IPM In-depth: Improving Crop Management in NY Greenhouses and Nurseries through Hands-on Workshops

Abstract

Thirty-one growers, from retail greenhouses, wholesale greenhouses, nurseries, and garden centers, attended the first IPM In-depth program of hands-on workshops, in association with the Floriculture Field Day in Ithaca. In 2008, the modules were thrips identification, botrytis identification, and measuring pH and salts in container media. Each module was 1 hour long and included a series of hands-on activities so the participants received direct experience with the topic. Response to the program was overwhelmingly positive, with most participants planning on changes in pest and fertility management as a result of attending.