April 2026 Spray Update
- Spray for Codling moth in apple and pear trees starting May 5th in the Tri-Cities. In Prosser codling moth sprays should be applied by May 11th.
- Spray for Western cherry fruit fly in cherry trees starting May 9th.
Read and follow insecticide labels. Follow up sprays should be applied at intervals according to label.
News & Events
Little Cherry Disease - learn what to look for
https://treefruit.wsu.edu/crop-protection/disease-management/western-x/sampling-guide/ Additional questions can be directed to: COMMERCIAL CHERRY ORCHARDS: Contact Corina Serban, WSU Extension, (509) 574-1595 or email corina.serban@wsu.edu BACKYARD CHERRY GROWERS: Contact your local Horticulture Pest & Disease Board, Franklin County 509-545-3580 or Benton County 509-539-0069
Cost Share for Little Cherry and X-disease Tree Removal
Through September 2024 cost share funds are available for the removal and testing of trees infected with X-disease and Little cherry disease to slow the spread of these devastating pathogens. Funding is available through a grant from the Washington State Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant to Washington State University. The goal of this program is to provide cost share stipends for the removal and testing of trees infected with X-disease and Little cherry disease to slow the spread of these devastating pathogens. Trees must be removed and applications submitted by Sept 15, 2024 for reimbursement before the Sept 29, 2024 end of the grant.
Pest Alert: Report Japanese Beetle Sightings to WSDA
If you have seen Japanese beetle in Washington, please report it immediately to Washington Department of Agriculture. Report sightings on the WSDA website agr.wa.gov/beetles You can also email PestProgram@agr.wa.gov or call 1-800-443-6684.
Publications & Resources
Homeowner Publications
- Why Growing Backyard Fruit Trees Is Not for Everyone (pdf)
- Backyard Apple Pear Pest Management Chart (pdf)
- Backyard Stone Fruit Pest Management Chart (pdf)
- Recommended Trees for the Mid-Columbia Region (pdf)
- Pest Management Guide for Apples in Washington Home Orchards
- Protecting Backyard Apple Trees from Apple Maggot
- Codling Moth and Your Backyard Fruit Tree (pdf)
- The Western Cherry Fruit Fly and Your Backyard Cherry Tree (pdf)
Commercial Grower Publications
Additional Resources
- Integrated Pest Management
- Decision Aid System
- AgWeatherNet
- Hortsense – Facts for managing plant problems
- Pestsense – Facts for managing common indoor pest problems
Backyard Fruit Trees
County laws in Benton, Franklin, Yakima and Walla Walla counties require that backyard tree fruit growers control pests because they are a potential source of infestation for any nearby commercial orchard. To report an infested fruit tree, please contact us.
Your local Pest Board will pay you to remove your back yard fruit bearing trees!
Just call us for complete information and we’ll give you a certificate redeemable at participating nurseries once the tree is removed. Homeowners must call us BEFORE removing tree. Only specific types of trees qualify for the program. Residential trees only – no commercial orchards.
