Nikki Rothwell, an extension educator at Michigan State University Extension, reports that the cherry crop in Michigan has been subjected to hail, high winds, and heavy rains this season. According to Rothwell, who is also the coordinator of the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Center, such weather adversities have been consistent across all growing regions, leading to an "ongoing onslaught of wet weather." This has made it challenging to maintain high-quality fruit free from insects and diseases due to the excessive rainfall.
Rothwell notes that rain totals have been increasing, with 2–3 inches of rain now becoming common, alongside numerous washout events and high relative humidity levels. Since April, the research center has experienced only five days with relative humidities in the 50s, exacerbating disease pressure among the crops. With the weather conditions not showing signs of improvement, Rothwell advises growers to harvest their cherries as soon as they ripen to ensure the quality of the fruit is preserved. The harvest for both tart and sweet cherries is currently running at least a week ahead of schedule, and with more rain expected, the season's end could be challenging for growers.
Source: brownfieldagnews.com