Research
The research objectives for the TNRC are to develop effective fruit pest management strategies for Michigan's fruit industry, in concert with agriculture commodity organizations, agribusiness, Michigan Agriculture Experiment Station and Extension, in accordance with the land-grant philosophy of Michigan State University.
The following research projects are either on-going or have been recently completed by MSU scientists in cooperation with the staff at the TNRC:
Insect Pest Management
Insecticide Performance
The TNRC in cooperation with MSU tree and small fruit entomology and plant pathology faculty design field performance trials for new and conventional pesticide chemistries to determine optimal use patterns for controlling the insect and disease pests prevalent in Michigan fruit crops. Information from these research trials serve as the primary basis for recommendations in MSU's annual Fruit Spraying Calendar (Extension Bulletin E-154).
Insect and Disease Biological Research
The TNRC monitors and records the annual emergence and development of over 20 of Michigan's major fruit pests, which has been an on-going project since the station's inception.
Monitoring and documenting insect and disease resistance to conventional insecticides is an ongoing effort that provides confirmation for field level reports of resistance and helps researchers develop appropriate alternatives.
Studying the population dynamics of natural enemies under conventional insecticide, "soft" low-impact insecticide and non-chemical conditions is a continual interest to the station's researchers.
- 2009 phoromone trapline data
- 2008 phoromone trapline data
- 2007 pheromone trapline data
- 2006 pheromone trapline data
- 2005 pheromone trapline data
- 2004 pheromone trapline data
- 2003 pheromone trapline data
- 2002 pheromone trapline data
- 2001 pheromone trapline data
- 2000 pheromone trapline data
- 1999 pheromone trapline data
New Insect Pest Management Strategies
Data from our on-going research programs are used to develop new farm-level pest management strategies for Michigan fruit growers.
Insect pheromones are being tested in orchards as a way to disrupt the mating of key insect pests, therefore eliminating damage to crops without the use of chemical insecticides. Various means of dispensing pheromone are also being studied, including the MSU micro-sprayer, traditional twist-tie dispensers, and micro-encapsulated sprayable formulations.
Improved techniques for monitoring pest populations are being developed using natural plant volatiles and novel trapping designs. Results from this research will better equip the fruit industry's pest consultants and scouts with the precise pest information needed for making good pest management decisions.
Advancing disease control options for fruit growers are made possible through research carried out at the TNRC. Direct inoculation of fruit plantings on station with disabling bacterial and fungal diseases allows plant pathologist to further understand and develop new control techniques for diseases that threaten Michigan fruit crops.
