News about Washington State University

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.