College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

• West central Michigan apple maturity report – September 30, 2015

  Published on September 30, 2015
  Weather continues to be outstanding for Michigan apple harvest.

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  Grand Rapids area tree fruit update – July 19, 2022

  Published on July 19, 2022
  Hot, dry weather for the remainder of July.

• East Michigan apple maturity report – Oct. 6, 2021

  Published on October 6, 2021
  Apple harvest in east Michigan is moving along quickly.

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  Grand Rapids area tree fruit update – May 31, 2022

  Published on May 31, 2022
  Tree fruit is beginning fruit sizing, with most apples between 8-12 mm and stone fruit 15-20 mm. Warm weather has been very good for thinning. Storms Tuesday may result in to cooler, dry conditions later this week.

• Northwest Michigan fruit regional report – May 3, 2016

  Published on May 3, 2016
  The northwest region is approaching bloom time in cherries.

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  Pesticide recertification credits available through online IPM Academy

  Published on November 21, 2017
  As the end of the year approaches, growers can take advantage of the new online Integrated Pest Management Academy and earn six credits towards their Michigan Pesticide Applicators License.

• Federal registratoin received for a new deer repellent

  Published on June 6, 2006
  

• Apple maturity guidelines

  Published on September 4, 2007
  Maturity and storage guidelines by variety have been developed over the years through the MSU Apple Maturity Program. These guidelines help target the harvest of apples at the optimum maturity and best storage life.

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  Grand Rapids area tree fruit update – June 23, 2020

  Published on June 23, 2020
  Average degree day totals in a year that is anything but average.

• How to optimize placement of pheromone traps in your orchard

  Published on April 27, 2011
  Pheromone traps are useful tools to monitor codling moths and Oriental fruit moths in orchards

• Moist, weed-free soil retains more heat

  Published on March 13, 2012
  Modifying the soil to capture and retain more heat is a way growers can reduce spring freeze injury. Weed-free soil retains more heat than freshly cultivated or unmowed sites and a few degrees may make a difference this spring.

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  Northwest Michigan fruit update – June 11, 2019

  Published on June 11, 2019
  Growers are taking advantage of the break in the rain to get covered for another round of wet weather.

• West central Michigan apple maturity report – Sept. 26, 2018

  Published on September 26, 2018
  Updates on maturity status of Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Empire, Ambrosia, Mutsu/Crispin, Golden Delicious, Idared, Red Delicious, Rome and Winesap.

• East Michigan fruit update – Aug. 21, 2018

  Published on August 21, 2018
  Harvest of early fall apple varieties continues. The entire region has had extremely variable rainfall, with drought continuing for a good number of growers.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit regional report – June 28, 2016

  Published on June 28, 2016
  The summer fruit season is off to a great start. Berry and cherry harvests are underway.

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  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).

• West Michigan tree fruit regional report – May 13, 2014

  Published on May 13, 2014
  Heavy rains have led to apple scab infections in West Michigan.

• Southwest Michigan fruit regional report – June 4, 2013

  Published on June 4, 2013
  Wet, windy weather slows down insects, while most fruit crops look good.

• Extreme fire blight risk in northwest Michigan

  Published on May 31, 2011
  With epiphytic infection potential levels well over 200 in the north and severe weather forecast for later today (May 31), the risk of fire blight infection is great.

• Geissberger Farmhouse Cider has gone mobile

  Published on December 5, 2013
  This cidery in Clarington, Ontario, is keeping up with the times by providing a mobile cider pressing service to Durham region farmers and farm markets.