EAST LANSING, Mich. — You are invited to the Preseason Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Update for fruit growers by Michigan State University Extension fruit educators Bill Shane, Brad Baughman and Mark Longstroth. Included is a review of important changes in the new 2017 MSU Michigan Fruit Management Guide (E0154), including management information for fruit insects and diseases. We will discuss useful findings from recent fruit research projects and the proper use of new pesticides. An important part of the meeting is growers sharing their concerns from past seasons as they look forward to 2017.
Two evening meetings are scheduled with one each in Van Buren and Berrien counties. The Van Buren County meeting will be Tuesday, March 21, in Lawrence from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Lawrence Conference Center, 490 South Paw Paw St., Lawrence, MI 49064. The Berrien County meeting will be Thursday, March 23, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center, 1791 Hillandale Rd., Benton Harbor, MI 49022.
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 the new invasive pest spotted wing Drosophila (SWD).
MSU Extension tree fruit educator Shane will concentrate on tree fruits. Small fruit educator Longstroth will cover small fruit such as blueberries, raspberries and strawberries. Berrien County small fruit educator Baughman will cover grapes.
Two RUP Private, Commercial or 1C credits will be available. There is a $5 registration fee. All fruit growers are invited to attend and participate.
Online registration is available for both the Berrien and Van Buren County updates. Growers can also register at the door before the beginning of the meeting.
A limited number of Michigan Fruit Management guides will be available for purchase for $30 at the meeting, cash or check only. They can also be ordered at the MSU Extension Bookstore.