Crop Protection
Creating a brand for your farm
All farmers have something they feel identifies them. They may not have a logo, but they have something that holds a special meaning. This can be used as a logo and is the basis for... more »
Invasive feral pigs can devastate crops
Feral pigs are a major problem for everyone, not just farmers. Due to a high reproductive rate and a lack of natural predators, feral pigs are quickly becoming a huge nuisance problem in the U.S.,... more »
Washington tree fruit growers voting on assessment
Washington tree fruit growers who pay assessments to the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission (WTFRC) are voting on a special assessment that would raise $32 million for research. The Washington Department of Agriculture mailed ballots... more »
IPM approach thriving, despite threats
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a philosophy that applies the principles of ecology, especially population biology, to the management of pests in agricultural or managed systems. IPM considers the impact of actions taken on farm... more »
‘Dirty dozen’ debate
Let’s pretend we’re at a debate, where the opponents argue their positions in a civilized, reasonable manner. Nah, that’s boring. Let’s pretend we’re watching one of those obnoxious news shows where people sit around a... more »
Extension’s financial foundation has shifted over the years
Through its college of agriculture, experiment stations and Extension offices, a land-grant university can greatly aid its home state’s fruit and vegetable growers, providing them with practical, unbiased advice to help them stay in business.... more »
FDA issues rule on detention of food products
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an interim final rule that will allow the agency to detain on its own administrative authority food and feed products it believes are adulterated or misbranded. Previously,... more »
Blueberry meetings cover post bloom management of pests and fields
Michigan State University Extension has scheduled a series of meetings for blueberry growers in June. A pair of post bloom meetings begins next week on Thursday June 9. The same meeting will repeat in both... more »
Fungicide resistance management for cherry leaf spot
Fungicide management programs for cherry leaf spot must be initiated around petal fall when leaves are unfolding. What we are hoping to accomplish with leaf spot sprays is preventing or actually delaying initial infection events.... more »
Insecticides fight BMSB
DuPont Lannate SP and Lannate LV insecticides can now be used to control Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) infestations in the mainland United States (except in Texas, South Carolina and New Hampshire) on selected fruit,... more »