MSU blueberry field day set for September 9 in Fennville
Michigan State University Extension will host its fifth annual Blueberry Research Field Day on Sept. 9, giving commercial growers an opportunity to see the latest university research and production demonstrations in the field.
The free event will take place from noon to 4 p.m. at the Trevor Nichols Research Center in Fennville, Michigan. Lunch will be provided beginning at 11:30 a.m., and advance registration is required by Sept. 7 to help organizers plan for meals and educational materials.
According to Michigan State University Extension, the field day will focus on hands-on learning for commercial blueberry producers, with presentations and demonstrations from MSU researchers and specialists covering current production challenges and emerging technologies.
Topics on the agenda include:
- Updates from the Northern Highbush variety trial.
- Irrigation timing strategies.
- A demonstration of soft robotic technology for blueberry harvesting.
- New management options for blueberry stem blight.
- Insect management research.
- Overhead cooling to protect pollination.
- Research on blueberry fruit rots, spotted wing drosophila and plant-parasitic nematodes.
The event will also offer three Michigan Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) credits for eligible attendees.
Michigan State University Extension encourages growers interested in attending to register before the Sept. 7 deadline. More information and registration are available through the MSU Extension website. This article is based on information provided by Michigan State University Extension.