College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

• Northwest Michigan fruit regional report – July 15, 2014

  Published on July 15, 2014
  Cherry harvest nears in northwest Michigan as growers apply loosener and concentrate on keeping the cherries clean for harvest.

• East Michigan fruit update – June 5, 2018

  Published on June 5, 2018
  Most apple growers have made two thinning applications in the last week with mixed results. Some are looking to make one more application over the next few days. Strawberry harvest will begin late this week or over the weekend.

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  When seconds count: Respectfully share the road during fall harvest

  Published on October 3, 2017
  Speed and reaction time are two major factors in safely navigating country roads during fall.

• Manage crop load of young tall spindle apple plantings

  Published on June 4, 2014
  Adjust crop load of Honeycrisp and other apple varieties in high density plantings in years two through four to reduce negative impact on canopy vigor and subsequent cropping.

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  Michigan brown marmorated stink bug update – July 10, 2018

  Published on July 10, 2018
  Watch out for early feeding damage by brown marmorated stink bugs in developing Gala, Honeycrisp and Golden Delicious apples. Nymphs can be found in abundance on non-crop hosts in some areas.

• Understanding growing degree-days

  Published on August 25, 2017
  Growing degree-days, or heat units, help growers and researchers track the development of plants and pests.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit update – June 27, 2023

  Published on June 27, 2023
  Tart cherry harvest should begin this week, as well as raspberries and blueberries.

• Compost recordkeeping: What do I really need to have?

  Published on February 28, 2018
  Learn which compost records are required for Food Safety and Modernization Act (FSMA) compliance and understand what you need with regards to audits.

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  West central Michigan apple maturity report – August 31, 2023

  Published on August 31, 2023
  Early apple varieties are being harvested this week in the west central region. This week has brought cool nights and great weather for red color development.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit regional report – June 14, 2016

  Published on June 14, 2016
  Strawberry harvest continues. Raspberry and cherry harvest should start soon. Birds are eating ripening cherries.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit regional report – April 28, 2015

  Published on April 28, 2015
  Freezes last week caused little damage, cherries and peaches are blooming and warmer weather this week will speed up plants.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit regional report – August 23, 2016

  Published on August 23, 2016
  Strong winds and tornados caused localized problems across blueberry production areas. Peach harvest is proceeding rapidly and Bartlett pear harvest has started.

• East Michigan apple maturity report – Sept. 19, 2018

  Published on September 19, 2018
  Honeycrisp harvest its almost complete with a good amount of fruit drop over this past weekend. Harvest of McIntosh, Jonagold and some Jonathan blocks is underway.

• Northwest Michigan apple maturity report – Sept. 25, 2019

  Published on September 25, 2019
  Honeycrisp harvest is underway, and most growers are spot picking this variety.

• Grand Rapids, Mich., area tree fruit regional report - April 16, 2013

  Published on April 16, 2013
  Still waiting for first green in apples around Grand Rapids.

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  Grand Rapids area tree fruit update – July 13, 2021

  Published on July 13, 2021
  Warm, wet conditions this week will give way to hot dry conditions next week.

• Northwest Michigan fruit update – June 12, 2018

  Published on June 12, 2018
  Spotted wing Drosophila was detected in our region last week, but most tree fruit pest and disease activity has slowed recently.

• West central Michigan apple maturity report – September 23, 2015

  Published on September 23, 2015
  Apple harvest on the Ridge is in full swing.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit update – August 8, 2023

  Published on August 8, 2023
  Moderate temperatures, rain and sun are favorable for fruit development in southwest Michigan.

• One-stop site for apple maturity resources for 2013

  Published on September 5, 2013
  All your educational needs for apple harvest decisions can be found at the Apple Maturity Program and Reports resource page.