College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

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  Michigan State University researchers lead $5.2 million grant to investigate management strategies for fire blight

  Published on September 3, 2020
  George Sundin and Nikki Rothwell will lead a USDA-funded project examining fire blight, a disease that can kill apple and pear trees.

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  Northwest Michigan apple maturity report – September 11, 2024

  Published on September 11, 2024
  Apples are ripening one to two weeks before most years, and growers are actively harvesting Honeycrisp. Other varieties will be right on the heels of this variety with ripening.

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  Northwest Michigan fruit update – Aug. 13, 2019

  Published on August 13, 2019
  Tart cherry harvest is winding down and apple pest activity has picked up.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit update – May 30, 2017

  Published on May 30, 2017
  Warm conditions are moving fruit growth quickly.

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  The relationship between plant disease management and pollinator conservation

  Published on October 15, 2020
  What does disease management have to do with pollinators?

• 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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  Southwest Michigan fruit regional report – September 8, 2015

  Published on September 8, 2015
  Apple harvest is starting to take off with Gala and Honeycrisp harvest underway.

• ReTain use on apples in stress years

  Published on August 7, 2007
  ReTain is a very useful growth regulator on apples that has the following benefits.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit update — July 5, 2017

  Published on July 5, 2017
  Tart cherry harvest has begun. Spotted wing Drosophila numbers are up and birds are a problem.

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  Grand Rapids area tree fruit update – April 6, 2021

  Published on April 6, 2021
  A continuation of warmer than normal temperatures and bud development brings disease and insect potential.

• West central Michigan apple maturity report – Oct. 4, 2017

  Published on October 4, 2017
  The final harvest push is on. Warmer than average weather in late September and early October means majority of harvest will finish by early next week.

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  Pesticide course offered for private and commercial pesticide applicators

  Published on November 17, 2020
  New online course for restricted use pesticide applicators offering 12 credits.

• West central Michigan apple maturity report – Aug. 29, 2018

  Published on August 29, 2018
  Updates on maturity status for commercial varieties in west central Michigan.

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  Drones or unmanned aerial systems for use in commercial agriculture

  Published on June 2, 2016
  Horticulture and agronomic crop growers can learn the latest on drones or unmanned aerial systems from a series of eXtension webinars.

• Lime sulfur sprays can improve spring disease control

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

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  Early season sprays for managing San Jose scale

  Published on April 16, 2019
  Considerations for spring management of tree fruit pests like San Jose scale.

• Some tips for planting fruit trees

  Published on April 13, 2011
  A few basic steps at planting time can impact longevity and performance of an orchard.

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  Northwest Michigan fruit update – May 25, 2021

  Published on May 25, 2021
  The recent warm weather has moved fruit crops along; sweet cherries are sizing, tart cherries are coming out of the shuck and apples range from petal fall to 3-4 millimeters.

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  How should fruit growers respond to hail and severe storms?

  Published on July 12, 2016
  Quick action by growers can reduce losses in fruit plantings damaged by storms.

• Regional reports on Michigan fruit – July 17, 2012

  Published on July 18, 2012
  MSU Extension educators’ pest and fruit updates for Michigan.