Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/132109
selections on the upright offshoots, we could reduce tree planting costs by a fifth or 20 percent." In addition, there are several advantages to budding the selections on a rootstock versus their own roots. Seedling trees are often erratic in their flowering, he noted. If new selections are budded to size-controlling rootstocks (as is the case with the UFO trees), flowering will be more uniform. Fruit quality can also be quite different when comparing fruit grown on rootstock and own roots. "Fruit quality will be the same from the start and we'll know right away what to expect from selections planted on rootstock," Oraguzie said. • BREEDING PROGRAM goals PHOTO BY MELISSA HANSEN T Nnadozie Oraguzie checks out newly planted selections that have entered Phase 1 of the cherry breeding program. he goal of the cherry breeding program of Washington State University is straightforward: develop high quality sweet cherry cultivars that have high consumer appeal and are suitable for growing in the Pacific Northwest. WSU's fruit breeder Dr. Nnadozie Oraguzie is working to develop improved varieties that meet the following objectives that define targets for the new varieties and guide the breeding work. 1. Early mahogany variety (Chelan replacement) 2. Late mahogany variety (Sweetheart replacement with powdery mildew resistance) 3. Early blush variety (Early Robin replacement) 4. Late blush variety (Rainier replacement) 5. Midseason mahogany variety (Bing replacement that is larger and firmer) 6. Range of early, mid-, and late-season varieties suitable for mechanical harvest In addition, self-fertility is an overriding goal for any new cultivar. Self-fertile varieties would reduce reliance on the use of bees for pollination and help reduce grower costs. "We want to improve on the varieties that are currently the industry standards, focusing on early and late-season cultivars to extend the harvest window for Pacific Northwest cherry growers," Oraguzie said. He added that several current varieties need applications of gibberellic acid to improve firmness, have moderate fruit size, require bees for pollination, and are susceptible to cracking, pitting, and powdery mildew. WSU's cherry breeding program uses DNA testing to identify genetic traits like fruit size and firmness. DNA markers are just beginning to be used to identify disease traits like resistance to powdery mildew and bacterial canker, he said. In ten years, he believes researchers will be able to identify DNA markers for other genetic traits like flavor and phytonutrient traits, giving breeders even more tools for developing improved varieties. —M. Hansen When big isn't big enough! Get the results you want with KDL® 0-0-24, AGRO-K's foliar nutrient fruit sizing program BIG cherries with great color and high sugar offer growers the best returns. This year's large bloom and heavy crop set increases the risk of small fruit and uneven maturity. Maximize your returns by maximizing your fruit size and uniform maturity at harvest with KDL®, Agro-K's foliar cherry sizer! Peak demand timing for potassium in cherries begins at color break and should be supported by foliar potassium, in the right chemical form, to maximize cherry size, color and sugar and to encourage uniform fruit maturity at harvest. Agro-K's unique sugar-based potassium formulation, KDL® 0-0-24, applied beginning at color break, can dramatically improve cherry size, color and sugar, while encouraging uniform fruit maturity. KDL links potassium to a sugar complex that quickly penetrates fruit and leaf tissue – encouraging the sugar development process within the leaf and aiding in transport into the fruit – leading to increased sugar levels and improved color. KDL also maximizes cell bulking leading to larger, firmer cherries that ship better and store longer. Bulking, sugar content and color are all indicators of ripening fruit. By influencing these quality factors, KDL also promotes greater uniform maturity at harvest for less small green fruit. KDL is compatible with most pesticides used for powdery mildew and fruit fly. For more information on how KDL® can influence your cherry crop, contact Agro-K today. 26 June 2013 GOOD FRUIT GROWER AGRO-K CORPORATION Science-Driven Nutrition SM www.goodfruit.com