Cherry Variety Showcase July 8

The annual Cherry Variety Showcase will be held July 8 at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center in Benton Harbor. The showcase starts at 4 p.m. with variety displays and commentary. Speakers will include Dr. Greg Lang, Michigan State University; Dr. Robert Andersen, professor emeritus from Cornell University, New York; and Wallace Heuser and Wanda Heuser Gale from International Plant Management, Inc.

Several dozen cherry varieties will be on display, including introductions from International Plant Management and varieties from Michigan, Washington, Oregon, and New York. Also on display will be the sweet cherry high tunnels and Lang’s research with “fruiting wall” canopy training systems. His new “solid set canopy delivery spray system” will be demonstrated. A complimentary dinner will be served at 6 p.m.

Growers, families, and staff are welcome. An optional trip to International Plant Management’s variety test block in Coloma will be available. For more information, call (800) 424-2765.