BERRIEN and VAN BUREN COUNTIES — Michigan State University Extension is inviting people to an IPM update for fruit growers by MSU Extension fruit educators Dr. Bill Shane and Mark Longstroth. 

Included in the update is a review of important changes in the new 2018 MSU Michigan Fruit Management Guide (E154), including management information for fruit insects and diseases. The update will discuss useful findings from recent fruit research projects and the proper use of new pesticides.  An important part of the meeting is the sharing by growers of their concerns from past seasons, as they look forward to 2018.

Two evening meetings are scheduled with one each in Van Buren and Berrien counties. The Van Buren County meeting will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21, in Paw Paw, at the new MSUE Van Buren County Extension Office, at 801 Hazen Street in the Human Services Building. 

The Berrien meeting will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 22, at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center, 1791 Hillandale Rd. near 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 the new invasive pest spotted wing drosophila. Bill Shane, the MSU Extension Tree Fruit Educator will concentrate on tree fruits.  Mark Longstroth, the Small Fruit Educator will cover small fruit such as blueberries, and grapes.  Two RUP Private, Commercial, or 1C credits will be available.  There is there is no charge for this meeting and all fruit growers are invited to attend and participate.

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. MSU Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.  Persons with disabilities may request accommodations by calling the Paw Paw location at (269) 657-8213 by March 14 or by calling the SWMREC location at (269) 944-1477 by March 15 to ensure sufficient time to make arrangements.  Requests received after this date will be met when possible.

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.

A limited number of Michigan Fruit Management guides will be available for purchase at the meeting, cash or check only. Cost is $30. They can also be ordered at the MSU Extension Bookstore on line at shop.msu.edu.