The Western Maryland Regional Fruit Meeting will be held at the University of Maryland, Western Maryland Research and Education Center, 18330 Keedysville Road, Keedysville, MD 21756, on Thursday, February 15, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The cost to attend the workshop is $40* ($45 after Feb 8, 2024), which includes continental breakfast, lunch, and handouts.
This yearly meeting will present industry information (including pesticide and nutrient management updates) related to commercial tree and small fruit production by the University of Maryland Extension and industry experts.
| Time |
AGENDA (subject to change) |
|---|
| MORNING SESSION |
| 8:30 a.m. |
Registration & Continental Breakfast |
| 9:00 a.m. |
Introductions & Program Overview
Dr. Joseph Fiola, Specialist in Viticulture and Small Fruit, University of Maryland Extension, WMREC, Keedysville, MD. |
| 9:10 a.m. |
Nutrient Management Update & Recertification
Bryan Harris, Nutrient Management Program Implementation Coordinator, Maryland Department of Agriculture, Annapolis, MD |
| 9:40 a.m. |
Pesticide Regulatory Update & Recertification
Rob Hofstetter, Program Manager, Pesticide Regulation Section, Maryland Department of Agriculture, Annapolis, MD |
| 10:10 a.m. |
Break & Visit Displays |
| 10:30 a.m. |
The UME Nutrient Management Program
Kayla Griffith, Faculty Specialist, Agricultural Nutrient Management Program, University of Maryland Extension, Clinton, MD |
| 11:00 a.m. |
Soil Health Maintenance for Fruit Orchards
Kayla Griffith, Faculty Specialist, Agricultural Nutrient Management Program, University of Maryland Extension, Clinton, MD |
| 11:30 a.m. |
Revisiting Old Headaches: Powdery Mildew, Sooty Blotch and Flyspeck, and Hail Events
Dr. Kari Peter, Assistant Professor, Plant Pathology, Penn State University, University Park, PA. |
| 12:00 p.m. |
Lunch & Visit Displays |
| AFTERNOON SESSION |
| 1:00 p.m. |
Maryland State Horticultural Society (MSHS) & Maryland Apple Promotion Board Update
Chuck Schuster, MSHS Executive Director, Hallie Butler Van-Horn, MSHS President, Butlers Orchard, Germantown, MD; Bill Gardenhour, Apple Promotion Board Update, Gardenhour Orchards, Smithsburg, MD. |
| 1:15 p.m. |
Do We Still Have Tools for Strawberry Disease Management?
Dr. Mengjun Hu, Assistant Professor, Plant Pathology, PSLA, UMD. |
| 1:35 p.m. |
Mating Disruption for Codling Moth and Oriental Fruit Moth in “Non-compliant” Blocks
Dr. Laura Nixon, Visiting Scientist, Entomology, USDA-ARS Appalachian Fruit Research Station |
| 2:05 p.m. |
Break & Visit Displays |
| 2:25 p.m. |
Attractiveness and Sensitivity of Commercially Available Pheromone Lures for Lepidopteran Pests of Tree Fruit.
Dr. Laura Nixon, Visiting Scientist, Entomology, USDA-ARS Appalachian Fruit Research Station. |
| 3:00 p.m. |
Apples Adapted: Breeding, Selection, and Evaluation of Grower-Friendly Apple Trees for Maryland
Dr. Chris Walsh, Emeritus Professor, PSLA, UMD. |
| 3:30 p.m. |
Preventing Cross Contamination During Apple Harvesting and Worker Health, Hygiene, and Job Specific Training.
Carol Allen, Agent Associate in Food Safety, PSLA, UMD. |
| 4:00 p.m. |
Discussion Questions, Comments, Pesticide and Nutrient Management Recertification, Program Evaluation, and Adjourn |
Attendance at this meeting qualifies for recertification continuing education credits (CEU’s) for individuals possessing a current and valid license:
- MARYLAND Recertification Training Commercial/Public Agency/Consultant/Private—credits in Categories 1A, 10*, 12*, PVT*
- WEST VIRGINIA Pesticide Recertification Training
- MARYLAND Nutrient Management Program
For more information or if you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event (two weeks prior), please contact Joseph Fiola or by calling (301) 432-2767 x344
*There is an additional processing fee from Eventbrite to pay by credit card
University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.
