MSU Extension Drought Resources

Fruit Crops

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  Reducing heat stress in the field

  Published on July 21, 2025
  Heat stress can be an issue for you and your employees, even in a northern state like Michigan.

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  Understanding and preventing farm employee heat-related illness

  Published on June 29, 2023
  Heat-related illnesses can occur indoors or outdoors and during any season of the year.

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  Mite management in tree fruits under hot and dry weather conditions

  Published on June 13, 2023
  There are many options available for mite control in fruit crops.

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  Surviving the dry spell: MSU Extension's drought website provides vital resources

  Published on June 8, 2023
  Drought conditions are always troubling, but MSU Extension resources are available to help producers and landowners make the best management decisions for them.

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  Protecting blueberry blooms from extreme heat injury using overhead irrigation

  Published on June 1, 2023
  Michigan’s blueberry industry has been increasingly affected by climate change with spring heatwaves and long, dry periods causing potential yield losses.

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  Irrigation to help get the crop started

  Published on June 2, 2022
  Irrigators have the advantage of being able to apply water to aid germination, emergence, and incorporate herbicides and nutrients. If rainfall is short, irrigation can prevent early season drought.

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  Fall and winter drought could cause challenges in crops

  Published on April 22, 2021
  Below normal precipitation during the fall and winter has resulted in a decline in groundwater levels. Producers need to prepare for potential challenges, especially if they irrigate crops.

• Plum nursery mites and firing observed in tart cherry

  Published on August 31, 2012
  Tart cherry growers may need to apply a miticide application to protect overwintering health of trees.

• Understanding the drought through the Evaporative Stress Index

  Published on August 9, 2012
  A look at the Evaporative Stress Index explains patterns of water availability and moisture stress across large areas.

• Weather and pest problems plagued Michigan’s blueberries in 2012

  Published on August 6, 2012
  The 2012 blueberry season has been plagued with problems like no other in many years. Weather, pests and labor problems have seriously challenged Michigan’s blueberry industry, however, there are lessons we can learn from the situation.

• Mediate disaster-related financial issues – don’t procrastinate

  Published on August 3, 2012
  Farmers who have experienced crop losses through drought or freeze may benefit by utilizing mediation services if they cannot meet financial obligations.

• What is evapotranspiration and why it matters

  Published on July 25, 2012
  Under drought conditions, plants may not be able to extract water fast enough to keep up with evapotranspiration.

• Counteracting adverse weather effects on deposition and degradation of insecticides used in berries

  Published on July 24, 2012
  Michigan is in the middle of a period of extreme heat and drought that affects not only the crop physiology, but also the way insect pests respond to pesticides used.

• Is late season disease control needed in grapes?

  Published on July 24, 2012
  The warm, dry season has kept fungal diseases in grapes at bay. Continue vineyard and weather monitoring and be ready to take action if rainy weather returns.

• Drought symptoms in blueberries

  Published on July 19, 2012
  Recognizing water stress in blueberries may allow you to recover without the loss of growth or crop this year and next.

• What to do with drought-stressed blueberries

  Published on July 18, 2012
  Should growers cut back blueberries that appear to be dying from drought?

• Maintaining irrigation on Michigan blueberries

  Published on July 18, 2012
  Strategies for irrigating under hot, dry conditions and limited water supplies.

• Impact of heat, drought and related problems on Michigan’s blueberry and raspberry harvest

  Published on July 18, 2012
  Hot and dry weather conditions occurring in Michigan during the 2012 season are not conducive for a “normal” small fruit harvest.

• Irrigating Michigan blueberries

  Published on July 10, 2012
  Irrigated and unirrigated blueberries are showing signs of heat and drought stress.

• How hot? How dry? Enviro-weather tools help answer these questions

  Published on July 10, 2012
  Fruit and vegetable growers can use MSU’s Enviro-weather tools to quickly compare seasonal heat (degree-day) and moisture (precipitation) accumulations with previous years and “normal” years.