Fruits
Breeding, energy, shelf life will drive future of storage
What might fruit storage look like in the future? Several experts shared their thoughts with FGN. Randy Beaudry, a horticulture professor at Michigan State University, said storage technology has pushed fruit about as hard as... more »
MRLs could pose trade barrier for U.S. fruit exports
Market pressures are forcing growers to be more aware of the impacts of maximum residue levels (MRLs) on their product. Without attention to detail, they could be locked out of markets in the global food... more »
Training young apple branches for high density systems
Michigan State University Extension recommends a number of approaches to training young developing apple branches in newly planted, up to 3- to 4-year-old trees in a planting for high density systems. This practice becomes more... more »
Penn State: Insect fruit pests update for July
By now at least one generation of codling moth, oriental fruit moth, tufted apple bud moth and or obliquebanded leafroller should be completed and if our management effort was successful, the pressure from consecutive generations... more »
Controlling cherry leaf spot in orchards with existing symptoms
Cherry leaf spot is the most important fungal disease of tart cherries in Michigan. The leaf spot fungus, Blumeriella jaapii, typically infects leaves and symptoms first appear on upper leaf surfaces as small, purple spots.... more »
2015 Michigan cherry production forecast
Michigan tart cherry production is forecast at 134 million pounds, 34 percent less than the 2014 crop, according to the USDA, NASS, Great Lakes Regional Office. While optimism was high for the crop in early... more »
Guesstimate shows winter’s impact on crops
Coming off back-to-back winters that challenged fruit growers in Michigan, industry leaders gathered June 24 set the stage for what to expect from the 2015 crop.“We’ve experienced two harsh winters in a row and we’re... more »
Excessive rain promotes Phytophthora diseases in raspberries, strawberries
In a rainy year, there is a higher risk of diseases caused by Oomycetes, also called “water molds,” especially Phytophthora species, which thrive in waterlogged soils and areas with standing water for periods of time.... more »