College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

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  Grand Rapids area apple maturity report – October 12, 2022

  Published on October 12, 2022
  This week, cool temperatures continue. Harvest of mid- and late-season varieties is underway.

• The nuances of stop drop applications in apples

  Published on September 28, 2011
  NAA can be used as a stop drop application near harvest time to delay fruit drop, but watch moisture and temperatures.

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  Grand Rapids area tree fruit update – May 17, 2022

  Published on May 17, 2022
  After a record-setting warm week, expect a return to cooler than normal conditions.

• Northwest Michigan apple maturity report – October 15, 2014

  Published on October 15, 2014
  The northwest region continues to receive a lot of rainfall, which is slowing apple harvest in the north.

• Michigan’s tree fruit industries propose establishing a new Tree Fruit Commission

  Published on November 27, 2013
  A new assessment program has been proposed to provide funds for infrastructure that supports educational and research efforts within Michigan’s tree fruit industry.

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  West central Michigan tree fruit update – June 10, 2025

  Published on June 10, 2025
  June drop is beginning for some early sweet cherry varieties.

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  Northwest Michigan fruit update – May 13, 2025

  Published on May 14, 2025
  Sweet cherries are in full bloom, and tart cherries are close behind at 50% bloom. Apples are at pink, and growers are busy with bloom activities.

• West central Michigan apple maturity report – Aug. 28, 2019

  Published on August 28, 2019
  Harvest is going to be late this year, so don’t let your calendar trick you into picking too soon.

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  Keep bee safety in mind during orchard bloom

  Published on May 8, 2015
  Bloom is upon us again and it is time to review best management practices for protecting bees in orchards.

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  Grand Rapids area tree fruit update –July 9, 2024

  Published on July 9, 2024
  Peach harvest is underway in the area.

• 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.

• Northwest Michigan apple maturity report – Sept. 15, 2021

  Published on September 15, 2021
  This apple maturity report is the fourth this season. Harvest has begun in earnest across northwest Michigan.

• Northwest Michigan fruit regional report – May 14, 2013

  Published on May 14, 2013
  The Mother’s Day cold temperatures had marginal impact on northwest Michigan fruit.

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  A primer for Streptomycin, Kasumin and Oxytetracycline use for fire blight management

  Published on May 21, 2019
  Streptomycin, Kasumin and oxytetracycline are registered for blossom blight control on pome fruit in the U.S. Informational summaries about these antibiotics and their use patterns are explained.

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  Relief may be available for fruit, nut and ornamental growers with winter injury

  Published on May 29, 2015
  Growers who are experiencing higher than typical levels of perennial mortality in the field are encouraged to contact the Farm Service Agency.

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  Trevor Nichols Research Center hosts final 2025 field day

  Published on September 30, 2025
  On Sept. 25, the Trevor Nichols Research Center hosted the final field day of the 2025 season, where faculty and staff shared research and strategies on managing fruit crop pests and diseases.

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  Grand Rapids area tree fruit update – May 3, 2022

  Published on May 3, 2022
  Cool, dry conditions last week, but expect rain and warming temperatures by the weekend and next week.

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  Discover best plants to support beneficial insects at upcoming field day

  Published on July 12, 2016
  Register to attend this Aug. 2, 2016, field day where MSU researchers will demonstrate optimal plants for season-long support of crop pollinators and biocontrol agents.

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  Grand Rapids area tree fruit update – April 2, 2019

  Published on April 2, 2019
  Another slow start to spring is good news to tree fruit producers.

• Southwest Michigan apple maturity report – October 8, 2014

  Published on October 8, 2014
  Harvest of Golden Delicious in southwest Michigan is well underway with Red Delicious ramping up. Rain has hampered harvesting somewhat. Fruit size is generally very good where fruit were thinned properly.