College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

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  Grand Rapids area tree fruit update – June 21, 2022

  Published on June 21, 2022
  Tree fruit is continuing fruit sizing, with most apples between 20-25 millimeters. Hot weather is expected this week.

• 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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  East Michigan fruit update – June 16, 2020

  Published on June 16, 2020
  Strawberry harvest has begun with strong consumer demand for ready picked and pick your own berries. Even with some rain over the last week, many areas have slipped into drought conditions.

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  West central Michigan tree fruit update – April 26, 2022

  Published on April 26, 2022
  A warmup over the weekend led to rapid changes in tree phenology, but cooler weather this week will slow growth down again.

• Southwest Michigan fruit regional report – April 22, 2014

  Published on April 22, 2014
  With warm temperatures, fruit buds are beginning to burst, exposing leaves and flowers.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit regional report – July 28, 2015

  Published on July 28, 2015
  Peach harvest picks up steam. Oriental fruit moth and San Jose scale numbers are high.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit regional report – June 10, 2014

  Published on June 10, 2014
  Strawberry harvest has begun, grapes are blooming, cherries are coloring and birds are feasting.

• 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.

• East Michigan fruit update – Sept. 2, 2020

  Published on September 2, 2020
  Much needed rain moved over the region in the past week. Apple harvest for fall varieties has started. Brown marmorated stink bug feeding damage in apples is more common.

• Lime sulfur sprays can improve spring disease control

  Published on April 6, 2011
  Early sprays of lime sulfur reduce disease inoculum in spring

• Air moving fans for improved air drainage

  Published on March 16, 2012
  Using ground-based fans to increase the movement of cold air past obstructions and constrictions in natural drainage paths can decrease the likelihood of freeze injury during spring freezes.

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  Biological control of brown marmorated stink bug in Michigan

  Published on July 24, 2019
  As a pest that feeds on a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, pest management of brown marmorated stink bugs likely means biological control.

• Michigan spotted wing Drosophila report for July 29, 2014

  Published on July 29, 2014
  Spotted wing Drosophila numbers remain steady in southwest Michigan, still low in other areas; protect susceptible crops where they are detected.

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  What are my options when renewing my pesticide certification?

  Published on April 15, 2021
  Pesticide applicators can now take their certification exam remotely.

• West Michigan tree fruit regional report – April 22, 2014

  Published on April 22, 2014
  Early apple varieties are showing a little green.

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  Grand Rapids area tree fruit update – June 4, 2024

  Published on June 4, 2024
  The Grand Rapids area is moving into second cover timing.

• Lime is to pH as antacids are to heartburn

  Published on March 25, 2011
  Managing your pH is a simple way to start improving plant nutrient availability and increasing crop yield.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit regional report – May 19, 2015

  Published on May 19, 2015
  Very cool conditions will hold insect pests back this week. Blueberries and strawberries are blooming.

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  Southeast Michigan fruit update – April 29, 2025

  Published on April 30, 2025
  Apple, pear, peach and cherry bloom is starting.

• Be smart when farming near underground pipelines and utilities

  Published on March 16, 2018
  Spring means deep tillage, trenching, posthole digging, tile-laying, building and other earth-moving activities on the farm. Be aware of pipeline and utility safety issues and call 811 when needed.