College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

• Spotted wing Drosophila monitoring effort evaluation for 2014

  Published on October 21, 2014
  We are encouraging Michigan fruit growers to take a short survey to measure the effectiveness of MSU Extension’s 2014 spotted wing Drosophila statewide monitoring program.

• East Michigan fruit regional report – June 7, 2016

  Published on June 7, 2016
  Farmers received much-needed rain, but most of the region has had dry soils for the last three weeks. Apple growers saw fruit drop over the past week.

• Southeast Michigan fruit regional report – June 4, 2013

  Published on June 4, 2013
  The thinning window is beginning to close for apple growers, and strawberry harvest is approaching.

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  Northwest Michigan fruit regional report – June 9, 2015

  Published on June 9, 2015
  Predicted stormy and wet conditions will be challenging for preventing disease infections this week.

• Where are all the bees?

  Published on March 23, 2012
  Michigan fruit trees blooming a month early means that bees need to be here a month early, too. There are several issues affecting the movement of bees quickly into Michigan.

• Fungicide resistance management considerations for cherry leaf spot control

  Published on June 8, 2010
  

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  Northwest Michigan fruit update – April 6, 2021

  Published on April 6, 2021
  With the recent warm weather, development is three to four weeks ahead of normal, and growers are starting their apple management programs this week.

• Managing bacterial canker in sweet cherries: What are the options?

  Published on July 10, 2012
  While highly effective management strategies for bacterial canker are not available, the best tactics include using copper to reduce PSS populations during bloom prior to frosts and correctly-timed pruning.

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  Michigan spotted wing Drosophila update – June 23, 2020

  Published on June 23, 2020
  Warm weather is here and SWD populations are rising. Expect to begin protecting susceptible crops.

• East Michigan fruit crop report – July 21, 2017

  Published on July 21, 2017
  Spotted wing Drosophila jump to high numbers. Protecting ripening fruit is critical.

• East Michigan fruit regional report – May 17, 2016

  Published on May 17, 2016
  Bloom period has been long for tree fruit growing in east Michigan. Recent cold temperatures were very close to causing flower bud damage for some growers.

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  Spotted wing Drosophila in west central Michigan: Trends, trees and traps

  Published on September 5, 2019
  Regional spotted wing Drosophila traps tell you when to start a spray program, not how to alter it once it’s been initiated.

• Controlling cherry leaf spot in orchards with early infections

  Published on June 5, 2014
  Cherry leaf spot infection has already occurred in many Northwest Michigan tart cherry orchards. It will be critical to protect new leaf growth with fungicide applications with tightened spray intervals to prevent a wide-scale epidemic.

• How to get the most out of your fungicide sprays

  Published on July 8, 2014
  Consider these tips in improving fungicide spray efficacy and efficiency.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit update – April 9, 2019

  Published on April 9, 2019
  With warmer weather in April, plant growth has started and buds are swollen.

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  Grand Rapids area tree fruit update – June 28, 2022

  Published on June 28, 2022
  Warm, dry conditions expected across the region. Fruit sizing continues. Cherry harvest underway.

• East Michigan fruit update – May 12, 2020

  Published on May 12, 2020
  Cold temperatures on Friday night and Saturday morning caused more damage to flower buds on many fruit crops. This damage is in addition to damage from cold temperatures on April 22.

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  Grand Rapids area tree fruit update – June 4, 2024

  Published on June 4, 2024
  The Grand Rapids area is moving into second cover timing.

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  Michigan spotted wing Drosophila update - July 3, 2018

  Published on July 3, 2018
  SWD are still active, though traps caught low numbers due to the heat; ripening fruit must be protected against infestation.

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  Southeast Michigan fruit update – May 13, 2025

  Published on May 13, 2025
  Blueberries and strawberries are blooming and in fruit set.