PAW PAW, Mich. - There are two fruit pest management meetings planned in Southwest Michigan by Michigan State University Extension. Fruit Educators Dr. Bill Shane and Mark Longstroth, Viticulture Specialist Dr. Katherine East and Dr. Mike Reinke IPM Educator in Berrient County. These meetings are focused on commercial fruit growers and covers insect and disease control in fruits grown in Southwest Michigan. Th main focus will be on tree fruit, grape and blueberries. /we will review the 2020 MSU Michigan Fruit Management. Guide (E154). This resource has pesticide recommendations and management information for fruit insects and diseases. The meeting includes growers sharing their concerns from past seasons, as they look forward to 2020.
Two evening meetings are scheduled with one each in Van Buren and Berrien counties. The Van Buren County meeting will be Monday, March 30, in aw Paw, from 6:30-8:30 pm at the Human Services Building, 801 Hazen Street, Paw Paw MI 49079. The Berrien meeting will be on Thursday, April 2, from 6:30-8:30 pm at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center (SWMREC), 1791 Hillandale Rd. west of Benton Harbor, Michigan.
Each meeting will cover the same material focusing on new and changed pesticide labels, pesticide spray timing, and pesticide mode of action, effectiveness and longevity. Pesticide resistance management and insect and disease management models will also be discussed. Other topics will include bee safety during pollination and controlling new invasive pests such as spotted wing drosophila. (SWD) and Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB). Bill Shane, the MSU Extension Tree Fruit Educator will concentrate on free fruits. Mark Longstroth, the Small Fruit Educator will cover blueberries. Dr. Katherine East the new Viticulture Specialist will cover grapes. Mike Reinke, the Berrien County IPM Extension Educator will discuss Spotted Lantern Fly (SLF) and other insect issues. Two Restricted UsePesticide (RUP) credits will be available for Private, Comercial, or 1C (fruit) applicators for recertification. There is a $5 charge for this meeting and all fruit growers are invited to attend and participate. There is online registration for both the Berrien and Van Buren county updates. Growers can also register at the door before the beginning of the meeting. E154 the Michigan Fruit Management guide ($35.50) will be available for purchase at the Van Buren County MSU Extension Office. E154 can also be ordered at the MSU Extension Bookstore online at shop.msu.edu (http://shop.msu.edu/default.asp).
- Michigan State University Extension
Original Post: Preseason Fruit IPM Meetings March 30, April 2
