WA 38 Rack Card

Be the first to grow the outstanding

new apple

from Washington State University!

Excitement is building for the release of the newest apple developed by Washington State University’s world-class breeding program. If initial reviews are any indication, WA 38, with its remarkably firm yet juicy texture, exceptional flavor profile, and ability to retain these fine attributes even after a year in storage, is sure to be a boon to Washington growers, WSU’s breeding program, and apple lovers everywhere.

Preparing for a 2017 debut WSU is working with Northwest Nursery Improvement Institute (NNII)-affiliated nurseries and other producers to increase certified WA 38 planting stock in preparation for the 2017 release. The number of trees available in 2017 will still be limited, so to facilitate a fair and equitable distribution of initial inventories, WSU has chosen to distribute the first trees through a drawing. By 2018, it is anticipated that the number of trees produced will adequately meet demand, with no further need for future drawings.

Assignment of first allotments Growers can apply for the drawing online (WA38.wsu.edu) from April 1 to May 31, 2014. The drawing will be held in early June, and all growers will be notified about the status of their applications by June 30, 2014. This distribution process will serve the needs of both small and large growers through its two-tier structure. Each applicant will select a tier. Tier 1 will consist of approximately 12 lots of 3,000–5,000 trees each. Tier 2 will consist of approximately 12 lots of up to 20,000 trees each. Growers, including LLCs and similar entities, will be required to certify that they are Washington State residents with sufficient land in the state to support the number of trees purchased for planting.

Each application will be assigned a number. Using a random number generator, the first 12 numbers will be drawn in each tier and offered a license. Applicants will have 30 days to sign a license agreement with WSU. Growers who are not allocated trees in the initial drawing will be able to purchase WA 38 trees as they become available in 2018–2019. Any trees that remain unallocated or are available as a result of returns from earlier drawing awardees will be allocated to subsequent awardees down the list.

More information To learn more about the drawing and the application or to apply, visit WA38.wsu.edu.

To sign up for WA 38 updates or to learn more about WA 38 or the WSU Tree Fruit Breeding program, visit tfrec.wsu.edu/WA38.