WSU unveils campaign for new Plant Growth Facility to transform tree fruit research

WENATCHEE — Washington State University will launch a fundraising campaign this fall to create a state-of-the-art space for tree fruit research: the new Plant Growth Facility at the Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center. 

Sharing the impact and need for the future facility, tree fruit scientists and college leaders host a campaign kick-off, 3:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29, at Wenatchee TFREC. This event is open to the public. 

The modern Plant Growth Facility will replace a 70-year-old structure, enhancing WSU scientists’ ability to conduct cutting-edge research vital to Washington’s $10 billion tree fruit industry. A new facility will enable sophisticated environmental stress experiments, year-round disease research, root health tests, and pest-free plant growth, ensuring ongoing innovation serving Washington tree fruit. The modern space will also help attract and retain top scientists and students. 

“This facility will make projects possible that we simply can’t do now,” said Lee Kalcsits, Endowed Chair in Environmental Tree Fruit Physiology and Management. “It’s a leveraging opportunity: it opens a whole set of doors for impact on industry.” 

With double the existing greenhouse space, modern lighting, and temperature and humidity controls, the Plant Growth Facility will allow for exclusion in experiments demanding isolation of environmental conditions, pests, or pathogens. 

For WSU Pome Fruit Breeder Kate Evans, it would support expanded screening of breeding material for diseases including orchard-devastating fire blight, as well as room for broader research on new rootstocks. 

“We do a good job of maximizing the facilities we have, but there’s a limit,” Evans said. “With the greenhouses, we’re way beyond it. The new growth facility will give our internationally renowned programs a way to expand into areas we’ve simply been stymied from entering.” 

To complete the project, the research center team aims to raise $4.2 million in private funds. Contributions will directly support groundbreaking research and innovative solutions tailored to the needs of Northwest tree fruit. 

“The vision for the new plant growth facility is a place where the top researchers, teachers, and Extension personnel come together to address the on-the-ground problems of today and the emerging threats of tomorrow,” said Wendy Powers, Cashup Davis Family Endowed Dean of WSU’s College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. “Located in the heart of tree fruit production for the world, this facility puts us out in front to ensure safe, abundant, healthy fruit for everyone.” 

    Apple varieties grow in an orchard serving WSU’s Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center.
 COURTESY PHOTO/WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY/ROBERT HUBNER