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Wine gaining ground in Michigan

November 15, 2017

X-ray vision to see ice formation inside buds

August 29, 2017
Though they have different names, new research from Missouri State University has found that Norton and Cynthiana wine grapes are genetically identical. (Courtesy Missouri State University)

Same grapes, different names – Cynthiana and Norton

August 29, 2017
Jason Deveau, application technology specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, encourages growers to spray smarter to improve pesticide coverage, reduce drift and save some money. (Courtesy Ken Sapsford)

A better way to spray

August 16, 2017
The discovery of plum pox virus on this tree led to a massive survey and eradication effort in southwestern Michigan that lasted from 2006 to 2009. The tree was part of a block of 3-year-old trees being monitored under a plum rootstock trial at Michigan State University’s Southwest Station. (Courtesy of Bill Shane)

Lessons learned from Michigan’s plum pox plight

July 11, 2017
Premier Honeycrisp ripens as much as two to three weeks before regular Honeycrisp. (Courtesy Adams County Nursery)

Honeycrisp sports race toward red

June 27, 2017
The Midwest Apple Improvement Association (MAIA) has been busy with new varieties, including these two: the yellow Crunch-a-Bunch, which is popular in the cider arena, and the red Bakers Delight that has flavor likened to a strawberry milkshake. Both varieties were launched by Gurney’s Seed and Nursery Co. in mid-November. (Photo by Jen Nova, courtesy of Gardens Alive!)

Lots of new apples coming to market

June 26, 2017
Twin Bee Orchard co-owner Tony Blattner and his son Nathan, left, take a break while planting 4,600 Smitten trees in spring 2016. Twin Bee, in west-central Michigan, has 135 acres of apples, including Gala, Red Delicious, Fuji, Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Empire, Ida Red and Jonagolds. (Courtesy Twin Bee Orchard LLC.)

Thinking of changing varieties? These growers have some advice.

June 14, 2017
MSU cherry expert Gregory Lang describes a roofing system during a Clarksville Research Center field day last year. Installed in 2012, the donated system covers about a third of an acre and 225 cherry trees. So far, Lang is pleased with its performance and ability to maintain optimal environmental conditions inside. (By Leslie Mertz)

Michigan research examines retractable roof on cherries

May 31, 2017
Vineyard managers are looking to reduce hand labor and increase mechanization in their fields. Some very specific tasks, like how Ignacio Silva is pruning Cabernet Sauvignon back to eight spurs per cordon, may be more difficult to mechanize. (TJ Mullinax/Good Fruit Grower)

10 tips for hiring new workers

May 2, 2017