The Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission has released the 2024 report on pesticide residues for sweet cherry production in the Northwest.
According to the Commission's announcement, this annual effort aims to provide the industry with guidance for pest management decisions, taking into account the maximum residue levels (MRLs) in some foreign markets.
During the 2024 cherry season, in a mature block of Skeena, the Commission's researchers applied and then analyzed 14 active ingredients commonly found in 11 insecticides and miticides and three fungicides. The main goal of the study was to replicate the “worst-case scenario” regarding residues, using aggressive doses, timings, and intervals that are legal according to product labels but may not reflect typical commercial use.
With this approach, which involved two applications of most products, all residues were compliant with national regulations. However, in some key export markets, the MRLs for certain products are set at the “limit of quantification,” which is the lowest detectable residue that can be measured, making it “virtually impossible to meet such standards” if the product is applied, according to the report.
Read the full article: Good Fruit Grower
Image: SL Fruit Service
08 Jan 2025
The surface pitting damage is caused by mechanical damage before and after harvest. The defect only manifests itself after 7-10 days of cold storage, after packing and inspection of the fruit, and has substantial economic implications.
25 Jun 2024
As of 1 June, 2024 production was estimated at 37,000 tonnes, an increase of 10% over the previous year and 21% over the average harvest from 2019 to 2023. The start of the campaign is in line with last year, with bad weather reducing the market supply.
28 Jan 2026
Areko shines among Chilean cherries thanks to its excellent condition after 40 days of cold storage. Promoted by ANA Chile, this variety joins Sweet Saretta and Sweet Stephany, two promising UNIBO cherries with strong performance in size, firmness, and post-harvest durability.
28 Jan 2026
Embryo rescue is a key technique to improve early sweet cherry propagation by overcoming embryo abortion. A study from Washington State University explores culture media, hormones, and fruit stages to enhance in vitro germination with promising outcomes.
