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The Idaho fruit
industry is an old and growing industry. Southwest Idaho has excellent
climatical conditions for growing apples, peaches, plums, apricots,
cherries and grapes. The warm and long days of spring and summer
and cool nights result in excellent fruit color and flavor in Idaho.
The University
of Idaho Pomology Program is the only program responsible for researching
various physiological and environmental problems and challenges
with which Idaho fruit growers are dealing. The research portion
of this program started in 1990 at the Parma Research and Extension
Center, and has gained national and international recognition for
its excellent program and service. Introduction of 'Fuji' apple
to the Idaho Fruit Industry, and extensive ongoing research on this
new variety, is one of the contributions of this program. From the
first 'Fuji' research orchard that was established at the University
of Idaho, growers found that not only can this crop be grown in
Idaho, but also that the fruit quality is superior to those from
other states.
The university's
Pomology Program has discovered several chemicals for blossom thinning
of apples, plums, and peaches, and fruit growers in Idaho and other
states are planning to use these chemicals, which are far less expensive
than hand thinning. Traditionally, these crops were thinned by hand
and would cost between $800-1300 per acre. The Pomology Program
has also been a pioneer in discovering "Retain," which
reduces preharvest fruit drop and also extends fruit life and maintains
fruit quality in the storage. The program also involves a number
of projects to improve fruit quality of table and wine grapes in
Idaho.
For more information contact: Esmaeil
Fallahi
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