College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

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  West central Michigan apple maturity report – September 24, 2025

  Published on September 24, 2025
  A storm this week brought some relief from the drought. Jonagold and Empire are being harvested this week.

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  Biological control of brown marmorated stink bug in Michigan

  Published on July 24, 2019
  As a pest that feeds on a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, pest management of brown marmorated stink bugs likely means biological control.

• 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 apple maturity report – August 31, 2022

  Published on August 31, 2022
  Apples being harvested this week include Jonathan for processing and McIntosh, and finishing up early season Honeycrisp strains.

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  Southwest Michigan apple maturity report – September 24, 2025

  Published on September 24, 2025
  Apple harvest in southwest Michigan is shifting focus to mid- and late season varieties.

• Fall color show and winter dormancy in woody plants

  Published on October 8, 2012
  Brightly colored leaves mark a plant’s transition to winter dormancy as nutrients are stored for next spring’s growth.

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  Irrigation to help get the crop started

  Published on June 2, 2022
  Irrigators have the advantage of being able to apply water to aid germination, emergence, and incorporate herbicides and nutrients. If rainfall is short, irrigation can prevent early season drought.

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  What are my options when renewing my pesticide certification?

  Published on April 15, 2021
  Pesticide applicators can now take their certification exam remotely.

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  MSU Distinguished Professor awarded $1 million to address apple, sweet cherry diseases

  Published on February 10, 2025
  Dr. George Sundin receives funding from USDA-NIFA to explore bacteriophage as a tool for preventing fire blight, bacterial canker in Michigan fruit trees

• Sunscald and heat stress in apples could be an issue in the next week or two

  Published on August 22, 2013
  Apply apple sunscald protective materials right now prior to environmental conditions that lead to fruit damage.

• West Michigan tree fruit regional report – April 22, 2014

  Published on April 22, 2014
  Early apple varieties are showing a little green.

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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.

• Lime is to pH as antacids are to heartburn

  Published on March 25, 2011
  Managing your pH is a simple way to start improving plant nutrient availability and increasing crop yield.

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  Seasonal temperatures, fruit development and storability: How does 2024 compare to the previous 17 years?

  Published on September 9, 2024
  Field temperatures affect fruit condition and storability. Look back at seasonal temperatures across Michigan and what it means for Gala fruit development.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit regional report – May 19, 2015

  Published on May 19, 2015
  Very cool conditions will hold insect pests back this week. Blueberries and strawberries are blooming.

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  Grand Rapids area apple maturity report – September 11, 2024

  Published on September 11, 2024
  Fourth apple maturity report for the Grand Rapids region.

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  Southeast Michigan fruit update – April 29, 2025

  Published on April 30, 2025
  Apple, pear, peach and cherry bloom is starting.

• Northwest Michigan fruit update – May 22, 2018

  Published on May 22, 2018
  Tart cherries are in full bloom, early bloom in apples is underway, and predicted wet weather over the weekend is a concern for disease management.

• Be smart when farming near underground pipelines and utilities

  Published on March 16, 2018
  Spring means deep tillage, trenching, posthole digging, tile-laying, building and other earth-moving activities on the farm. Be aware of pipeline and utility safety issues and call 811 when needed.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit update – April 25, 2023

  Published on May 2, 2023
  Growers have been watching the cool morning temperatures closely, but no significant damage has been reported so far.