AMES, Iowa -- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host a series of meetings this February for fruit and vegetable growers on transplanting, advanced high tunnel tomato production, drip irrigation and water management, and invasive pest management.
"These workshops address a variety of production problems that many growers deal with on a regular basis," said Joe Hannan, ISU Extension and Outreach horticulture field specialist.
All workshops will be held at the ISU Extension and Outreach - Woodbury County office in Sioux City, 4301 Sergeant Rd #213, Sioux City.
Transplant Production Workshop
Friday, Feb. 7
9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Registration deadline: Wednesday, Feb. 4
Cost is $30 per person; $35 for registration after Feb. 4.
Sessions will focus on nutrient medium, lighting, pests, diseases and proper hardening techniques for transplants. This educational workshop will help growers learn how to successfully grow strong and healthy transplants
Advanced High Tunnel Tomato Production Workshop
Tuesday, Feb. 11
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Registration deadline: Friday, Feb. 7
Cost is $55 per person or $90 per couple (or employees from the same farm) and includes a resource guide, lunch and refreshments.
This workshop is for growers already using a high tunnel structure in their production system or desiring advanced high tunnel training. Topics to be covered include environmental control, nutrient management, foliar sampling, hands-on grafting practice, production budgets and succession plantings for maximum efficiency.
Drip Irrigation and Water Management in Fruits and Vegetables Workshop
Tuesday, Feb. 18
8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Registration deadline: Friday, Feb. 14
Cost is $20 per person.
Irrigation is an essential tool in vegetable production to grow high quality produce. Building a drip irrigation system and determining when and how much water to apply can be a challenge for anyone. This workshop will address the principles of drip irrigation, provide a hands-on opportunity to build system layouts in a classroom setting, and include small group and large group discussion on managing water on a produce farm.
Invasive Pests in the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Workshop
Tuesday, Feb. 25
8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Registration deadline: Friday, Feb. 21
Cost is $20 per person.
Spotted winged drosophila and brown marmorated stink bug are new invasive pests identified in Iowa. Spotted winged drosophila is a fruit fly, but unlike other fruit flies, it lays eggs in fresh fruit just prior to harvest instead of into rotting fruit. Brown marmorated stink bug is a stink bug with a wide host ranging across fruits, vegetables and ornamentals. Damage is severe and control is difficult. This workshop will discuss the life cycles for each pest, trapping, identification and management practices.