Northwest Michigan Horticulture Research Center

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Established 1979

This 137-acre center sits in the five-county northwestern region that produces almost half of the U.S. supply of tart cherries and is responsible for 83 percent of sweet cherry production in Michigan. Founded through the efforts of the northwestern Michigan area fruit industry, the center is the premier research site for integrated pest management, horticultural production and handling, value-added processing, marketing and farm financial management practices for sweet and tart cherries, wine grapes, apples, plums and hops. In addition to creating and expanding knowledge through leading-edge research on cherries and other fruits, the center disseminates state-of-the-art information to the Michigan fruit industry and the public.

Enviro-Weather Report

News

Northwest Michigan fruit update – May 9, 2023

Published on May 9, 2023
Weather conditions have been cool and wet, and tree fruit development has been slow. Sweet cherries have been in bloom for over a week with little bee activity. Warmer weather will help with pollination, and tart cherries will be in full bloom this week.
Northwest Michigan fruit update – May 2, 2023

Published on May 2, 2023
Current weather conditions have been cold and wet, but the forecast is for warmer and drier weather to move into the region. Warm weather will be welcomed for good pollination of opening sweet cherry.
MSU researchers seeking solutions for spotted wing drosophila

Published on April 24, 2023
The invasive fruit fly spotted wing drosophila damages soft-fleshed fruits such as berries and cherries.
Northwest Michigan fruit update – April 18, 2023

Published on April 18, 2023
Last week’s warm temperatures greatly advanced all tree fruit phenologically in the northwest region. Development has slowed with the drop in temperature, but trees are still ahead of schedule.
Northwest Michigan fruit update – April 11, 2023

Published on April 11, 2023
Warm temperatures are impacting the northwest region, but we are only seeing side green on sweet cherry variety Gold; all other fruit is dormant.