Crop Management
CA Storage Clinic set for Aug. 3
The 2016 MSU Controlled Atmosphere Storage Clinic will be held at Boulder Creek Golf Club in Belmont, Michigan, on Aug. 3. Michigan State University's Department of Horticulture organizes the Controlled Atmosphere (CA) Clinic every other year to... more »
USDA-NASS survey focuses on Illinois production practices
On July 1, the Heartland Regional Field Office of the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA-NASS) began mailing out surveys asking Illinois farmers about the techniques they utilize in accordance with the state's Nutrient Loss Reduction... more »
SCDA launches website to assist in Farm Aid applications
The South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) has launched a new tool on the SCDA website to help farmers who suffered crop loss due to last year’s flooding apply for South Carolina Farm Aid grants.... more »
Pathologist hits back against fire blight
Fire blight and apple scab are the two biggest disease problems for Michigan’s commercial apple orchards. Scab hits annually, with damage to fruit the main concern. Fire blight is more sporadic – but when it... more »
Hearings scheduled for Required Ag Practices rules in Vermont
The Vermont Department of Agriculture has scheduled public hearings for a final draft of proposed Required Agricultural Practices rules. Public hearings on the proposed rules begin June 21 in St. Albans. Hearings are scheduled in Brandon,... more »
Study shows it’s possible to strengthen tree support system
Apple growers today want to produce large apples on small trees, with the trees packed as tightly as possible. Such a system can improve efficiency and yields, but has inherent structural problems. Heavy fruit loads,... more »
Yellow spots on Michigan grape leaves not downy mildew
In late May, small, yellow spots on grape leaves were noticed by growers and vineyard scouts in multiple vineyards in southwest Michigan. Usually a single spot per leaf was seen on a range of grape... more »
New Jersey growers expect steady peach supply
New Jersey peach growers expect a steady supply of peaches this summer, following a normal ripening pattern with the first peaches ready for harvest in late June. “It has been a rocky road this winter... more »
FreshNSure tests for 1-MCP treatment
New technology from NSure can test for 1-MCP treatment in apples, according to the company. The test can be used shortly after treatment or after months in storage. The FreshNSure test is based on measurement... more »
Using Apogee to control vegetative growth in apple trees
Apogee is a plant growth regulator composed of prohexadione-calcium that can be used in apples with significant advantages to the grower. Prohexidione-calcium reduces terminal growth by inhibiting important enzymes that help form growth-specific gibberellins. In... more »