College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

• It’s cider time in Michigan and the hunt is on for Michigan apples

  Published on September 17, 2012
  Although fresh Michigan tree fruit is in short supply this fall season, limited amounts are available at farm stands and farmer’s markets – and they’re well worth the effort to seek out.

• Northwest Michigan fruit update – May 5, 2020

  Published on May 5, 2020
  The region is two weeks behind normal due to cold temperatures and freezing temperatures are forecasted for this week.

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  Grand Rapids area apple maturity report – October 14, 2024

  Published on October 14, 2024
  Last week of apple maturity reports.

• Spotted wing Drosophila detections are increasing in fruit crops

  Published on June 19, 2012
  Monitor ripening fruit crops to know where and when to protect against spotted wing Drosophila, a new pest to Michigan.

• East Michigan fruit update – July 30, 2019

  Published on July 30, 2019
  Protection from spotted wing Drosophila infestation will need to continue to the end of harvest for tart cherries, summer red raspberries, fall raspberries and blueberries.

• Watch for late season apple pests

  Published on August 19, 2008
  

• Northwest Michigan apple maturity report – Sept. 11, 2019

  Published on September 11, 2019
  Harvest of early season varieties has begun in northwest Michigan.

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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.

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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.

• West central Michigan apple maturity report – October 20, 2016

  Published on October 20, 2016
  The end of the 2016 apple harvest is in sight.

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  Multileader apple production systems: Pros and cons for Michigan’s apple industry

  Published on August 19, 2019
  A discussion for growers considering adopting new high-density apple systems.

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  Fire blight risk very high in Michigan: Consider treatment options

  Published on May 22, 2020
  The risk for blossom blight infection is extreme for May 23-27, 2020. Kasumin is best for control in Fruit Ridge orchards where we have diagnosed streptomycin resistance in the fire blight pathogen. Streptomycin and Kasumin are best in other areas.

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  Free texting service helps growers teach workers about produce safety

  Published on September 16, 2021
  To help growers and supervisors overcome produce safety challenges, MSU Extension has created a free farm worker-focused, on-farm produce safety texting service.

• Southwest Michigan apple maturity report – Oct. 11, 2017

  Published on October 11, 2017
  Most main-season varieties have been picked. A few very late-season varieties such as Wealthy, Goldrush and Pink Lady will finish up the harvest in southwest Michigan.

• Managing mites in apples

  Published on July 1, 2014
  European red mites are the predominant mite pest species of Michigan apples, and without biological control, miticides are often needed to prevent economic injury.

• Michigan spotted wing Drosophila report for August 19, 2014

  Published on August 20, 2014
  Spotted wing Drosophila numbers continue to rise across the monitoring network. Protect susceptible crops where SWD are detected.

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  West central Michigan tree fruit update – June 6, 2017

  Published on June 6, 2017
  Updates on growing degree-days, fruit development stages, apple scab, cherry leaf spot, fire blight, plum curculio, oriental fruit moth, codling moth and stone fruit borers.

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  Pesticide applicator recertification credits available before the end of the year

  Published on October 4, 2018
  Growers needing a few more credits in 2018 have until Dec. 31 to complete the online Desire to Learn IPM course.

• Southeast Michigan fruit regional report – August 4, 2015

  Published on August 4, 2015
  European red mite bronzing is apparent in some apple blocks. Harvest continues for summer apple varieties, early peaches, blueberries and Japanese plums.

• Fire blight risk reduced temporarily

  Published on May 16, 2011
  Current weather conditions have reduced the risk of fire blight infection, but it is still essential to keep shoot blight under control.