College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

• Predicted 2013 apple harvest dates

  Published on July 23, 2013
  The roller coaster-like spring weather still results in 2013 apple harvest dates near normal averages.

• Grand Rapids apple maturity report - September 4, 2014

  Published on September 5, 2014
  Gala and Macs are close with Honeycrisp coming soon.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit update – May 16, 2023

  Published on May 16, 2023
  Strawberry bloom is underway across the region. Apple bloom is finishing. Most stone fruit is out of the shuck.

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  Grand Rapids area apple maturity report – Oct. 16, 2019

  Published on October 17, 2019
  First harvest of early blocks of Honeycrisp and Gala will begin soon.

• Honeycrisp leaf yellowing showing up on Michigan apples

  Published on September 4, 2012
  Leaf yellowing on Honeycrisp apples looks severe, but seems to have no detrimental effect on the trees.

• Why does apple fruit drop prematurely?

  Published on September 11, 2013
  There’s more going on than simply gravity when apples fall prematurely.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit update – June 6, 2023

  Published on June 6, 2023
  Strawberry harvest has begun. Others like sweet cherries are not far behind.

• Apple thinning points for 2014

  Published on June 4, 2014
  The 2014 apple thinning season factors are unique, as always, and will need consideration before performing thinning.

• Bend branches now to encourage flower bud initiation in high density apple orchards

  Published on June 26, 2012
  The window of opportunity to influence flowering and reproductive capability for the 2013 season of branches in apples is upon us.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit update – May 9, 2023

  Published on May 9, 2023
  Stone fruit are largely finished with bloom. Apple and blueberry bloom is now underway.

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  West central Michigan tree fruit update – June 24, 2025

  Published on June 24, 2025
  Hot weather advanced fruit size and development. Tart cherries are turning red, and early sweet cherries may be ready for harvest later this week.

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  West central Michigan apple maturity report – September 7, 2023

  Published on September 7, 2023
  Premier Honeycrisp and Minneiska harvest is wrapping up in the west central region. McIntosh, Gala and Honeycrisp harvest will be starting shortly for some growers.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit update – July 25, 2023

  Published on July 25, 2023
  Insects and diseases are active in area fruit crops.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit update – May 23, 2023

  Published on May 23, 2023
  Plum curculio damage is being seen. Oriental fruit moth and codling moth flight is underway. Grape berry moth biofix is expected soon.

• West Michigan tree fruit regional report – April 7, 2015

  Published on April 7, 2015
  Tree fruit development is slightly delayed in west Michigan, but growers should be ready.

• High density apple plantings are a must for harvest machine

  Published on October 22, 2012
  Planning ahead will help you reap the benefits of apple harvesting more efficiently.

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  ReTain application at king bloom petal fall shows promise in increasing fruit set of SweeTango apples

  Published on July 26, 2019
  Plant growth regulator could be used at key timing to increase yield in shy-bearing SweeTango orchards, and has implications for other shy-bearing varieties in Michigan’s industry.

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  Esfenvalerate is losing its efficacy against oriental fruit moth in Michigan

  Published on February 2, 2018
  Research conducted in 2017 provides new information on the use of esfenvalerate to manage oriental fruit moth.

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  Southeast Michigan fruit update – August 19, 2025

  Published on August 21, 2025
  Red Haven harvest, early apples and veraison in grapes.

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  Southwest Michigan apple maturity report – August 27, 2025

  Published on August 27, 2025
  Cooler temperatures and sunshine have enhanced red color in ripening apples as Gala, Honey Crisp and Macintosh head towards harvest.