09/06/05 Looking for alternatives to apples

When Caldwell orchardist John Williamson wants to see how a new variety of peaches or a new crop like pluots performs in the Treasure Valley, he pays a visit to Essie Fallahi at the University of Idaho`s Parma Research Center. Fallahi has extensive trials on alternative tree fruits, 62 varieties of peaches and nectarines alone. Because the market was so depressed he says growers who used to depend on apples don't depend on them anymore. FALLAHI - "We have been very successful with a number of quince varieties, Asian pears, and some medicinal plants and with some persimmons and mulberries." According to Idaho Agricultural Statistics Service, Gem State peach production was 2,000 tons in 1994, and 9,000 tons last year. Apple production sank from 82,500 tons in 1994 to 50,000 tons in 2004, while cherry production blossomed from 1,400 tons in 1994 to 3,100 tons in 2004. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott