Fruit Crops

Understanding and preventing farm employee heat-related illness

Published on June 29, 2023
Heat-related illnesses can occur indoors or outdoors and during any season of the year.
Mite management in tree fruits under hot and dry weather conditions

Published on June 13, 2023
There are many options available for mite control in fruit crops.
Surviving the dry spell: MSU Extension's drought website provides vital resources

Published on June 8, 2023
Drought conditions are always troubling, but MSU Extension resources are available to help producers and landowners make the best management decisions for them.
Protecting blueberry blooms from extreme heat injury using overhead irrigation

Published on June 1, 2023
Michigan’s blueberry industry has been increasingly affected by climate change with spring heatwaves and long, dry periods causing potential yield losses.
Reducing heat stress for you and your employees

Published on June 22, 2022
Heat stress can be an issue for you and your employees, even in a northern state like Michigan. Multiple 90+ degree days during spring 2022 brought that to light for many of us working in agriculture.
Irrigation to help get the crop started

Published on June 2, 2022
Irrigators have the advantage of being able to apply water to aid germination, emergence, and incorporate herbicides and nutrients. If rainfall is short, irrigation can prevent early season drought.
Fall and winter drought could cause challenges in crops

Published on April 22, 2021
Below normal precipitation during the fall and winter has resulted in a decline in groundwater levels. Producers need to prepare for potential challenges, especially if they irrigate crops.
Fruit and vegetable farmers: Nov. 20 crop and disaster insurance deadline looming

Published on November 12, 2012
Michigan State University Extension urges fruit growers to carefully evaluate the costs and potential benefits of crop insurance for their farms.
Fruit farms consider crop insurance options to manage risk

Published on October 18, 2012
Fruit farms can now learn more about crop insurance as a risk management tool in an online video.
Fruit farms need to act soon before enrollment deadlines expire

Published on October 8, 2012
Fruit farms are reminded of the deadline for enrolling in one of the Crop Insurance or Noninsured Crop Disaster Programs with the Farm Service Agency.
Fruit Farm financial summary tool to prep for disaster loans

Published on September 4, 2012
Farm financial business summary and analysis forms are now available for farms to download.
Plum nursery mites and firing observed in tart cherry

Published on August 31, 2012
Tart cherry growers may need to apply a miticide application to protect overwintering health of trees.
Understanding the drought through the Evaporative Stress Index

Published on August 9, 2012
A look at the Evaporative Stress Index explains patterns of water availability and moisture stress across large areas.
Weather and pest problems plagued Michigan’s blueberries in 2012

Published on August 6, 2012
The 2012 blueberry season has been plagued with problems like no other in many years. Weather, pests and labor problems have seriously challenged Michigan’s blueberry industry, however, there are lessons we can learn from the situation.
Mediate disaster-related financial issues – don’t procrastinate

Published on August 3, 2012
Farmers who have experienced crop losses through drought or freeze may benefit by utilizing mediation services if they cannot meet financial obligations.
What is evapotranspiration and why it matters

Published on July 25, 2012
Under drought conditions, plants may not be able to extract water fast enough to keep up with evapotranspiration.
Counteracting adverse weather effects on deposition and degradation of insecticides used in berries

Published on July 24, 2012
Michigan is in the middle of a period of extreme heat and drought that affects not only the crop physiology, but also the way insect pests respond to pesticides used.
Is late season disease control needed in grapes?

Published on July 24, 2012
The warm, dry season has kept fungal diseases in grapes at bay. Continue vineyard and weather monitoring and be ready to take action if rainy weather returns.
Drought symptoms in blueberries

Published on July 19, 2012
Recognizing water stress in blueberries may allow you to recover without the loss of growth or crop this year and next.
Impact of heat, drought and related problems on Michigan’s blueberry and raspberry harvest

Published on July 18, 2012
Hot and dry weather conditions occurring in Michigan during the 2012 season are not conducive for a “normal” small fruit harvest.