Welcome to Cider Research and Education
The cider research program was established at WSU Mount Vernon NWREC in 1979 with six cider apple varieties, and today we have more than 65 varieties and are evaluating cultivar performance, orchard establishment, and management practices. Our world-renowned foundational cider course is being offered via online delivery, learn more on our Education and Events calendar.
Cultivar Performance Database
The cider research program has evaluated 73 different cider cultivars. Observations were recorded for vigor, growth habit, disease susceptibility, and fruit and juice quality attributes. Sensory evaluation of some single-varietal ciders was performed by professional cider makers in the region.
Orchard Establishment
Research at the NWREC has included feasibility studies for orchard establishment, establishment for mechanized management, and tree support methods.
Mechanization of Production
Mechanical hedging and mechanical harvest are being evaluated at NWREC for increased labor efficiency in cider apple production.
Apple Anthracnose Canker
Graduate research at NWREC has evaluated management and chemical controls of Apple Anthracnose Canker in western Washington.
Perry
Perry Pear cultivars on quince rootstock were evaluated at NWREC for bloom density, bloom timing, harvest date, and juice quality attributes. Observations also included disease susceptibility, growth habit, and vigor.
Extension Publications
Orchard Establishment
- Hard Cider Production & Orchard Management in the PNW.
- 2013 Cost Estimation of Establishing a Cider Apple Orchard in Western WA (PDF).
- 2015 Cost Estimates of Establishing and Producing Specialty Cider Apples in Central WA (PDF).
- Feasibility of Different Harvest Methods for Cider Apples Case Study for Western WA (PDF).
- 20 Questions on Establishing a Cider Apple Orchard (PDF).
- Establishing a Cider Apple Orchard for Mechanized Management EM117E.
- Establishing a Semi-freestanding Cider Apple Orchard: Considerations for Tree Support (PDF).
Mechanization of Production
- Establishing a Cider Apple Orchard for Mechanized Management EM117E (2023).
- Yield and Labor Time for Mechanical and Hand Harvested Cider Apples (PDF, 2016).
Apple Anthracnose
Our pages provide links to external sites for the convenience of users. WSU Extension does not manage these external sites, nor does Extension review, control, or take responsibility for the content of these sites. These external sites do not implicitly or explicitly represent official positions and policies of WSU Extension.