New digital tool for apple growers: MSU launches MI Fruit Decision website and instructional video
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EmailThe free MI Fruit Decision website contains decision making tools for apple growers to improve pest management programs, now with an easy-to-follow video tutorial.
The new MI Fruit Decision website allows apple growers and crop consultants to search pest control methods by apple growth stage, specific pests or control measures. Most of the information on the website is compiled from the “E154 Fruit Management Guide” and other Michigan State University Extension resources. This website is available for free and is compatible with desktop or mobile devices.
This video demonstration provides instructions and examples of how to use the website:
Users can start a decision process using three different approaches:
- Select a timing – plan management decisions during a specific tree growth stage or season timing.
- Only the insects and diseases relevant to the selected timing will appear to help prioritize key pests.
- Select a pest – plan management decisions for specific insect pests and diseases.
- Users can select multiple pests simultaneously to compare control options.
- Select a control – plan management decisions using a specific chemical control.
- Helps users understand all the ways a particular chemical can be used.
The results page will show controls in alphabetical order along with their efficacy for the respective pest/disease. There will also be notes about the selected pests, such as identification and scouting information. Clicking on each pesticide product will display the application rate, active ingredients, restricted entry interval (REI), preharvest interval (PHI), signal word and FRAC/IRAC code. Users can further customize the results output by using the filter options. Filters include showing only organic certified products, hiding restricted use products, efficacy, REI and PHI.
The project team is actively collecting feedback from industry partners so the website can be continually improved. There is a “Share Feedback” link in the top right corner of the website to share anonymous feedback. Additional comments or questions can be sent directly to Jackie Perkins (albertj9@msu.edu). For now, the website only has information for apple pest decisions, however over the next few years more of Michigan’s fruit crops will be added by the Michigan State University Extension specialists team.
This website provides a summary of the relative performance of certain pesticides for specific pests of Michigan fruit crops. These recommendations are based primarily on research data gathered by Michigan State University scientists over several years. The efficacy ratings may not be accurate in all orchards. The information on this website does not supersede the label directions as changes in pesticide regulations occur constantly. If you have questions, contact your county Extension office. To protect yourself, others and the environment, always read the label before applying any pesticides.
Special thanks to Ashlyn Clement and Angeline Tran for their work in developing this apple decision tool.
This work is supported by Project GREEEN, project award number GR24-036, from AgBioResearch and MSU Extension at Michigan State University, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
