Michigan State University Extension released its weekly fruit update on April 15, detailing the effects of recent cold weather on crops in southwest Michigan and providing guidance for local growers. The report summarizes bud mortality assessments, disease management recommendations, and upcoming events for the agricultural community.
The update is important as it informs fruit producers about current crop conditions following freeze events, which can significantly affect yields and management strategies. Accurate information helps growers respond to weather challenges and protect their crops during critical development stages.
Recent freeze conditions caused varying levels of bud mortality across different fruit crops. Bud dissections at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center showed apples had about 1% bud loss while peaches and tart cherries each lost around 10%. In contrast, apricots experienced 86% mortality and Japanese plums saw a loss of 94%, largely due to exposure during full bloom when temperatures dropped below critical thresholds. Cheyenne Sloan’s assessments in Van Buren County found no damage in blueberry varieties. Growers in several counties should expect greater losses in peach, cherry, and European plum compared to apple.
The report also warns of another cold event forecasted for Sunday night with temperatures possibly dropping into the upper 20s Fahrenheit. Under these advective freeze conditions, protection options are limited; frost fans may not be effective due to wind speeds, so overhead irrigation is suggested where possible for sensitive blocks at full bloom or shuck split stages.
Disease management remains a priority as many crops enter bloom under elevated risk from pathogens such as brown rot in stone fruits and apple scab in apples. The report recommends timely fungicide applications ahead of rain events using products like SDHI fungicides for apple scab control. Fire blight prevention through antibiotic sprays is advised during bloom periods for both apples and pears.
Michigan State University Extension Agriculture addresses challenges related to food production, health issues, and environmental concerns through education, research initiatives, outreach programs across all Michigan counties—including facilities like research centers and horticultural gardens—and partnerships with AgBioResearch scientists from eight MSU colleges according to the official website (https://www.canr.msu.edu). The extension enrolled over 3,700 students across various programs in fall 2021 according to its official website. Its mission focuses on sustainable agriculture practices while fostering economic development statewide according to its official website.
Looking ahead, MSU Extension will continue hosting Tuesday Night Fruit IPM meetings through June that cover phenology updates as well as insect- and disease-related topics relevant to small- and tree-fruit producers.
