Pest Control

Red Tomato rebrands apples, expands EcoCertified distribution

In time for the 2024 apple season, Red Tomato has rebranded and expanded distribution of its EcoCertified line of products. In addition to the redesign of Red Tomato’s EcoCertified fruit totes and pouches, Red Tomato... more »

MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics names new director

Jan Byrne has been promoted to lead Michigan State University’s (MSU) Plant & Pest Diagnostics department. She succeeds Ray Hammerschmidt, who plans to retire. Byrne, who holds a doctoral degree, has worked at MSU as... more »

Grand Rapids tree fruit update from MSU

Cooler temperatures in the Grand Rapids region this week are aiding fruit reddening, with nighttime lows dipping into the 50s and 60s. While Tuesday morning brought rain and potential thunderstorms, the rest of the week... more »

Smart tech wipes out pests: The latest trends in spraying automation

Innovative spraying technology can help manage pests and diseases threats, which can significantly harm fruit and tree nut crops, affecting yield and quality. The new tech helps ensure healthy trees and abundant production. Responsible use... more »

Pearson Farm’s six generations find orchard happiness

Run by fifth- and sixth- generation family members, Pearson Farms planted its first peach trees in 1885. Pecan trees were added in the 1930s. Lanier and Lawton Pearson. Photos courtesy Pearson... more »

Talking tech: New app innovations aid growers

Farming has forever been changed by technology, with new innovations helping growers of fruit, vegetables and tree nuts improve things such as pest management, disease monitoring and data collecting. One of the biggest help to... more »

FIRA preview: Tree fruit tech options abound at ag robotics conference

The third iteration of the International Forum of Agricultural Robotics, known as FIRA-USA, plans to offer growers of tree fruit, grapes, berries, vegetables and nuts a view of the state of specialty crop robotics and... more »

Great Bear Vineyards’ biologicals focus

As the owner of Great Bear Vineyards, which will complete transitioning all grapes to organic production this year, Marcus Meadows-Smith relies on biological products to help control disease and pests. He’s not just a user... more »