Leaves inside the tunnel are healthy compared to the defoliated cherry trees in the background that were grown without protecting tunnels. Growing fresh-market, sweet cherries under tunnels appears to have more benefits than just rain protection, says a Michigan State University scientist. Tunnels also show potential for organic production, reducing pest and disease pressure that can discourage midwestern and eastern growers from even attempting to grow organic cherries or to use integrated pest management. Dr. Gregory Lang, MSU horticulturist, started a tunnel research trial in 2005 under the premise that a tunnel production system would keep rain off fresh-market cherries […]