The University of Idaho has brought on a new pomology specialist to advance fruit-growing research at its Parma Research and Extension Center, with an emphasis on improving yields and quality for the state’s apple, cherry and peach producers.
Jonathan Clavijo-Herrera joined the facility as an assistant professor and Extension specialist on March 2, 2026. The appointment positions the university to expand research into modern orchard techniques that have shown promise in other regions.
High-Density Production Background
Clavijo-Herrera previously established one of Florida’s first high-density, trellised peach orchards in 2023 during his work as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Florida. The system used trellises and fruiting walls to train tree branches, an approach designed to reduce labor costs while boosting production per acre.
The experimental orchard produced its initial harvest in 2025, yielding higher per-acre returns compared to conventional methods. The trellis system also improved air circulation, increased light penetration to fruit, and allowed for mechanized pruning operations.
“We saw that our yield per acre was higher under that system,” Clavijo-Herrera stated in remarks to the university. “The results were very encouraging.”
Educational and Research History
Originally from La Paz, Bolivia, Clavijo-Herrera earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences and production from Zamorano University in Honduras. He completed both a master’s degree and doctorate in horticultural sciences at the University of Florida in Gainesville.
His graduate research covered multiple areas of specialty crop production. During his master’s program, he evaluated three olive varieties across two Florida locations to assess potential for commercial olive farming in the state. The work included testing different establishment strategies and developing fertilization management tools for growers.
His doctoral dissertation examined how rootstocks—the underground portion of grafted plants—influence the performance of the above-ground tree variety. The research demonstrated that certain rootstock selections improved water and nutrient uptake capacity. Additional findings showed rootstocks can affect gene expression related to dormancy, which allows trees to survive winter while conserving energy for spring growth.
Idaho Research Priorities
Within two days of starting at the Parma center, Clavijo-Herrera met with area fruit growers to identify research needs and toured several commercial orchards. He indicated plans to begin trials focused on fertilization and irrigation management in the near term, along with studies addressing pest control and winter damage prevention.
Longer-range research goals include evaluating high-density peach production methods adapted to Idaho conditions and testing rootstock-scion combinations from other growing regions. The specialist also outlined potential research into high tunnels as protective covers for fruit trees.
“I want my program to be a resource for the growers and a resource for the community,” Clavijo-Herrera said according to university statements.
Quality Over Volume Strategy
While acknowledging Idaho’s fruit industry is relatively small in scale, Clavijo-Herrera emphasized the state’s reputation for premium-quality fruit as a competitive advantage.
“I see that as our potential—working with quality and trying to create awareness of the quality of our fruit,” he stated. “Maybe we don’t produce a large volume, but if we can consistently deliver high-quality fruit, that can be our way to position ourselves in the market.”
The Parma Research and Extension Center operates orchards and laboratory facilities dedicated to serving Idaho’s fruit-growing sector. Clavijo-Herrera cited the facility’s orchard space, laboratory quality, and institutional support as factors in accepting the position.
What Comes Next
The new specialist will begin implementing research trials in coordination with commercial growers who have expressed interest in partnering on studies. Initial projects addressing fertilization, water management and pest control are expected to launch in the coming months, with results feeding into Extension recommendations for Idaho fruit producers. Longer-term projects evaluating new production systems and crop varieties will develop over multiple growing seasons as the research program expands.