The Parma Research and Extension Center is home to the University of Idaho Pomology and Viticulture Program. The program is responsible for researching various physiological and environmental problems and challenges facing Idaho and the United States fruit growers.
Southwest Idaho has excellent climate conditions for growing apples, peaches, plums, apricots, cherries and grapes. The warm and long days of spring and summer and cool nights result in excellent fruit color and flavor.
Introduction of Fuji apple. Extensive ongoing research on the Fuji variety is conducted at Parma. From the first Fuji research orchard that was established at the University of Idaho, growers have found that not only can this crop be grown in Idaho, but the fruit quality is superior to that of other states.
Blossom thinning of apples, plums and peaches. Pomology scientists discovered several chemicals for blossom thinning and fruit growers in Idaho and other states use these chemicals, which are far less expensive than hand thinning.
Retain, Thin-X, Tergitol and hydrogen cyanamide are among chemicals that UI scientists were pioneers in discovering. The Pomology and Viticulture Program is also working on numerous projects to improve fruit quality of table and wine grapes, irrigation and nutrition in Idaho. This program is also extensively involved in NC140 evaluation for various rootstocks.