College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

• East Michigan fruit update – Sept. 4, 2018

  Published on September 4, 2018
  Most areas received ample rains over the last two weeks, bringing seasonal totals back to normal to above normal levels. Drought continues for a few growers, mainly in the southern reaches of the region.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit regional report – June 7, 2016

  Published on June 7, 2016
  The hot weather in late May led to a large June drop in tree fruit. Strawberry harvest is underway. Grape bloom has begun.

• Control of American brown rot

  Published on June 22, 2010
  

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  Freezing temperatures likely across Michigan

  Published on May 7, 2020
  Cold outbreak brings prolonged freeze risk.

• Potential sources of labor: Are these in your future plans?

  Published on February 29, 2016
  Farms should think about different strategies to fill their labor needs in 2016 and beyond. Consider any and all of these options and strategies to obtain needed workers in the future.

• Southeast Michigan fruit regional report – June 17, 2014

  Published on June 17, 2014
  Strawberry harvest is in full swing across the region and even with most fruit growers receiving 0.5 inches of rain last week, soils remain dry. Primary apple scab season continues in the region.

• Northwest Michigan fruit report – April 23, 2019

  Published on April 23, 2019
  Welcomed warm weather came to the region over the weekend, but cooler temperatures are in the forecast and will likely keep development steady for the remainder of the week.

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  Grand Rapids area tree fruit update – July 26, 2022

  Published on July 26, 2022
  Rainfall last weekend and cooler conditions this week gave growers a much-needed break. Expect a return to hot, dry weather beginning this weekend.

• 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.

• Southeast Michigan fruit regional report – June 11, 2013

  Published on June 11, 2013
  Strawberry harvest has started in southern Michigan counties and the first fire blight shoot strikes have been seen in a few apple blocks.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit update – April 18, 2017

  Published on April 18, 2017
  Warm weather has moved plants quickly. Peaches and sweet cherries are blooming. Insecticides should not be used during bloom.

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  Michigan brown marmorated stink bug report for Oct. 5, 2016

  Published on October 5, 2016
  Important management recommendations for growers who still have late ripening fruit to harvest. Damaged apples have been reported in Golden Delicious and other early ripening varieties harvested from trees at orchard margins.

• New search engine for tree fruit diseases, pest and beneficial insects now online

  Published on October 17, 2014
  Try our new search tool to help in identifying diseases, insect and mite pests and beneficials of tree fruit. By using the tool, you can help us continue to improve it.

• Michigan spotted wing Drosophila report for July 21, 2015

  Published on July 22, 2015
  Summer increase of spotted wing Drosophila continues in southern Michigan.

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  East Michigan fruit update – April 30, 2019

  Published on April 30, 2019
  Colder temperatures over the last week have dramatically slowed fruit growth.

• Southeast Michigan fruit regional report – June 9, 2015

  Published on June 9, 2015
  Strawberry harvest begins in southern counties, others to follow later this week. Primary apple scab season continues.

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  American brown rot has developed strong resistance to Indar in parts of Michigan

  Published on January 14, 2020
  Fungicide screens in northwest and west central Michigan show widespread resistance to all labelled rates of Indar in populations of the American brown rot fungus.

• Rodent control for Michigan fruit, nut and Christmas tree producers

  Published on November 10, 2016
  Unseasonably warm weather and continued grass growth may be hiding a significant amount of rodent activity. Growers are advised to scout carefully and consider mowing tall undergrowth one more time before snow falls.

• Spotted wing Drosophila monitoring report survey

  Published on October 2, 2013
  Michigan State University Extension is requesting fruit growers take the online spotted wing Drosophila survey to let us know if our statewide monitoring efforts were helpful this 2013 season.

• East Michigan fruit regional report – August 23, 2016

  Published on August 23, 2016
  The season-long drought that began for most growers in mid-May appears to be over, especially after another week with good precipitation.