Purdue News

January 15, 1999 New apple producers can learn the ropes at workshop WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- New and veteran fruit growers alike can benefit from a workshop on Beginning Commercial Apple Production, said Peter Hirst, assistant professor of horticulture at Purdue University. He said the Jan. 25 workshop at the Adam's Mark Hotel in Indianapolis is intended for people contemplating planting or purchasing an apple orchard or those who have recently entered the industry. But, he said, the program also will help veteran fruit growers brush up on their fruit knowledge. The workshop is designed to help new producers pinpoint and prevent problems and to help current producers alleviate problems they may be experiencing. "In my opinion, the biggest mistake we see with commercial apple production is not thinking ahead," Hirst said. "When planting a new orchard or purchasing an established one, think about how the apples are to be sold before producing them. The type of marketing structure, such as retail, farm market or wholesale, will influence everything from orchard location to the varieties that are planted." The workshop will cover a broad range of topics, such as planting and site selection, establishing the planting, apple varieties, pest and disease management, adding value to the farm market, and practical orchard management. "We have a range of highly qualified and experienced speakers, including internationally known fruit scientists, such as Dr. David Ferree of the Ohio State University," Hirst said. "We also have some of the best commercial fruit growers in the state who will share their experience and knowledge with us." Speakers also will discuss topics such as thinning, fruit development, fruit maturity, rootstocks, pruning and pollination. Those interested in attending the workshop must preregister. Registration materials can be received by calling Jane Carter in Purdue's Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at (765) 494-1293 and requesting a copy of the Indiana Horticulture Congress Program, which includes registration materials. Although the workshop is being held in conjunction with the Indiana Horticulture Congress, it is not officially part of the congress. Therefore, a separate registration must be completed with a fee of $50. The workshop begins at 8:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 25, and will last until 5:15 p.m. Lunch is included in the registration fee. The Adam's Mark Hotel is near the Indianapolis airport on Executive Drive, which is just off the Airport Expressway near Interstate 465 on the west side. Source: Peter Hirst, (765) 494-1323; e-mail, hirst@hort.purdue.edu Writer: Jane Houin, (765) 494-2722; e-mail, news_students@aes.purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page