MIFruitcast Podcast

MIFruitcast is a Michigan State University Extension podcast focused on fruit production and hosted by Emily Lavely.

MIFruitcast is downloadable on:

  • Dr. Jason Londo Interview

    Published on October 7, 2025
    In this episode, Dr. Jason Londo chats with us about his work at Cornell University. He researches cold hardiness and dormancy in grapes and apples, rootstock and scion relationships, and how climate change affects our cropping systems.

  • Interview with Dr. Lee Kalcsits

    Published on October 3, 2025
    In this episode, we talk to Dr. Lee Kalcsits from Washington State University about how hot and cold events throughout the year impact production and fruit quality in pear and apple.

  • Statewide Update

    Published on August 12, 2025
    In this episode, Emily is joined by Dr. Nikki Rothwell and Dr. Derek Plotkowski to give fruit updates from around the state. Enjoy!

  • Apple Decision Tool

    Published on August 11, 2025
    In this episode of MIFruitcast, Jackie Perkins shares information about the new Apple Decision Tool.

  • SWD Update with Dr. Nikki Rothwell and Jackie Perkins

    Published on July 7, 2025
    Hope everyone had a great Fourth of July! In this episode we discussed SWD population levels, treatment options, and harvest tips. Check out the SWD larvae testing protocol video made by Jackie Perkins and her team in the link below. Enjoy! https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/how-to-sample-cherries-to-determine-spotted-wing-drosophila-infestation

  • Update with Dr. Nikki Rothwell about SWD

    Published on June 27, 2025
    Hi everyone! Today, I’m joined by my colleague Dr. Nikki Rothwell, MSU Extension Specialist and the Director at the Northwest Michigan Horticulture Research Center to talk about SWD in cherries.

  • Tree Fruit Update with the MSU Extension Fruit Team

    Published on June 20, 2025
    This week, Derek Plotkowski Ph.D. and Jackie Perkins join the podcast to give updates on small fruits and tree fruit in Southeast and West Michigan.

  • Fire Blight Update

    Published on June 11, 2025
    In this episode, Dr. George Sundin joined me to talk about management strategies for fire blight especially in light of the recent storms that hit Michigan.

  • Tree Fruit Update with Dr. Nikki Rothwell

    Published on June 8, 2025
    This week, MSU Extension Specialist Dr. Nikki Rothwell, joined me to talk about how the season is progressing for tree fruit here in Michigan.

  • MIFruitcast: Tree Fruit Pathology Research with George Sundin

    Published on March 28, 2024
    In this episode, we talk to Dr. George Sundin, MSU's tree fruit pathologist, about understanding pathogens to better fight them in the field. Hosted by Lindsay Brown and Cheyenne Sloan https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License code: BN8AVCJZJCUEGJDA