Statewide Integrated Pest Management In Depth, Hands-on Training for NY Christmas Tree Producers

Abstract

Producers of conifers in New York, which are used in the Christmas tree and nursery industries, face numerous pest management challenges. From our work with growers over the past several years we have identified and developed expertise on the key insect, disease and weed pests. Through a series of hands-on presentations and on-farm tours this project reached growers and extension educators with integrated pest management techniques for those important pests. Training programs were held throughout NY over the last two years and were well received by growers. Evaluations indicated that 96% of the participants indicated intent to change a practice based on the new information they learned at the workshop. And of the participants that attended a previous workshop 95% stated they are doing something differently now, as a result of what they picked up at a past program.