WSU harnesses extreme microbes to protect Washington fruit
By Dan Thesman on Wednesday, April 15th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PULLMAN – A microorganism from the extreme branch of life may provide Washington’s fruit industry with a powerful new defense against devastating pathogens.
Supported by a $141,293 grant from the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission, Washington State University researcher Cynthia Haseltine is moving a lab-developed compound into field trials. Derived from archaea – organisms that thrive in boiling acid and salt – the compound targets fire blight and Listeria.
Fire blight causes over $100 million in annual losses nationwide, while Listeria recalls can cost up to $15 million per incident. Unlike traditional antibiotics, this stable compound faces a very low risk of resistance.
“This could make a real difference for Washington’s industry,” Haseltine said.
Researchers are now testing the compound in Wenatchee orchards and Prosser packing facilities to evaluate its commercial viability.
Photo of Imperial Gala apples via Shelly Hanks, WSU Photo Services
