Crop Protection
SWD egg laying affected by extreme drought, heat
The earliest ever arrival in New York State of this fast-reproducing insect rang alarm bells in anticipation of heavy infestations in early or mid-season berry crops that often escape damage. However, larval infestations have been... more »
Vestaron uses peptide technology to enter biocontrol market
Bolstered by recent EPA approval to delete the bee toxicity warning statement from its Spear biopesticide label, Kalamazoo, Michigan-based Vestaron continues to develop peptide-based insecticides that are expected to hit the commercial market this year.... more »
Considerations for hail-damaged cherries after storms
Cherry orchards were impacted by hail on July 8, 2016, and growers should carefully weigh options to determine future management strategies. First, growers should assess the level of damage as the outcome of this assessment... more »
How to respond to hail and severe storms
Strong storms are not uncommon in Michigan. These storms often have high winds, heavy rains and in some cases hail. Severe storms, especially accompanied by hail, have the potential to promote and spread serious diseases... more »
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 »
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 »
Yellow spots on Michigan grape leaves not downy mildew
In late May, small, yellow spots on grape leaves were noticed by growers and vineyard scouts in multiple vineyards in southwest Michigan. Usually a single spot per leaf was seen on a range of grape... more »
How to prevent, manage SWD infestation
Our recent mild winter raised concerns about the potential for early season spotted wing drosophila (SWD) damage to berries, which were further increased when South Carolina strawberry growers observed infestation last month. We have now... more »
Field trials confirm efficacy of Delegate WG insecticide
Field trials conducted by Cornell University in 2015 reinforce the effective control of Delegate WG insecticide in combating troublesome pome fruit pests. Whether sprayed alone or tank-mixed, the study shows that Delegate provides consistent control... more »
Pruning key in managing blueberry stem gall wasp
Blueberry stem gall wasp is native to eastern North America, where it can infest new and actively-growing blueberry stems during bloom. It can be found in lowbush and highbush blueberries, and in managed and unmanaged... more »
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IFTA Yakima Valley tour provides orchard insights
IFTA recognizes tree fruit honorees
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