The heatwave predicted this week has tapered off slightly in the Willamette Valley but those temperatures will still affect insects like SWD, not to mention fruit quality.

The dog days of summer are here, and it’s what I’ve come to recognize as summer in the PNW.That, and county fairs.

We are into late season fruit. The shift into the next plant growth cycle is happening before our very eyes.

Continued observation and research community discussion of the plant health problem identified this year in western portions of the PNW.

It’s always so hard to dodge the effects of heat. While it’s not at 2021 heat dome high temperatures, it is significant all the same.

Nutrient sampling time! I get it, most of you are rolling your eyes thinking “Yes, Julie, we know this. You’ve sent plenty of notices in recent weeks”.

Last week Willamette Valley temperatures made it to 105°F (40.5°C) with 108°F(42°C) reported in some locations on the east side and southern Oregon.

A grower recently left me with a final line in a quick email: “What a crazy season. ” It raised a 100 questions but now isn’t the time to ask.

Blueberry breeders are seeking grower input on breeding trait priorities. Please help them by completing the survey below by Aug. 31.

Spotted Wing Drosophila + late season fruit = SWD larvae plague the fruit.I do think the heat waves have put a damper on populations but it’s been hard to gauge this season.

A series of presentations were part of a WSU 2022 Weather School designed for the agriculture industry. There was a focus on understanding general climate trends as well as best practices and data quality in weather stations.

Many locations in the PNW have met, if not surpassed, the record number of over90F (32.2C) and 100F (37.7C) degree days, and I’m seeing the signs in berry fields.