Science in Our Valley: Enabling more efficient development of fire blight resistant apple varieties

The next in the Spring 2020 Science in Our Valley seminar series features Sarah Kostick, a Horticulture Graduate Student at the WSU  Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center.
Ms. Kostick’s seminar, “Enabling more efficient development of fire blight resistant apple varieties,” will begin at 4 p.m. at the WSU Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center.

Fire blight, an economically damaging bacterial disease that impacts Washington apple production, is currently partially controlled through chemical applications. Breeding resistant apple varieties offers a potential sustainable, long-term solution. This presentation will cover (1) phenotypic evaluation of resistance/susceptibility to fire blight in apple, (2) discovery of genetic regions associated with observed resistance levels, and (3) how this information can be used to more efficiently develop new apple varieties resistant to fire blight. view/download event flyer

About Science in Our Valley Seminar Series

The science seminars are free to attend, open to the community, and great opportunity to learn about the incredible research in our own backyard. The content is intended for a ‘science-based’ audience, including researchers, postdoctoral scientists, graduate students, undergraduate scientists, K-12 educators and science enthusiasts. This spring’s line-up is quite diverse, and features topics from: reproductive health, forestry and environment, technology in agriculture, and even native bees.

The full list of presenters and details can be found: https://applestemnetwork.org/science-in-our-valley/

K-12 Educators are also encouraged to attend the seminars to learn about local career connections and research efforts that they can bring back to their students. Ten STEM clock hours are available through the North Central Educational Service District for educators who attend the series. Educators can register for clock-hours here: https://www.pdenroller.org/catalog/event/101582

The Science in Our Valley seminar series began in October 2017 as a way for local scientists and science educators to bring their research to the community and as a way to engage and connect with one another. The series features presentations by local scientists and science educators as well as guests from outside the region.

Host organizations include the Apple STEM Network, the North Central Educational Service District, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Research Station, WSU Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center, Wenatchee Valley College and the Bridge Research and Innovation District.

All events are open to the public, and run from 4 to 5 p.m. and will be held at the WSU Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center on Wednesdays from 4-5 P.M. (1100 N. Western Ave., Wenatchee).