College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

• Dealing with water for irrigating

  Published on February 3, 2012
  The insurance of maintaining a produce crop with irrigation can be all but eliminated if the water being used contaminates the produce with food-borne illness. Here are a few considerations when implementing irrigation practices.

• Workshop on TRACEABILITY for Michigan fruit growers

  Published on April 18, 2011
  Learn how to comply with the new traceability requirements covering the entire food production chain

• Considerations for pre-bloom and bloom sprays for American brown rot

  Published on April 24, 2014
  The potential for American brown rot blossom blight infection is high this spring if infected fruit mummies from last year overwintered in the orchard. Conditional requirements for infections are listed.

• Morrill Act turns 150 years old

  Published on June 12, 2012
  The Morrill Act made possible the creation of the land-grant schools and was signed by President Abraham Lincoln July 2, 1862.

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  New tools to aid Michigan apple and tart cherry exporters

  Published on June 23, 2015
  New tools guide Michigan apple and tart cherry growers in selecting insecticides to manage key pests close to harvest so as not to exceed target market MRLs.

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  Discover best plants to support beneficial insects at upcoming field day

  Published on July 12, 2016
  Register to attend this Aug. 2, 2016, field day where MSU researchers will demonstrate optimal plants for season-long support of crop pollinators and biocontrol agents.

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  Minimizing pesticide exposure to bees in fruit crops

  Published on April 29, 2014
  Use these practices and guidelines for minimizing exposure of bees to pesticides while still managing pests and disease in fruit crops.

• Specialty crop and minor-use pesticide research priorities set by IR-4

  Published on September 17, 2012
  At a recent workshop, participants identified the most important research projects for the 2013 IR-4 food-use research program.

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  Relief may be available for fruit, nut and ornamental growers with winter injury

  Published on May 29, 2015
  Growers who are experiencing higher than typical levels of perennial mortality in the field are encouraged to contact the Farm Service Agency.

• Registration for the 2013 Integrated Pest Management Academy CLOSES Thursday, Feb. 14!

  Published on February 13, 2013
  Registration for this important event closes at midnight on Thursday, Feb. 14, so register NOW to ensure your spot at the 2013 IPM Academy!

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  MSU pollination project expands to investigate an alternative pollinator

  Published on March 31, 2014
  An alterative pollinator, Osmia cornifrons, will be evaluated for its pollination potential in Michigan cherry orchards.

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  Using the plum curculio model to assist with management decisions in tart cherries

  Published on May 31, 2016
  Plum curculio are active in northwest Michigan and we have observed oviposition in several tree fruits. Scouting is essential if using Enviro-weather’s plum curculio model.

• Northwest Michigan fruit regional report – July 8, 2014

  Published on July 8, 2014
  Cherries are ripening and growers need to be on high alert for spotted wing Drosophila and American brown rot.

• Northwest Michigan fruit update – May 2, 2017

  Published on May 2, 2017
  Development has slowed following the cooler temperatures during the last few days.

• Kids back on the farm? Sign them up for the 2014 Integrated Pest Management Academy

  Published on January 9, 2014
  Do you have a farm employee who could brush up on their pest management skills? Register now to ensure their spot at this pioneering workshop designed to serve specialty crop, field crop and landscape professionals.

• Northwest Michigan fruit regional report – June 25, 2013

  Published on June 25, 2013
  Recent heat has increased insect activity slightly, but fruit continues to size at a slow rate.

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  Keep bee safety in mind during orchard bloom

  Published on May 8, 2015
  Bloom is upon us again and it is time to review best management practices for protecting bees in orchards.

• Northwest Michigan fruit regional report – August 11, 2015

  Published on August 11, 2015
  Growers are assessing damage from last week’s storm, and orchards and vineyards in the narrow pathway of the storm appear to be hardest hit.

• Northwest Michigan fruit regional report – June 21, 2016

  Published on June 21, 2016
  Ripening cherries should be protected from spotted wing Drosophila if this pest has been detected in your area.

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  NRCS wants to help fruit growers help honey bees by planting more flowers

  Published on February 28, 2014
  Michigan farmers can apply for funds to help honey bees through the USDA NRCS EQIP Program.