Michigan Ag Connection - Michigan's Spotted Wing Drosophila Number Remain High

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Michigan's Spotted Wing Drosophila Number Remain High
Michigan Ag Connection - 09/14/2021

Michigan experienced multiple rainfall events as cooler temperatures continued to prevail, according to Marlo D. Johnson, director of the Great Lakes Regional Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service. There were 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork in Michigan during the week ending Sunday. Seed corn harvest continued in the southwest as silage corn was being chopped in southern and eastern counties. Dry bean harvest continued as weather allowed. Wheat planting progressed slightly ahead of schedule despite delays due to drier soils in some areas. Hay cuttings continued to progress ahead of schedule as the forage season moves towards completion. Soybean progress remained significantly ahead of the five-year average as 51 percent were dropping leaves. Other activities included summer tillage, scouting for pests, and preparing equipment for harvest.

Oriental fruit moth trap catches increased last week and Spotted wing Drosophila (SWD) numbers remained high. Bucks rubbing the velvet off their antlers caused some damage in young orchards. Late season peach varieties like PF 27A, Encore, FS28-007 and Autumnstar were harvested in the Southwest. Apple harvest continued with Gala harvested in the Southwest. Blueberry harvest ended in the Southwest and neared completion in the West Central.

Throughout the State, producers welcomed cooler temperatures as they continued to harvest their vegetable crops. Some vegetable field damage was assessed following a storm system that moved through the area mid-week. With the harvest of most vegetables underway or wrapping up, pest presence was slowing down. Pumpkin and squash seasons were starting to wind down and produce for both vegetables was hitting the market. In the East, harvest of peppers, eggplants, and carrots was proceeding smoothly. Supply of zucchini remained steady. Most of the State was at medium risk for late blight, with no Michigan cases of late blight having been reported for either potatoes or tomatoes to date.

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