Michigan Apple Committee Announces 2024 Research Funding
LANSING, Mich. – During their March board meeting, the Michigan Apple Committee board gave the green light to funding for industry research projects to take place throughout 2024. This funding aligns with MAC’s commitment to supporting Michigan’s apple growers.
Diane Smith, MAC’s executive director, explained, “MAC’s Board of Directors selects growers to serve on the research subcommittee, which evaluates all submitted research proposals and recommends funding to the board.”
The committee’s research priorities aim to support the success of Michigan’s apple growers and industry. They seek projects that enhance profitability and production, explore new markets and products, and uncover consumer trends and insights. MAC aims to back innovative research that boosts the reputation of Michigan Apples.
Smith noted, “MAC welcomes proposals from various research institutions and centers of excellence. We’re fortunate to have Michigan State University’s agricultural expertise nearby, fostering collaboration among institutions and colleagues.”
In 2024, the board allocated $300,830 in funding for 13 projects, covering a range of topics from pest management to varietal research to planting technology.
The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, education, and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world. For more information, visit MichiganApples.com.
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| Team Leader | Proposal Title | Rec. Funding |
| Steve VanNocker | Developing the native apple as a modifier for understanding spring frost resistance in commercial apple | $25,500 |
| Julianna Wilson | 2024 Apple Entomology Research: Improving monitoring and management strategies for secondary pests | $20,000 |
| Steve VanNocker | Increasing Apple production profitability by optimizing pollinizer efficiency in single-variety blocks | $25,000 |
| Amin Joodaky | Predictive modeling of apple distribution hazards using machine learning | $39,900 |
| Randolph Beaudry | Lenticel breakdown: Role of field sprays | $11,253 |
| Randolph Beaudry | Linking field conditions to internal of Honeycrisp | $30,844 |
| Todd Einhorn | Evaluation of multi-Leader, high density apple training systems | $12,000 |
| Todd Einhorn | Increasing the precision of crop load management of apple | $42,181 |
| Younsuk Dong | Investigation of effective irrigation and nutrient strategies for high-density apple production | $17,000 |
| George Sundin | Tolerance to the last resort bacteria kasugamycin in the fire blight pathogen Erwinia amylovora: assessment and mitigation. | $25,000 |
| David Mota-Sanchez | Assessing insecticide resistance of oblique banded leafroller populations in Michigan apples | $7,000 |
| Todd Einhorn | Developing a bitter pit mitigation protocol using plant growth regulators | $30,000 |
| Tye Wittenbach | Utilizing postproduction fruit trees as biodegradable mulch to promote weed suppression, soil health, and soil water holding capacity | $15,652 |
| Total Funding | $300,830 |