May 10, 2007Weekly Blueberry Growing Update Available from MSU
Michigan blueberry growers can stay abreast of pest-related growing season challenges by subscribing to a new weekly scouting report newsletter from the Michigan State University (MSU) Blueberry Team.
Focused on integrated pest management topics, the newsletter provides growers with information on insect and disease activities and articles about various blueberry pests, as well as weather and degree day information, crop growth stages, pesticide labels, frost protection and pollination updates.
The newsletter, which will be posted every Tuesday throughout the growing season, is based on insect and disease scouting on two farms in Van Buren County and two farms in Ottawa County.
It is available via free e-mail subscription. To subscribe, e-mail [email protected]. It can also be found online at www.blueberries.msu.edu or www.isaacslab.ent.msu.edu/MainPages/.
“Our goal is to increase Michigan blueberry growers’ awareness of new integrated pest management approaches that can be used on farms to minimize pest outbreaks and techniques for scouting pests,” said MSU entomologist Rufus Isaacs.
“We hope to save growers money, improve quality and, overall, we hope to improve communication between MSU research and Extension programs and the Michigan blueberry industry.”
The newsletter is funded by a grant from EPA’s Agriculture Initiative and is produced by MSU Extension blueberry specialists and educators.