Crop Protection

Bird management options for fruit growers

Many birds eat fruit to help meet their water requirements in addition to their energy requirements. In dry years like 2016, when other water sources are limited, birds depend on fruit to a greater extent... more »

Five things to know about the future of agriculture

1. Apps are critical to ag. Farmers use mobile technology for many things, including turning irrigation and other equipment on or off, maintaining pest counts from field scouting, identifying bugs, checking field records, reviewing soil types,... more »

Insecticide recommendations for managing SWD during harvest

As discussed in an earlier post, we anticipated that 2016 would be a challenging year for spotted wing drosophila (SWD) management due to mild winter conditions and infestation in neighboring states. Because of this prediction,... more »

Computer-based testing now available for Michigan pesticide certification

A collaboration between the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and Metro Institute is offering pesticide applicators computer-based pesticide applicator certification exams at locations throughout Michigan. Metro Institute partners with colleges and universities to utilize their... more »

Stockton, Syngenta sign distribution deal for biofungicide tech

The Stockton Group (STK) has signed a major agreement with Syngenta as the exclusive global distributor of a new biofungicide technology based on tea tree oil for the control of several diseases in ornamental crops.... 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 »

Gantec’s Virtue 4 receives organic certification

Midland, Michigan-based Gantec’s new product – Virtue 43 natural plant adjuvant has been certified by the Organic Materials Research Institute (OMRI) as acceptable for organic cultivation. According to a news release, OMRI recently completed a... more »

Study: Invasive species could cause billions in damages to agriculture

Invasive insects and pathogens could be a multi-billion- dollar threat to global agriculture and developing countries may be the biggest target, according to a team of international researchers. "Invasive pests and diseases are a major... more »