PULLMAN, WA – Washington State University’s Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center (TFREC) has received a $600,000 pledge from the Northwest Nursery Improvement Institute (NNII) to support the construction of the new Plant Growth Facility (PGF).
This significant contribution will enhance the future of tree fruit research, ensuring the industry remains competitive and sustainable for generations to come.
The $18.2 million Plant Growth Facility is designed to replace the existing 70-year-old structure at TFREC, providing state-of-the-art resources for year-round research. The new facility will feature controlled environments that enable researchers to study plant growth, pest resistance, and environmental stress factors in unprecedented ways. This investment will directly support Washington’s $10 billion tree fruit industry by fostering innovation and sustainability.
The pledge from NNII will specifically fund the development of a high-tech greenhouse within the Plant Growth Facility. This space will allow researchers to accelerate cultivar development, improve pest management strategies, and optimize production methods for apple, pear, and other tree fruit varieties.
“Scientists and staff at the WSU-TFREC in Wenatchee have and continue to make significant contributions to the tree fruit industry in terms of insect and pathogen control, plant physiology, fruit conditioning and storage, and new plant varieties,” said Bill Howell, manager of NNII. “They must have modern facilities for their studies. NNII and its member nurseries feel fortunate to be able to contribute to the much-needed greenhouse complex on their campus.”
By supporting the Plant Growth Facility, NNII reaffirms its commitment to advancing tree fruit research and enhancing collaboration between industry leaders and academic institutions. The partnership between NNII and WSU will drive technological advancements that improve the economic resilience of Washington’s fruit growers.
“I’m extremely pleased that NNII has been able to make such a sizeable donation towards Wenatchee TFREC’s new Plant Growth Facility,” said Kate Evans, professor and director of Pome Fruit Breeding and Genetics Program at WSU.
Success in plant breeding is still largely a numbers game; the greater the number of seedlings, the higher the probability of selecting something superior, Evans added.
“Having a greenhouse in this PGF will hugely benefit the pome fruit breeding program and ultimately the pome fruit growers of the Pacific Northwest,” she said.
Support from NNII speaks to the strong partnership that TFREC has with the Washington state tree fruit industry including growers, allied industries, and supporting agencies, said Lee Kalcsits, research team lead, associate professor and Endowed Chair of Tree Fruit Environmental Physiology and Management.
“The plant growth facility in Wenatchee will change the trajectory for research and Extension programs at TFREC, ensuring that we can answer key research questions that will continue to be supported through a mix of state, industry, and federal grant funding,” he said. “This facility addresses a key infrastructure gap at TFREC. It will help deliver innovative research outcomes supporting short-, medium-, and long-term changes in tree fruit production benefitting both producers and consumers.”
WSU continues to seek additional private support to fully fund the Plant Growth Facility, with $4.2 million in philanthropic contributions needed to complete the project. Contributions to this effort will help ensure that Washington’s tree fruit industry remains at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.
More information about the Plant Growth Facility and how to support this initiative is available online or by contacting the WSU CAHNRS Development team at 509-335-2959.
