College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

• 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.

• East Michigan fruit update – May 26, 2020

  Published on May 26, 2020
  With warmer temperatures of the last week, fruit crops have taken on big swell of new growth. Bloom is almost finished for all of our fruit crops.

• Southwest Michigan fruit regional report – May 28, 2013

  Published on May 28, 2013
  Wet, cool weather slows down fruit crops and insects in the southwest region.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit update – 2021 review

  Published on January 12, 2022
  Repeated freezes in May damaged many crops. A dry summer kept disease pressure down in most fruits. Crop quality and volumes were generally good for early season crops, but a warm and wet October caused quality issues for some late crops.

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  Brown marmorated stink bug clinic for tree fruit growers, consultants and scouts

  Published on May 23, 2017
  Registration is now open for the June 22 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Clinic to learn all about managing this important new pest in Michigan peach and apple orchards.

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  Commercial specialty crop growers should register with Driftwatch

  Published on March 26, 2018
  Dicamba-resistant crop acreage is expected to increase, and with it the potential for non-target crop damage.

• Southeast Michigan fruit regional report – July 1, 2014

  Published on July 1, 2014
  Apple maggot trap catches and Japanese beetle sightings make an early appearance. Strawberry harvest wraps up for farms in the south and continues for most others while sweet and tart cherry harvest begins.

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  Grand Rapids area tree fruit update – July 21, 2020

  Published on July 21, 2020
  Summer pest and crop concerns for apples.

• FAQ regarding new Worker Protection Standards changes

  Published on January 17, 2017
  Frequently asked questions regarding the new Worker Protection Standards requirements for medical evaluations and fit testing for respirator use.

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  West central Michigan tree fruit update – April 23, 2024

  Published on April 23, 2024
  With a mix of warm and cool conditions, tree phenology has advanced slowly. Peaches are in bloom and sweet cherry bloom has begun in the region.

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  Reducing pesticide risk to bees during fruit crop bloom

  Published on May 12, 2022
  Bees are returning for pollination of fruit crops. Growers can protect pollinators by minimizing pesticide exposure and risk around bloom.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit update – Aug. 28, 2018

  Published on August 28, 2018
  Peach, apple, pear and plum harvest continues. Blueberry harvest is ending.

• Dependable information for beginning farmers – where can it be found?

  Published on December 30, 2013
  Research-based information sources are a good place to start.

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  West central Michigan tree fruit update – April 22, 2025

  Published on April 22, 2025
  Bud development is slow and steady with the cool weather, but changes are still occurring as we inch closer to bloom.

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  Do you need to worry about early spring freezes?

  Published on April 4, 2016
  Cold, windy, snowy weather shouldn’t concern fruit growers as much as calm, clear nights.

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  Managing bird damage on fruit farms

  Published on June 21, 2019
  Preventing habitual behavior is critical for effective bird damage management.

• Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources event to focus on soil health

  Published on January 12, 2016
  Michigan State University will host its first Agriculture Innovation Day: Focus on Soils on Aug. 24, 2016, at the Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center in Frankenmuth, Michigan.

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  Mite management in tree fruits under hot and dry weather conditions

  Published on June 13, 2023
  There are many options available for mite control in fruit crops.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit update – June 20, 2023

  Published on June 20, 2023
  Sweet cherry harvest is beginning. Tart cherries are also turning red. Tart harvest predictions are for a couple days ahead of the long-term average.