09/05/05 Tech research review

The Washington State Tree Fruit Research Commission holds annual reviews involving research in various sectors of the tree fruit industry. The purpose is to consider funding to aid in such research in hopes it proves beneficial industry wise from a commercial and practical standpoint. But as Jim McPherson of the Commission points out, reviews of technical research projects take place quarterly. MCPHERSON: We felt that given the rapid nature of technological development, the potential for commercialization, that having quarterly meetings provides a quicker feedback loop for researchers that are attempting to develop technologies that are useful to the tree fruit industry. The latest tech research review takes place Thursday afternoon in Ellensburg. First, projects currently funded by the Commission are reported on, some with potential applications now. MCPHERSON: For example the P.A.W.S. system. It's going to be the Ag Weather Net. It's a brand new system. We've been funding that for some time and Dr. Fran Pierce of W.S.U. will be reporting on his progress in that project in the upcoming meeting. And there are newly proposed projects that will be under consideration for Commission funding. MCPHERSON: The new projects are looking at spraying technologies, novel fruit handling systems that don't use water, sensor networks where we can early detect frost or frost damage in the orchard. Even Integrated Pest Management decision aids  software that's designed to help the grower make a quick decision on an insecticide to either treat or not treat.