvernon.wsu.edu includes data on the crabapple research and links to the crabapple bulletin EB 1809 Crabapples for Western Washington Landscapes, the International Ornamental Crabapple Society, and other pages of interest.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The assistance and support in our tree fruit projects provided by the members and board of the Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation, Western Cascade Fruit Society, Seattle Tree Fruit Society, Home Orchard Society, and those at the Northwest Agricultural Research Foundation, the Washington State Nursery and Landscape Association and local fruit growers are most gratefully acknowledged. The contribution of nurseries that have donated trees and materials, and the many individual volunteers who have given their time and help are also very much appreciated, and recognized with our thanks.

A Selection of Fruit and Vegetable Canning Websites

How to Can, Freeze, Dry and Preserve any Fruit or Vegetable at Home: http://www.pickyourown.org/allaboutcanning.htm http://www.homecanning.com/usa/ http://www.canning-food-recipes.com/canningfruits.htm http://foodsafety.wsu.edu/consumers/factsheet.asp?pid=71 http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/publications/uga/uga_can_fruit.pdf

How to Make Homemade Canned Peaches, Plums, NectarinesNectarines and Cherries: http://www.pickyourown.org/peachescanning.htm http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/foodwine/2001097004_canfruit160.html http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Acres/1012/canning.html http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/TRA/cfs/food/cherries.html http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5000/5343.html

Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation (WWFRF) June 2006 Newsletter Page 14

Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation Membership Form

Please check one box ONLY: Renewal New Member

NAME: DATE:

ADDRESS:

CITY: STATE: 9-DIGIT ZIP:

TELEPHONE: ( ) EMAIL ADDRESS:

Please check all applicable lines to designate type of membership, extra donation, and/or individual or family open house/field day:

______$25 FOR ANNUAL INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP (One person only) ______$ 40 FOR ANNUAL FAMILY MEMBERSHIP (One immediate household only; maximum 4 persons) ______$ FOR GIFT MEMBERSHIP FOR: (Please note for Whom Above) ______$60 FOR ANNUAL SUSTAINING MEMBERSHIP (Individual or family membership with higher level of financial support) ______$60 FOR ANNUAL CIDER APPLE SUSTAINING MEMBERSHIP (Sustaining membership with interest in cider apples) ______$60 FOR ANNUAL WINE GRAPE SUSTAINING MEMBERSHIP (Sustaining membership with interest in wine grapes) ______$125 FOR ANNUAL COMMERCIAL (List Only) MEMBERSHIP (Includes 3 people, and also includes business name on our website) ______$200 FOR ANNUAL COMMERCIAL (Full) MEMBERSHIP (Includes 3 people, and also includes a link from our website to the commercial members' website)

______AN EXTRA DONATION of $ for WWFRF ______$15 FOR INDIVIDUAL One-Day OPEN HOUSE/FIELD DAY ONLY ______$25 FOR FAMILY One-Day OPEN HOUSE/FIELD DAY ONLY ( One household only; maximum 4 persons)

I WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER TO DO THE FOLLOWING FOR WWFRF (please check all applicable lines): ______TO HELP WITH FIELD WORK AT THE WWFRF FRUIT DISPLAY GARDEN (usually held every Thursday from 9am-12noon; March-Nov.) ______TO HELP WITH FIELD WORK AT THE WSU NWREC in Mount Vernon ______TO HELP SET UP THE DAY BEFORE A FIELD DAY (Field Days are usually held in February and October every year) ______TO HELP AT THE HARVEST DAY : Please check ALL applicable boxes: Parking Registration Bags Distribution

______TO HELP AT FRUIT TASTING/ROOTSTOCK SALES ______TO HELP WWFRF ON AN ONGOING BASIS ______TO HELP WWFRF AT THE NORTHWEST FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW in Seattle (usually held in February every year) ______TO HELP WWFRF AT VARIOUS DISPLAY BOOTHS presented in COUNTY ______TO HELP WWFRF SELL FRUIT at the FALL FRUIT SHOW ______TO HELP WITH SPECIAL FRUIT HARVESTING DAYS , IN SEASON , AT THE WSU NWREC Please make your check payable to: WWFRF and MAIL your completed membership form and check to:

WWFRF – MEMBERSHIP Attn: JoANN ALIDINA 704 N 84 th ST, SEATTLE, WA 98103-4328

Phone: (206) 789-1106 Email: [email protected]

Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation (WWFRF) June 2006 Newsletter Page 15

Membership Report by JoAnn Alidina, WWFRF Membership Chair

The WWFRF Membership Database is being continuously updated and we encourage you to send in your renewal forms and dues in today! To date, we have signed up 46 NEW members who were not on the original lists. Be sure to invite your family and friends to the upcoming Harvest Days for a fun day in the fields sampling the many fruit varieties!

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

Annual memberships cost $25/year for Individuals and $40/year per Family (One Household only). Membership entitles you to the newsletter, participation at all Field Days/Open Houses and Harvest Days, at no additional charge; other types of memberships are also available. Visit www.wwfrf.org and download the membership form OR contact JoAnn Alidina, Membership Chair at (206) 789-1106 , email: [email protected] for a membership form. The WWFRF Newsletter is printed 3x/ year in February, June, and September and mailed or emailed to all members.

FIELD DAYS/ OPEN HOUSES are free to members, and open to non-members for One-Day only fees of @ $15/ Individual and $25.00/ Family (One immediate household only, max. 4 persons/household) at each event. • The Spring Field Day/ Open House is usually held at the end of February , and consists of hands-on pruning, grafting and budding, talks on insects and pests, scion wood sale, and root stock sale. • The Fall Field Day/ Open House is usually held in October (and includes the Fall Harvest Day for the same fee), and covers various topics e.g., best fruit varieties for our area, harvest techniques, preservation and storage, orchard mason bees, fertilizer and nutrition, home wine and cider production, and fruit tasting.

HARVEST DAYS are free to members, and open to non-members @ $15/ Individual and $25.00/ Family (One household only) at each event: • Harvest Days are held in July, August, September, and October . The following fruit is harvested in season: cherries, peaches, nectarines, pears, plums, and apples. Paid members and non-members are allowed to keep their portion of the harvested fruit. • Special Volunteer Harvests occur on an as-needed basis to assist the WSU NWREC staff in harvesting specific fruit for data collection. This harvest is open to paid members only, and paid members are allowed to keep a portion of the harvest.

WWFRF membership is valid for 12 months from the date your check is received. For Have you renewed your membership yet? those of you who receive the WWFRF newsletter by mail , your membership expiration date is printed above your name indicating the month and

year that your membership expires. If you receive your newsletter by email and wish to know the expiration date of your membership, please email JoAnn Alidina at [email protected] Renew your membership before it expires by completing the Membership Form and mailing it in.

Western Washington Fruit Research NON-PROFIT Foundation (WWFRF) ORG P.O. Box 9716 U.S. POSTAGE Seattle, WA 98109-0716 PAID SAM INC www.wwfrf.org

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation (WWFRF) June 2006 Newsletter Page 16