• WSU Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
• WSU Mount Vernon NWREC

Unusual Fruits on trial at Mount Vernon

For a summary of our current findings from our alternative fruit crops program, see our Extension Bulletin EB 2002 New Alternative Fruit Crops for Western Washington (3/2006 – PDF)

Over the past 20 years the Fruit Horticulture program has tested a number of potential alternative crops. Important factors being considered in this program are disease susceptibility, reliable production and high quality production in the cool maritime climate of western Washington. Results from this program are also useful to western Oregon and British Columbia. Many of the fruit crops initially tested for suitability to the home grower have shown considerable promise as alternative crops for commercial production. Several of these crops best fit a specialty niche market, yet there are a few that show potential for larger-scale operations.

A new research planting was established in 1998 to investigate some new and interesting possibilities for wild and ornamental shrubs that produce berries or fruit not usually considered for their edible qualities. Some may even have commercial potential for processing or juice.

Unusual Fruit

Figs 2007

Kiwi 2007

Currants 2007

Currant Report 2001
 

Other fruit kinds in field 2007