People
Excitement for the fruit industry is a Wise thing
John Wise is an associate professor in the Department of Entomology at Michigan State University (MSU), where he coordinates the Applied Insecticide Toxicology Laboratory and is also the research and Extension coordinator for the Trevor Nichols Research Center (TNRC). When asked about his research, he can’t help but perk up.
Interview with Dennis Fulbright
Read more to learn about this Michigan State University professor of plant pathology and faculty coordinator of the Rogers Reserve in Jackson.
Growing wine grapes well in Michigan: A balancing act
Growing wine grapes in Michigan can be tricky. The European vinifera grape varieties that many people are familiar with, such as Riesling or Chardonnay, are not native to Michigan, but the favorable climate along Michigan’s western coast has allowed these varieties to grow well with proper management. Because wine grape growing is a relatively young industry in the state, Michigan grape growers are searching for the best methods to manage the growing of vinifera grape varieties so that the grapes will make wine people will enjoy.
Combining resources for a better potato industry—Potato specialist Chris Long
Michigan is the No. 1 producer of potatoes for processing into potato chips, and Chris Long is devoted to keeping it there.
Sorting, scanning and sniffing the way to less decay
Floating chestnuts used to mean sinking profits for chestnut growers around the world, but Michigan State University (MSU) researchers have found problems with the age-old selection practice and are working toward a high-tech solution.
Building beautiful, bug-resistant beans
“Hate” is a strong word, but soybean growers truly hate soybean aphids, the most damaging soybean pest in the north central United States. Now a Michigan State University (MSU ) researcher is turning the tables on the destructive yellow creature, breeding new varieties of soybeans that aphids hate.
Projects
Improving codling moth management by maximizing the utility of pheromon-baited monitoring traps
Sometimes, the only way to make something better is to forget everything you already know about it, and start again. That strategy brought some surprising results – in a good way – for Michigan State University (MSU) entomologist Larry Gut’s Project GREEEN (Generating Research and Extension to meet Economic and Environmental Needs) research in improving codling moth management techniques for Michigan’s fruit growers.
Preparing Extension educators to help state field crop industry address realities of climate change
“How can we help Michigan field crop farmers adapt to and help mitigate a changing climate?” Finding an answer to this question was what brought Michigan State University (MSU) colleagues Claire Layman and Julie Doll together on a research project intent on finding ways to engage the producer, scientist and decision maker communities in discussions about the relationship between climate change and agriculture.
One miner growers do not want to save
Miners have been in the news a lot lately. They’ve been stuck below ground. They’ve been rescued. They’ve been all over television and newspapers. Basically, we have miner fever. One tiny miner, however, isn’t garnering any applause. Instead, it is causing trouble for Michigan’s asparagus growers. Fortunately, researchers at Michigan State University (MSU) are out to find a way to stop it in its tracks.
New model predicts insect populations, will help growers make control decisions
Researchers at Michigan State University (MSU) have developed a handy, new tool for vegetable growers that provides them with information about insect pests in order to help control damage before it even starts.
Converting wastes to resources
From the field to the lunchroom - Developing farm-to-school programming in Michigan
Growing wine grapes well in Michigan: A balancing act
Growing wine grapes in Michigan can be tricky. The European vinifera grape varieties that many people are familiar with, such as Riesling or Chardonnay, are not native to Michigan, but the favorable climate along Michigan’s western coast has allowed these varieties to grow well with proper management. Because wine grape growing is a relatively young industry in the state, Michigan grape growers are searching for the best methods to manage the growing of vinifera grape varieties so that the grapes will make wine people will enjoy.
Model business plan helps hoop house growers
Growers experimenting with production in hoop houses are looking for any tools—knowledge, skills or resources—possible to add to their toolboxes. One Project GREEEN-funded project provided them with a tool every small business needs to get on its feet—a sample business plan.
Sorting, scanning and sniffing the way to less decay
Floating chestnuts used to mean sinking profits for chestnut growers around the world, but Michigan State University (MSU) researchers have found problems with the age-old selection practice and are working toward a high-tech solution.
Building beautiful, bug-resistant beans
“Hate” is a strong word, but soybean growers truly hate soybean aphids, the most damaging soybean pest in the north central United States. Now a Michigan State University (MSU ) researcher is turning the tables on the destructive yellow creature, breeding new varieties of soybeans that aphids hate.
Programs
Trevor Nichols Research Center abounds with opportunities for scientific discovery
According to Michigan State University (MSU) and Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) researchers, the Trevor Nichols Research Center (TNRC) is just one of MSU’s many facilities that provide them with opportunities to conduct studies that many scientists across the country may not experience.
New model predicts insect populations, will help growers make control decisions
Researchers at Michigan State University (MSU) have developed a handy, new tool for vegetable growers that provides them with information about insect pests in order to help control damage before it even starts.
Nutrition labeling helps food entrepreneurs grow
Robin Green knows that nutrition labels are not legally required for a business her size. But as the brain power behind Midge’s Muffins, she is smart enough to realize that if she wants to play in the big leagues, she has to look like she belongs there. And that means having clear, concise and accurate nutrition labels on her packaging.
Puzzling plant mysteries put to rest at Plant Diagnostics Laboratory
Mysterious brown spots destroying your tomato plants? They can handle
that. Leaves on your big maple tree weak and wilted? They’ll get to the
bottom of it. Unrecognizable pest on your corn crop? They’ll tell you what it is and how to take care of it.
Better together
Standing just a few feet tall and sporting a complex mass of wires, sensors and other gadgets, thousands of people have walked or driven by a weather station during a grower field day or while visiting a local agritourism hotspot. But few people realize the sophisticated, science-gathering, decision-informing power that station, and 63 others just like it, offers to Michigan farmers, growers and homeowners. It’s not just a weather station. It’s an Enviroweather station.
Project GREEEN Programs
Part of Project GREEEN’s mission is 24 subtitles carried out in specialized offices housed at Michigan State University and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
