News

Southwest Michigan fruit update – April 8, 2025

Published on April 8, 2025
It’s cold and wet but the fruit are waking up!
Updates to the 2025 Fruit Management Guide

Published on April 1, 2025
Summary of pesticide label additions, clarifications and corrections to the 2025 MSU Fruit Management Guide (E-154).
Southwest Michigan fruit update – April 1, 2025

Published on April 1, 2025
This is the first fruit scouting report of the 2025 season.
Reports of high honey bee colony losses and how farmers and growers can support honey bees

Published on April 1, 2025
Several migratory beekeepers recently reported abnormally high losses of honey bee colonies, however, losses vary across operations. Farmers and growers can support honey bee health by increasing forage and reducing pesticide exposure.
Unconventional Fruit Working Group returns for 2025

Published on March 28, 2025
The first meeting will be held virtually on April 24 from 12-1 p.m. This is a free virtual meetup group for fruit farmers who grow fruit using non-conventional practices.
Tuesday night Southwest Small Fruit IPM Meetings megin April 1, 2025

Published on March 21, 2025
These weekly updates will be held virtually and will keep growers current on small fruit pest and disease developments throughout the season while offering an opportunity to earn RUP credits.
Testing for contaminants in soil, water and plants

Published on March 11, 2025
Sometimes, what you don’t know can hurt you.
Pollinator protection programs and resources from Michigan State University Extension

Published on February 21, 2025
Supporting pollinator health in Michigan through education and outreach.
Netting in high-density sweet cherries reduces bird damage and spotted wing drosophila

Published on February 20, 2025
Over a two-year study, bird damage and SWD were reduced under nets. Netting may serve as an effective way to protect crops and reduce reliance on pesticides.
MSU Distinguished Professor awarded $1 million to address apple, sweet cherry diseases

Published on February 10, 2025
Dr. George Sundin receives funding from USDA-NIFA to explore bacteriophage as a tool for preventing fire blight, bacterial canker in Michigan fruit trees