Some fruit crop damage seen from April cold snap

MSU Extension says a cold snap that came to Southwest Michigan early this month has resulted in some minor damage to some fruit crops.

A report released this week says the cold weather the night of April 6 into the morning of April 7 brought temperatures into the low 20s, resulting in damage to apricots and Japanese plums that were already in bloom. MSU also says apples at the tight cluster stage may have been damaged, while early blueberries could see minor losses in colder, low-lying areas.

MSU Extension says the extent of damage depends on how developed the buds were and how long they were exposed to freezing temperatures. Crops in bloom were most vulnerable, while those at earlier stages had more protection.

In Berrien and Van Buren counties, apricot crops are expected to be significantly reduced, while peaches likely avoided major damage.

A clearer assessment of losses will come in the following week as growers examine buds.