By: Olivia Franklin Summary: Summer 2019 was not the best for Michigan cherry growers due to the arrival of spotted wing drosophila (SWD), an invasive Asian fruit fly, that like to lay their larvae inside the soft flesh of cherries. SWD can also cause American brown rot, a fast growing fungus, on cherries. Numbers of SWD peaked in July. Harvesters must spray their cherry crops in order to get rid of these pests which is costly, both in terms of money and the environment. Heavy rains in May and June and a cool, late spring also caused problems for Michigan cherry growers. Late spring delayed the start of cherry season and hail storms damaged cherries, making them unsellable. Heavy rains also allowed a fungus to thrive that turns cherry leaves yellow and unable to nourish itself. Arguably the biggest reason for despair in the Michigan cherry industry is that profits are down due to a high number of tart cherry imports from Turkey. Turkey is bringing in such a large amount of tart cherry products at prices lower than production that Michigan cherry crops are starting to be phased out. Growers were told mid-harvest that processors had all the cherries they would need for the season. Many growers ended up having to dump much of their crops, losing lots of money. Cherry growers are pointing their fingers at the Cherry Industry Administrative Board for allowing overproduction and at the government for allowing these foreign imports that are destroying the Michigan cherry industry. However, cherry growers are pushing for change. Processors are gaining evidence that Turkish imports are a threat to the Michigan cherry industry in order to implement a high tariff on cherries from Turkey. Why we should care? Michigan cherry industry could be lost completely if change doesn’t occur within the government. Traverse City could lose its title of “Cherry Capital of the World”. Pesticide use could also be a concern. Example News Article: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2019/06/05/michigan-cherry-processors-tariff-turkey-dried-tart-cherries/3684775002/ I find this article interesting because this is a problem that I had no idea existed and, as a person who lives in Michigan, it’s even more important because this is an issue happening near and around me. Cherry growers care so much about their industry and are willing to do whatever it takes to save it. Processors are spending a lot of money to prove that Turkish imports are damaging the U.S. cherry industry. The Trump administration has implemented many antidumping duty orders, but it hasn’t been enough to solve this issue. The cherry industry needs help. This article emphasizes the importance of supporting local business and the importance of voting. Science in Action.
Nikki Rothwell is a Horticulturist, Michigan State University Extension Specialist and Northwest Michigan Horticulture Research Center Coordinator. Rothwell has conducted research on spotted wing drosophila (SWD), examining the correlation between temperature/humidity and trap numbers. Higher temperatures and humidity levels result in higher numbers of SWD. She notes that cherry growers may think that successful spray programs would be the reason for a decreasing amount of SWD in fields, but it largely relies on weather conditions. This is relevant to my topic because SWD are known for infesting ripening cherry crops. Rothwell’s research provides some insight as to why this is happening and also ways to navigate this issue. This issue is complex and solutions are still being searched for, but Nikki encourages tart cherry growers to diversify crops and to employ efficacious insecticides before the infestation of SWD becomes too great.
5 Comments
Kris Franklin
11/25/2019 13:25:51
Very interesting information!!
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Lauren Clegg
11/26/2019 12:17:15
I'm surprised Michigan stores would rather carry the Turkish cherries when they could carry a product from their own state, even if it does cost a little more for the Michigan cherries at lest you know your supporting a local business. I also didn't know Traverse City was the "Cherry Capital of the World" which is pretty cool.
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Alex Hines
12/3/2019 09:46:14
This reminds me of the Fig Wasp explosion in Asia, they similarly spread out of their native breeding areas and have infested fruit trees far beyond their original habitat. Fascinating how human development and climate can have a huge positive impact on invasive species, not so positive for everything else I'm afraid.
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Mariam Elalem
12/3/2019 20:18:33
This is really sad to , but unfortunately I'm not surprised. I've been reading about invasive species in my other class and the state of Michigan has been greatly impacted by many of them. Environmental protection agencies really need policies and managements plans to control the damage caused by those species
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Tyler Dudenas
12/16/2019 23:58:09
It is sad to see yet another Michigan product effected by invasive species. The Great Lakes already seem to be up their necks in invasive species such as zebra mussels, I'm also disappointed to see that we are importing cherries which are in turn, hurting our own local cherry producers since we can bring them in from Turkey. I like the idea for a tariff on Turkish cherries, as I believe we should depend on our own local farms. If we continue to have cherry production problems I could see it, but with farmers pushing for change, it seems we are capable of self providing at this point.
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