AgBioResearch Trevor Nichols Research Center

The research objectives for the TNRC are to develop effective fruit pest management strategies for Michigan's fruit industry, in concert with agriculture commodity organizations, agribusiness, MSU AgBioResearch and MSU Extension, in accordance with the land-grant philosophy of Michigan State University.

Fruit Pest Research

The Trevor Nichols Research Center provides MSU researchers with 156 acres of perennial fruit crops maintained for small-plot and large orchard block research trials. At this facility, scientists studying tree fruit and berry crops test new and conventional insecticides, study insect pest patterns, and develop cultural and biological pest management tools for growers. Plant pathologists evaluate disease management options with new and conventional fungicides. Information from these research trials informs the annual updates to MSU's Fruit Management Guide (Extension Bulletin E-0154), publications in Arthropod Management Tests, and resources for MSU Extension specialists and Extension educators. The IR-4 program staff maintain GLP equipment and practices for pesticide residue studies and integrated performance studies. The Trevor Nichols Research Center also provides a place for graduate student research and for training undergraduate students.

Research teams operating at the Trevor Nichols Research Center

The Berry Crops Entomology Lab studies insect pest control and monitoring, plus they are studying beneficial insects including natural enemies and pollinators.

The Tree Fruit Entomology Lab conducts efficacy trials on new insecticides, mating disruption, and pest monitoring.

The IR-4 Project (North Central Region) conducts GLP certified pesticide residue trials, integrated efficacy studies, and provides the regional office with data quality control support.

The Berry Crops Pathology Lab studies grape and blueberry disease control using fungicides.

We also host members of the Horticulture Department and the Biosystems Engineering Department.

Insect Biological Research

The TNRC monitors and records the annual emergence and development of over 15 of Michigan's major fruit pests, which has been an on-going project since the station's inception.

2024 Pheromone Trapline Data

Use the tabs at the bottom of the Excel workbook to navigate between pests: Trapline Data

2023 Pheromone Trapline Data

Use the tabs at the bottom of the Excel workbook to navigate between pests: Trapline Data

2022 Pheromone Trapline Data

Use the tabs at the bottom of the Excel workbook to navigate between pests: Trapline Data

Weather Data

The Trevor Nichols Research Center weather station is funded in part by Michigan State University Extension, Michigan State University AgBio Research, and Project GREEEN. Degree day totals, daily and hourly weather reports can be found on the MSU Enviro-weather website. Additionally, Enviro-weather provides MSU weather-based pest, natural resources, and production management tools.

Growth Stages Data

The TNRC monitors and records growth stages of apples, peaches, plums, pears, cherries, grapes and blueberries.

2024 Growth Stages

Use the tabs at the bottom of the Excel workbook to navigate between crops: Growth Stages

2023 Growth Stages

Use the tabs at the bottom of the Excel workbook to navigate between crops: Growth Stages

2022 Growth Stages

Use the tabs at the bottom of the Excel workbook to navigate between crops: Growth Stages

IR-4 Project

The national IR-4 Project  helps specialty crop growers address pest management concerns and develops data necessary for the EPA registration of new pesticides. The TNRC is one of the few GLP facilities in the state capable of conducting this work, and for nearly thirty years has performed IR-4 residue field trials for pesticide registrations benefiting specialty crop growers.

Have a pest management problem (or solution) in mind?
Visit the IR-4 North Central Region website for more information on how to submit a request and to get in contact with the Regional Field Coordinator.