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Washington State University unveils campaign for new Plant Growth Facility to transform tree fruit research

WENATCHEE, Wash.— During the CougsGive fundraising drive on Wednesday, April 16, Washington State University will enlist grower and public partners to create a state-of-the-art space for tree fruit research: the new Plant Growth Facility at WSU’s Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center (TFREC).

Apple Orchard
Apple varieties grow in an orchard serving WSU’s Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center, where WSU scientists support the Northwest tree fruit industry through science and technology development. The center team kicks off a fundraising campaign for a state-of-the-art Plant Growth Facility on Oct. 29, 2024.


The modern building 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
growth 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 while attracting and retaining top scientists and students.


“This facility will make possible projects 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.

End concept view illustration.
An illustration by Carletti Architects P.S. shows an end view of the new, 28,000 square-foot-facility, which more than doubles greenhouse space and provides modern infrastructure for tree fruit research.

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.

Lee Kalcsits walking through a row of an orchard.
A new Plant Growth Facility “will make projects possible that we simply can’t do now,” says Environmental tree fruit physiologist Lee Kalcsits, speaking at an August field day at WSU’s Sunrise Research Orchard near Wenatchee. Nearly every TFREC member will directly benefit from the modern facility.


Milne Fruit Products, a Prosser, Washington-based global fruit juice and puree company challenges all supporters of Washington tree fruit to contribute to the Plant Growth Facility fund during CougsGive. Milne Fruit is a silver-level sponsor of the new facility.

“At Milne, we see the value in creating a state-of-the-art facility for research and discovery that continues the growth of our industry” said CEO and President Michael Sorenson. “Our company believes in making a bright future for Northwest tree fruit. The Plant Growth Facility is a much needed resource for continued success, and we’re excited to help make it a reality.”

“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.”

About CougsGive

CougsGive is WSU’s annual one-day fundraising event dedicated to expanding, sharing, and celebrating the impact of donor support. During CougsGive, WSU alumni, supporters, faculty, staff, and students can champion priority efforts and programs across the university. The Plant Growth Facility is one of five featured efforts in the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. On Wednesday, April 16, 20205, support the new Plant Growth Facility and learn about other CAHNRS priorities at the CougsGive website.

About TFREC

For over 80 years, WSU’s Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center has been
dedicated to advancing the tree fruit industry through innovative research and technology
development. Learn more about our work at tfrec.cahnrs.wsu.edu.

Find WSU Tree Fruit on Facebook: www.facebook.com/wsutreefruit.

Find WSU Tree Fruit Extension on X: x.com/WSUTreeFruitExt.

Contact: James G. Smith, Senior Director of Development, WSU College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences, 509-335-2959, james.g.smith@wsu.edu.