College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

• 

  Southwest Michigan fruit update – July 12, 2022

  Published on July 12, 2022
  Soils are dry. Crops are showing some stress. Harvests of several stone fruits are starting.

• Northwest Michigan fruit regional report – May 27, 2014

  Published on May 27, 2014
  Orchards in bloom have been buzzing with pollinator activity during this beautiful weather.

• West Michigan tree fruit regional report – April 15, 2014

  Published on April 15, 2014
  Despite summer-like storms, tree fruit development continues to be delayed in the West Michigan region.

• Northwest Michigan apple maturity report – September 28, 2016

  Published on September 28, 2016
  Apple harvest is moving along quickly despite wet conditions. Quality continues to improve, and apples from this region have excellent color.

• 

  East Michigan fruit update – June 2, 2020

  Published on June 2, 2020
  Warmer temperatures have pushed a good amount of growth in all fruit crops. Apple growers are thinning aggressively. Strawberry growers need to keep a close eye on soil moisture levels.

• 

  Grand Rapids area apple maturity report – October 4, 2023

  Published on October 4, 2023
  Honeycrisp harvest is wrapping up. Many other varieties are currently mature.

• Michigan apple maturity reports – September 7, 2011

  Published on September 7, 2011
  Each week, MSU Extension educators test apples for maturity in their region and report the status.

• Michigan spotted wing Drosophila report for June 25, 2013

  Published on June 25, 2013
  Two more spotted wing Drosophila were caught in southwest Michigan: one in raspberry high tunnels and a second adjacent to blueberries.

• 

  Southwest Michigan fruit update – May 12, 2020

  Published on May 12, 2020
  A freeze Saturday, May 9, caused damage to most fruit crops in the region. Growers will assess damage this week and determine how to adjust their management.

• 

  Grand Rapids area apple maturity report – Oct. 6, 2021

  Published on October 6, 2021
  This is the ninth apple maturity report for the Grand Rapids, Michigan, region.

• 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.

• Scouting for blossom blight symptoms of fire blight in apples

  Published on June 5, 2013
  Scouting for blossom blight symptoms allows you to gauge how effective your protection was during bloom. This article describes the blossom blight or spur blight phase of fire blight with pictures taken in southwest Michigan.

• Grand Rapids area apple maturity report – September 18, 2013

  Published on September 18, 2013
  Cooler weather brings more color and flavor.

• Northwest Michigan fruit regional report – June 18, 2013

  Published on June 18, 2013
  Diseases have made their way to northern Michigan following cool and wet conditions. Insects are still hard to find.

• 

  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.

• West Michigan tree fruit update – May 23, 2017

  Published on May 23, 2017
  Post-petal fall in tree fruits brings many pests to consider.

• 

  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 regional report – May 26, 2015

  Published on May 26, 2015
  Growers are assessing damage from last week’s freezing temperatures, thinning decisions will be challenging with the frost damage.