Fruit production workshop to focus on pruning, management
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Fruit growers and those interested in fruit production can learn about pruning fruit trees, grapevines and berry plants at a Purdue University Extension workshop.
The Fruit Tree and Small Fruit Growers Workshop takes place from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EST March 3 at Purdue's Meigs Farm, 9101 S. County Road 100E, Lafayette. There is no registration charge.
The workshop is intended for commercial and amateur growers, Master Gardeners, Extension educators and anyone considering starting a fruit operation, said workshop coordinator Bruce Bordelon, Extension viticulture and small fruit specialist.
"Those attending will learn the principles behind pruning apple trees, grapevines and small fruit crops such as raspberries and blackberries," Bordelon said. "We'll go over pruning as a tool to train trees and vines for proper shape and structure, using pruning to assure high yields and high-quality fruit, and pest management concerns during pruning."
A fruit tree pruning and management session takes place from 9-10:30 a.m. Speakers include Purdue specialists Peter Hirst, horticulture; Rick Foster, entomology; and Janna Beckerman, botany and plant pathology.
Bordelon will lead a discussion on small fruit pruning and management from 10:30 a.m. to noon. A question-and-answer session follows.
Coffee, juice and doughnuts will be provided for those arriving from 8-9 a.m.
Because the workshop takes place outdoors in orchards and vineyards, attendees are encouraged to dress appropriately.
Advance registration is requested. Those planning to attend should contact Tammy Goodale of Purdue's Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture by Feb. 29 at 765-494-1296, tgoodale@purdue.edu.
Meigs Farm is south of Lafayette off U.S. 231. Turn east onto County Road 800S, travel one mile and turn south onto County Road 100E. Go one mile, and the farm is on the left.
Writer: Steve Leer, 765-494-8415, sleer@purdue.edu
Source: Bruce Bordelon, 765-494-8212, bordelon@purdue.edu
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Keith Robinson, robins89@purdue.edu
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