By Andi Anderson
The small fruit harvest in west central Michigan is in full swing. The summer strawberry season has ended with several challenges, including spring frosts, flower thrips, pollination issues, and high temperatures, leading to a short harvest and low yields.
Currently, blueberry, blackberry, and summer red raspberry harvests are ongoing.
Over the past two weeks, temperatures have fluctuated between the mid-50s and upper 70s, with occasional thunderstorms bringing between 0.6 and 1.5 inches of rain.
The highest rainfall was around Grand Junction, Michigan, while the lowest was near West Olive, Michigan.
Strawberry fields are now being renovated. Growers must spray insecticides to manage picnic beetles and spotted wing Drosophila (SWD) after harvesting.
This helps reduce beetle populations overwintering and controls SWD populations, which can affect day-neutral strawberries and fall raspberries.
Detailed recommendations for renovating strawberry fields are available in the Michigan State University Extension article by Benjamin Phillips and Cheyenne Sloan.
In west central and southwest Michigan, the blueberry harvest of early varieties like Bluetta, Brigitta, and Duke is ongoing.
The fruit quality is excellent in size and flavor, with high yields due to mild winter conditions and localized spring frost events affecting mid- and late-season varieties. The Bluecrop harvest has begun in southwest Michigan, with the fruit showing excellent quality.
So far, blueberry growers have not reported major problems. Early in the bloom, flower thrips affected mid- and late-season varieties, but cranberry and cherry fruitworms have not been significant issues.
The current pest concern is SWD. Monitoring by Rufus Isaacs of the Michigan State University (MSU) Department of Entomology has shown SWD activity throughout the season, necessitating the use of monitoring traps and adherence to MSU Extension pest management recommendations to prevent fruit infestation.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has introduced new rules to protect farm workers from extreme heat exposure. Although these rules are not yet in effect, growers must follow existing guidelines.
These include providing adequate hydration resources, designating break areas, implementing acclimatization plans, monitoring for heat-related symptoms, providing mandatory rest breaks, conducting periodic checks on solitary workers, and issuing hazard alerts to emphasize the importance of staying hydrated.
Photo Credit: istock-fotokostic
Categories: Michigan, Harvesting