In Michigan, some growers wish to increase the production of sweet cherries for the processed market. However, they face replanting disorder when replacing old trees with new ones, as the old trees may have attracted pathogens and soil-borne diseases over time. This disorder involves plant-parasitic nematodes that are vectors of viruses. Growers usually leave the field fallow or fumigate the soil, but waiting can be expensive and nematodes tend to return after fumigation.
A team from Michigan State University is studying non-fumigating strategies to manage the replanting of sweet cherries. They set up a test orchard funded by the Michigan Department of Agriculture. They test five different treatments, including compost and fungicides, to reduce replanting problems. The trial involves Emperor Francis and Ulster cherries on Mahaleb rootstock, planted in May 2022, with the aim of providing solid recommendations to growers.
The results of the first year show that fumigation increased tree growth, but the combined use of compost and straw effectively prevented the reproduction of parasitic nematodes and favoured beneficial nematodes. This study aims to offer sustainable alternatives to fumigation to deal with replanting disorder, with a focus on other stone fruit plants as well.
Yaghoubi Akbar e sua moglie, Razieh Yazdani, researchers from MSU.
Read the full article: Good Fruit Grower
Image: Good Fruit Grower
03 Sep 2026
A Hungarian study on two sour cherry cultivars shows that the growing season affects bioactive compounds more than cultivar or farming method, influencing polyphenols, anthocyanins, flavonoids and antioxidant capacity and highlighting the importance of harvest timing.
22 May 2024
Capturing and monitoring insects with attractive traps is crucial to decide on treatments in time and prevent problems during fruit ripening. Recently, traps without liquids have been introduced that simplify the control of D. suzukii.
15 Sep 2026
Australian cherry production is forecast to fall 15% in 2026/27, to 17,000 metric tons after a winter with fewer chill hours. Exports are expected at 4,000 MT, while dry conditions and high irrigation costs could add pressure for growers in Victoria and New South Wales.
15 Sep 2026
A three-year survey of 222 orchards in O’Higgins, Chile, validates a rapid Leaf Disc Assay to identify sweet cherry cultivars with lower susceptibility to bacterial canker caused by Pseudomonas syringae, supporting faster and more sustainable breeding decisions today.
