Lee Kalcsits will advance industry-supporting research and outreach as the new programmatic lead at Washington State University's Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center (TFREC), effective Dec. 1, 2024.
Kalcsits, an expert on how the environment influences apples, pears, and other tree fruits, is currently a WSU associate professor and Endowed Chair for Tree Fruit Environmental Physiology and Management. He steps into a new leadership role at the center, replacing Interim Director Leslie Edgar, associate dean for research in the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS). Prior TFREC Director Chad Kruger stepped down in June 2024 after a four-year tenure.
Kalcsits' role is part of a new approach that splits the director's duties at TFREC. A new facilities and operations manager, soon to be named, will handle administrative functions and industry engagement, while Kalcsits will oversee scientific endeavors and support outreach to growers, industry, and state and federal agencies."I will be an advocate for research and Extension programs at Wenatchee," he said. "This role allows me to maintain my work as Endowed Chair and support the center's goal of service and discovery."
Since joining WSU in 2014, Kalcsits has partnered with growers and experts to solve the significant challenges that freezes, droughts and other environmental factors pose to the state's $2 billion-plus tree fruit industry.
Holding a doctorate in tree physiology from the University of British Columbia, Kalcsits grew up on a small U-pick orchard in Saskatchewan, Canada. There, his family grew small fruit in some of the world's coldest winter conditions. "My interest in environmental physiology was piqued early as my family sought different fruit cultivars and crops that would simply survive the winter," he said.
Throughout his career, Kalcsits has explored the physiological mechanisms surrounding cold hardiness, nutrient-use efficiencies, heat tolerance, and water stress. His work has revealed that dense apples are less susceptible to bitter pit disorder, which can cause losses of 25% or more in some apple varieties. His discoveries of how deficit irrigation can address the disorder could save growers tens of millions of dollars statewide.
Most recently, Kalcsits launched a $6.7 million, USDA-funded study to protect apples and pears from extreme climate events. "Lee's demonstrated leadership and continued industry collaboration will make him an outstanding program lead for TFREC," said Wendy Powers, Cashup Davis Family Endowed Dean of CAHNRS. "He'll continue to be a positive force in helping the center create a more resilient Washington tree fruit industry."
Powers thanked Edgar for her valuable interim support as well as Kruger for his four-year effort on behalf of Washington Tree Fruit. "I wish Chad continuing success in his ongoing and important work as director of the Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources and at WSU's Institute for Northwest Energy Futures," she added.
For more information:
Lee Kalcsits
Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center
Tel: +1 509 293 8764
Email: [email protected]
www.news.wsu.edu