The University of Idaho’s Parma Research and Extension Center has brought on a new pomologist to advance fruit production research across the state, with a focus on apples, cherries, and peaches that are key to Idaho’s agricultural economy.
Jonathan Clavijo-Herrera joined the facility on March 2, 2026, as an assistant professor and Extension specialist. His appointment positions the university to expand research into modern orchard management techniques that could help Idaho growers increase yields while reducing labor costs.
Background in High-Density Orchard Systems
Clavijo-Herrera comes to Idaho with experience establishing innovative orchard designs in Florida. While working as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Florida, he helped create one of that state’s first high-density, trellised peach orchards in 2023. The system uses trellises to train tree branches into fruiting walls, a design that improves air circulation and light penetration while allowing for mechanized pruning and other management practices.
The Florida orchard produced its first harvest in 2025, delivering higher yields per acre compared to traditional methods. The approach also reduced fruit damage during production.
Originally from La Paz, Bolivia, Clavijo-Herrera earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences from Zamorano University in Honduras before completing both a master’s degree and doctorate in horticultural sciences at the University of Florida in Gainesville.
Research Portfolio Spans Multiple Crop Systems
During his graduate work, Clavijo-Herrera explored several areas of crop production. His master’s research examined the potential for commercial olive production in Florida, evaluating three olive varieties across two locations and testing different establishment strategies. He also developed tools to help olive farmers adjust fertilization practices based on local growing conditions.
His doctoral research focused on rootstock selection—the underground portion of grafted fruit trees. His team found that certain rootstocks improved trees’ ability to take up water and nutrients. The research also showed that rootstock choice can affect gene expression related to dormancy, which helps trees survive winter while conserving energy for the growing season.
Earlier in his academic career, Clavijo-Herrera worked with LED lighting systems for indoor leafy green production, studying how light spectrum manipulation could improve commercial output and water efficiency.
Idaho Research Agenda Takes Shape
Clavijo-Herrera has already begun meeting with Idaho fruit growers to identify research priorities. On his second day at the Parma center, he consulted with several area farmers and has since visited local orchards to assess current practices.
He indicated plans to launch trials soon focused on improving fertilization and water management. Additional research areas will include pest management strategies and methods for preventing winter damage to fruit trees.
Longer-term goals include evaluating high-density peach production systems adapted to Idaho conditions and testing rootstock and scion varieties from other regions to determine their performance in the state’s climate. He also plans to investigate the use of high tunnels as protective covers to reduce tree damage.
What Comes Next
The new pomologist cited the quality of laboratory facilities at Parma and the available orchard space as factors that drew him to the position. He expressed confidence in the support from both the university and local growers willing to collaborate on research projects.
Idaho’s fruit industry, while smaller than some of the state’s other agricultural sectors, represents an area of potential growth. The research conducted at Parma under Clavijo-Herrera’s direction could help growers adopt more efficient production methods and expand the types of fruit commercially viable in the state.
The Parma Research and Extension Center serves as a key facility for the University of Idaho’s agricultural research programs, providing resources for faculty and growers across southwestern Idaho.