Grapes
Mother Nature batters northwest Michigan wine grapes
How much injury can a grapevine stand? We may know the answer to this question in the spring of 2016. The last two years have heaped unprecedented levels of injury and stress on the vineyards... more »
Water quality key factor when establishing new vineyard
Vineyard weed control, irrigation strategies and nutrient management all are key elements in effective crop management. Water quality concerns should rise to the top of that list, according to a western Michigan grower and irrigation... more »
BMSB starting to trouble Western growers
An invasive bug has been causing a stink among many Western fruit and vegetable growers. As the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) expands its reach, it’s challenging growers and researchers to develop new crop protection... more »
BASF helps grape grower fight spider mites
Hot, dry weather has plagued the West Coast this summer; many aspects of agriculture have been affected. “Spider mites pressure is often worse during hot, dry weather, so the lack of rain has not helped,”... more »
What to do about SWD-infested fruit?
The SWD monitoring network Counties are all positive for SWD as of last week, Aug. 28. A lot of SWD are being caught in traps in research sites now with population numbers expected to climb... more »
Grape berry moth update: Late-season pressure lower in 2015
Recent sampling of southwest Michigan vineyards indicates a lower pressure of grape berry moth than last season, but there are still regions in southwest Michigan with locally high infestations that should be controlled to prevent... more »
2015 Michigan Wine Competition results announced
Twenty-five wine experts from around the country gathered Aug. 11 in East Lansing for the 38th annual Michigan Wine Competition. Judges included Master Sommeliers Madeline Triffon, Claudia Tyagi and Kathy Morgan; Doug Frost, who is... more »
Storm damage: Northern Michigan winemakers may have no crop
For the past few days, we’ve been reporting on northern Michigan crop damage after a storm swept through the region on Aug. 2.As of now, winemakers are preparing for the possibility that they will have... more »
USDA to offer apple, grape grafting demos at Empire Farm Days
Scientists from the Agricultural Research Service Plant Genetic Resources Unit, Geneva, New York, will demonstrate grafting techniques used with apple trees and grapevines daily at the Aug. 11-13 Empire Farm Days at Rodman Lott and... more »
NWMHRC annual open house scheduled for August 27
The Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Center’s (NWMHRC) annual open house is scheduled for Aug. 27. This year’s event will include an equipment show, wine tasting and dinner, and the Leelanau Horticulture Society’s annual meeting. In... more »
