News about Washington State University

New cherry varieties from Washington: R3 and R19 ready for release soon

Breeding

12 Jun 2025

Washington State University may soon release R3 and R19, two early-season cherry varieties that outperform Chelan in sweetness, firmness and size. Developed through years of trials in Zillah and Mattawa, they could reshape early-season cherry production in the U.S. fruit market.

A family business in Washington has been growing cherries for more than 100 years

Production

12 Jun 2024

In the town of Orondo, Griggs Farms covers almost 300 hectares of land. Among the varieties of cherries that grow on the farm is the Orondo Ruby, a Washington variety that is sweeter and more acidic than the Rainier and stays fresh longer than the Bing.

Washington State University's breeding program: interview with Per McCord

Breeding Varieties

07 Nov 2023

Major targets for new varieties include large fruit size, firmness, early ripening, self-fertility, and disease resistance. Crosses are made in the orchard and increasingly in the hoop house which extends the crossing season and provides frost protection.