Periodical cicadas are emerging: Should Michigan fruit growers be concerned? Email
Brood X of the periodical cicada can soon be found throughout the Midwest including parts of southern Michigan. They may become a nuisance, but don’t expect any significant fruit crop injury.
Periodical cicadas are emerging in several states in the Midwest and eastern United States. Here in Michigan, they can be found in southeastern areas. Photo by Mike Reinke, MSU Extension.
Excitement is in the air. People have been talking about it. The news has been preparing us for it for months. Soon, we will be hearing from the creatures themselves. We are talking about the emergence of periodical cicadas.
Forecasted temperatures give a green light for planting Email
Many locations in Michigan saw multiple freeze and frost events, but forecasted milder low temperatures will allow gardeners to plant tender plants. Locations that have not passed their frost-free dates should keep an eye on the low temperatures.
Figure 1. The growing degree days (GDD) base 50 degrees Fahrenheit as of May 16, 2021 (left) versus the average GDD since 1981.
Spring came early to much of Michigan. As of April 1, 2021, the growing degree days (GDD) accumulation was 14 days ahead in majority of the state of Michigan. GDD is a temperature-derived index that is calculated based on the amount of heat accumulated above a base threshold temperature such as 50 degrees Fahrenheit and is strongly related to the rate of plant growth and development. The heat map of Michigan represents GDD between 0 and 338 GDD (Figure 1). The warmer the color, the more heat has accumulated in the area.