News

Southwest Michigan field crops update – April 23, 2026

Published on April 23, 2026
Wheat is at Feekes 7 (two nodes). Alfalfa weevil damage is starting in alfalfa. Some fieldwork occurred between pockets of rainfall.
Wheat Watchers Week of April 20, 2026

Published on April 23, 2026
See how the wheat crop is progressing across Michigan this week.
Register today for the MSU Chestnut Chat 2026 Summer Series

Published on April 23, 2026
You’re invited to join the Michigan chestnut community for in-season discussions about commercial chestnut production.
Southwest Michigan fruit update – April 22, 2026

Published on April 22, 2026
It was a frosty start to the week, but at least the rain has paused for now.
Southeast Michigan fruit update – April 22, 2026

Published on April 22, 2026
Assess fruit for frost damage and protect against fire blight.
West central Michigan tree fruit update – April 21, 2026

Published on April 21, 2026
Drier conditions are a welcome change this week. Bud phenology is advancing steadily across tree fruit crops.
Northwest Michigan fruit update – April 21, 2026

Published on April 21, 2026
The overnight low dropped to 23.1 degrees Fahrenheit April 19-20, and we are evaluating status of the buds on crops across the region.
Microdochium patch (pink snow mold) of home lawns and golf courses

Published on April 17, 2026
Microdochium patch, commonly known as pink snow mold, is a common low-temperature disease of turfgrass in Michigan.
New pesticide decision website for apple growers

Published on April 17, 2026
The free “MI Fruit Decision” website contains decision making tools for apple growers to improve pest management programs using data from many years of MSU pesticide efficacy trials.
Stand your ground against early-season insect pests

Published on April 16, 2026
The Field Crops Virtual Breakfast on April 30 will feature management considerations for seedcorn maggot and other early insect pests. One RUP/CCA credit is available.