Michigan cherry growers are worried about cherry leaf spot

20 Feb 2025
1306

Michigan cherry growers faced a challenging year with cherry leaf spot, a major fungal disease. Frequent rains and fungicide resistance made control difficult, leading to high costs and poor results. Growers who sprayed early and often, ensuring excellent coverage, fared better.

MSU's Research to the Rescue

Michigan State University (MSU) researchers, led by George Sundin, are working to combat fungicide resistance in cherry leaf spot. The fungus produces massive amounts of spores, increasing the chances of resistance development.  Several effective fungicides have become obsolete due to resistance, leaving growers with fewer options.

Severe attack of cherry leaf spot (source: Foglie TV - SL FRUIT SERVICE)

Copper as a Promising Solution

MSU trials have shown that certain copper-based fungicides, specifically Badge X2, Badge SC, and Kocide 3000, are effective against cherry leaf spot. Captan, another fungicide, also performed well.  Researchers found that not all copper products are equal in efficacy, highlighting the importance of product selection.

Key Takeaways

  • Cherry leaf spot is a major challenge for Michigan growers due to fungicide resistance and weather conditions.
  • MSU research has identified effective copper-based fungicides as a promising solution.
  • Growers should prioritize early and frequent spraying, excellent coverage, and proper product selection for optimal disease control.

Read full article on GrowingProduce


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

From Argentina an intelligent cherry to protect the quality of the harvest

Post-harvest​

25 Oct 2024

“To reduce as much as possible the damage sustained by the cherry during packaging and final transport we developed an electronic cherry with sensors that go through the processes alongside the rest and report the movements and impacts the fruit receives” said Andrés Moltoni.

Joy Wing Mau and Maersk Group: strategic alliance for direct route from Chile to China

Markets Press review

31 Jan 2024

Joy Wing Mau, a leader in the fruit industry, signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Maersk Group, a shipping giant, to improve and lead cooperation in the development of logistics for fruit trade between China and Chile.

In evidenza

Sweet cherries: choosing the best rootstock for fruit quality, yield and sustainability

Planting systems

03 Oct 2025

Rootstock selection in high-density cherry orchards affects tree vigour, fruit size, biochemical quality and postharvest resistance. A Turkish study on Krymsk 5, Gisela 6 and Piku 1 with 0900 Ziraat and Regina cultivars identifies ideal combinations for various markets.

Chilean cherries ready to grow in Southeast Asia: Thailand a key market

Markets

03 Oct 2025

Chilean cherries strengthen their footprint in Southeast Asia: over 2,200 tons exported to Thailand and new market openings in Vietnam and Indonesia. ProChile’s ASEAN mission also paves the way for kiwifruit, blueberries and citrus, boosting Chile’s fruit diversification strategy

Tag Popolari