Blueberry workshop to feature integrated pest-management scouting

The workshop will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CST) on March 7 and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 8. Workshop topics will include: aspects of plant growth and development, insect and disease development and identification, insect and disease control options, weed monitoring and management, pesticide safety and regulations, good agricultural practices for food safety, leadership training, and cross-cultural education. Indiana growers with a private applicators license can earn Private Applicator Recertification Program credit for attending.

"We hope that as participants of this workshop, growers will improve their skills, learn to better manage pests and ultimately produce a better product while reducing pesticide use," said Bruce Bordelon, a Purdue professor of horticulture.

The $100 registration fee covers both days' sessions, a notebook complete with topics translated into Spanish, a hands-on field day in June (dates will be announced at a later time) and catered lunches.

Preregistration is available, and checks should be made payable to Michigan State University and mailed to MSU Trevor Nichols Research Complex, c/o Blueberry IPM Training Program, 6237 124th Ave., Fennville, MI 49408. On-site registration also is available, but to ensure a space interested parties should contact Bordelon at (765) 494-8212, bordelon@purdue.edu.

For local lodging in Valparaiso, Ind., located near the Pinney-Purdue Center, call the Hampton Inns & Suites at (219) 531-6424. Participants should mention the Blueberry IPM Workshop for a reduced rate.

Directions to the center are available online.

This workshop is a collaboration among Purdue and Michigan State universities and the USDA Risk Management Agency.

Writer: Jennifer Culy, (765) 494-8402, jculy@purdue.edu

Source: Bruce Bordelon, (765) 494-8212, bordelon@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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