Insect, plant disease and pesticide research to feature at Trevor Nichols Research Center Field Day

Michigan State University will host a research and extension field day focusing on insect, plant disease and pesticide efficacy research at its Trevor Nichols Research Center Sept. 29.

MSU entomologist Rufus Isaacs talks with growers at the 2014 Trevor Nichols Research Center Field Day.

FENNVILLE, Mich. – Michigan State University (MSU) will host a research and extension field day focusing on insect, plant disease and pesticide efficacy research at its Trevor Nichols Research Center Sept. 29.

Co-hosted by MSU AgBioResearch and MSU Extension, the event runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and features presentations from researchers Larry Gut, Rufus Isaacs, Annemiek Schilder and John Wise.

Isaacs, a professor of entomology and an MSU AgBioResearch scientist, will be discussing his research on spotted-wing drosophila (SWD) and its impact on Michigan agriculture. Discovered in Michigan in September 2010, the SWD is a small fly that damages tree fruit crops.

“SWD can infest ripening fruit, challenging growers of blueberries, raspberries and cherries,” Isaacs said. “Research at the Trevor Nichols Research Center is aiming to develop solutions for this invasive pest.”

The Trevor Nichols Research Center is located at 6237 124th Avenue in Fennville. For more information, visit agbioresearch.msu.edu/centers/tnrc

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