College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

• East Michigan fruit regional report – May 24, 2016

  Published on May 24, 2016
  Fire blight is still a concern for apple growers for the rest of the week. We had three frost events in the past week, but no flower bud damage is expected.

• East Michigan fruit update – May 15, 2018

  Published on May 15, 2018
  Apples are in bloom across the region. Apple growers across the southern two triers of counties have had a very long wetting event, making for tough conditions for apple scab and fire blight management.

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  A renewed interest in root pruning

  Published on May 7, 2015
  Fruit growers are showing a renewed interest in pruning roots to make canopies more compact.

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  Training young apple branches for high density systems

  Published on June 30, 2015
  There are multiple ways to train young apple branches to bend down as they begin to develop.

• Severe fire blight blossom blight risk for May 20-23

  Published on May 20, 2013
  Risk of blossom blight infection in Michigan orchards will be extremely high for the next three days. Orchard blocks of susceptible varieties should receive full covers of Kasumin or streptomycin at two-day intervals.

• Consumers learn about apple production by visiting a Kent county farm

  Published on November 29, 2012
  Even in a year with few apples on the trees, visitors to the Kent county Breakfast on the Farm event hosted by May Farms received unique insight into how apples are produced and packaged.

• IPM Academy to offer continuing education credits

  Published on January 23, 2012
  Need more continuing education credits in 2012? The IPM Academy on February 20-21 will offer 16 Pesticide Recertification credits, 9 Certified Crop Advisor credits, MAEAP Phase I credits, and 7 Certified Green Industry Professional credits!

• East Michigan apple maturity report – Sept. 26, 2018

  Published on September 26, 2018
  The typical order of apple variety harvest is very different this season, with maturity of several varieties jumping ahead of others. Jonagold, Jonathan, Golden Delicious and some early Red Delicious strains are ready for harvest.

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  Last chance to receive pesticide recertification credits from the IPM Academy Online

  Published on November 2, 2016
  Up to five commercial or private core pesticide recertification credits are available for Michigan applicators until Dec. 31, 2016. No registration or fees required.

• Livestock may not mix with fruit and vegetable production

  Published on March 1, 2012
  Livestock in close proximity to produce-growing areas can pose a problem for growers seeking food safety certification. With proper mitigation strategies, the two can coexist. Without these strategies, passing an audit may be difficult.

• East Michigan fruit update – Sept. 19, 2018

  Published on September 19, 2018
  Brown marmorated stink bug trap catches have taken a sharp rise at some east Michigan farms. Apple and fall red raspberry harvest are in full swing.

• Reduction of overwintering inoculum in orchards with apple scab

  Published on September 21, 2010
  

• Northwest Michigan fruit update – June 5, 2018

  Published on June 5, 2018
  With the recent heat and moisture, tree growth has accelerated and fruit is sizing quickly. Thinning is a priority for growers this week.

• Dieback issues in McIntosh cultivars in Michigan

  Published on August 24, 2010
  

• Are small farms exempt from Good Agricultural Practices certification?

  Published on April 25, 2011
  Growers operating small farms may not be required to be GAP certified under the new Food Safety Modernization Act, but retailers, packers and shippers keep demanding proof of GAP certification.

• Apple scab control 2010

  Published on April 13, 2010
  

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  Improved degree-day maps on Enviroweather

  Published on April 19, 2017
  New maps provide more accurate and extensive growing degree-day information to users making pest and crop decisions.

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  Importance of recycling on tall spindle apple plantings

  Published on April 3, 2015
  A key to successful canopy development is to retain and encourage productive growth by recycling vigorous branches in a tall spindle apple planting.

• Michigan apple maturity reports – October 5, 2011

  Published on October 5, 2011
  Each week, MSU Extension educators test apples for maturity in their region and report the status.

• Post-harvest wash water management for shelf life and food safety

  Published on August 8, 2016
  Washing fruits and vegetables properly in a dunk tank or hydrocooler can help extend shelf life and improve food safety. Improper washing increases the risk of a small food safety problem becoming a big one.