Scientists from Washington State University's (WSU) tree fruit research program joined Washington fruit growers to mark the halfway point in the construction of WSU's Plant Growth Facility.
Held on Monday, October 26, the Plant Growth Facility Construction Milestone Celebration was the first event marking the project at the Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center. A dedication is planned for 2027, following construction.
© Washington State University
Replacing 70-year-old greenhouses, the new facility will provide additional space and environmental controls for plant science research.
"This new facility equips us to answer the tree fruit industry's pressing questions," said Lee Kalcsits, TFREC Director. "Questions like how can Washington orchards best survive extreme conditions and tougher pests and diseases, or how temperatures affect all aspects of the tree fruit production cycle. These facilities will also help support WSU's apple scion and pear rootstock breeding programs."
Construction of the $18 million, 24,000-square-foot facility began in April, with opening scheduled for summer 2027.
The building will accommodate WSU research into tree fruit breeding, tree and e...