MSU’s Controlled Atmosphere Storage Clinic will be July 24 in Muskegon

Jackie Perkins<albertj9@msu.edu> and Randy Beaudry<beaudry@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension - July 17, 2026

Hear updates on the most recent scientific findings and related practical developments in the field of controlled atmosphere and refrigerated storage.

Decorative image. — The MSU CA Clinic facilitates communication between researchers, industry spokespersons, technical experts and packinghouse and storage operators.

The 2026 Michigan State University (MSU) Controlled Atmosphere (CA) Storage Clinic will take place July 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Shoreline Inn and Conference Center in Muskegon, Michigan. Organized by the Department of Horticulture at Michigan State every other year, the clinic is designed to pass on new information relating to controlled atmosphere storage and warehousing of apple and other temperate fruit.

The CA Clinic brings together researchers, industry spokespersons, technical experts and packinghouse and storage operators. Attendees will hear updates on the most recent scientific findings and related practical developments in the field of CA and refrigerated storage.

This year, we are fortunate to feature several internationally recognized leaders in apple postharvest science: Christopher Watkins, Yosef Al-Shoffe and Rogelio Cianchini from New York, Jennifer DeEll from Ontario, Carolina Torres from Washington State University, David Rudell from USDA-ARS Wenatchee, and Chayce Griffith, Randolph Beaudry, Renfu Lu and Alex Engelsma from Michigan State University. These are the leading experts on the storage of apples in the U.S.

Topics will include storage and handling strategies for popular, valuable and promising cultivars such as Honeycrisp, Gala, Evercrisp, SnapDragon and Ambrosia. Several experts will speak on various aspects of dynamic CA storage. DeEll will provide insights into the risks and successes of DCA storage with Ambrosia and other apple cultivars. Watkins will present important updates on conditioning in Honeycrisp and Al Shoffe will discuss extensive work in New York on strategies for long-term Gala and Honeycrisp storage.

Torres will describe her multi-season experiences in DCA. Rudell will report on managing superficial scald of pear.

Griffith will highlight susceptibility and mitigation of bitter pit. Beaudry will report on three years of Evercrisp storage, with new information of a postharvest treatment that promises to suppress internal browning of Evercrisp when stored long-term. He will provide an update on the impact of DCA on ripening recovery in Gala, Fuji and Evercrisp. Lu will talk about the status of his mechanized apple harvester. Cianchini will present on the effect of DCA on sensory quality of apple. Engelsma will speak about his work in Chile on calcium distribution in fruits affected by bitter pit.

In addition, there will be several technical updates from leaders of postharvest industries including Storage Control Systems, AgroFresh, MirTech, HarvestWatch, Logfresh and Lytone. Each will host a booth where you can interact with these supportive industry partners.

Doors open at 8 a.m. Educational sessions start at 8:30 and will end at 4:30 p.m. Morning coffee, lunch and breaks included. There is no charge for this event thanks to the generosity of our sponsors.

For additional information, contact Randolph Beaudry at beaudry@msu.edu, Jackie Perkins at albertj9@msu.edu or Emily Lavely at lavelyem@msu.edu.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).