Cornell University’s School of Integrated Plant Science (SIPS) Horticulture Section is sponsoring a small fruit open house from 12:45 to 4:30 pm on Friday, October 3, 2014.
The two-part program, hosted by Dr. Marvin Pritts, professor and berry crop specialist, will include researchers, extension specialists and graduate students from SIPS Horticulture and Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Sections, Cornell Departments of Entomology and Natural Resources, and the Cornell Cooperative Extension Eastern NY Commercial Horticulture Team.
The program will begin at 1:00 PM. Participants should meet at Cornell Orchard, 709 Dryden Road (Route 366), Ithaca, NY 14850 between 12:30 PM to 12:45 PM for parking, check-in, and announcements.
Part one of the program will be held at Cornell Orchard, located on route 366 in Ithaca across from the Vet School parking lot. Topics for part one of the 2014 open house will include a chance to examine and discuss a new strawberry low tunnel production system being introduced to the Northeast region, a look at a new cranberry demonstration planting, techniques for minimizing bird damage in berry crops, an inside look at biopesticides as a newly emerging disease management tool, and an update on applied berry research efforts in eastern New York.
Part two of the program will be held at the East Ithaca Farm located just around the corner from Cornell Orchard on Maple Ave. Topics for this portion of the program will include techniques for monitoring and managing Spotted Wing Drosophila, a new invasive fruit fly, using wild flower plantings to enhance strawberry pollination, a berry variety question and answer session with Dr. Courtney Weber, Cornell small fruits breeder, introduction of a new research project on soil amendments and their effects on strawberry soil health and finally, a discussion of trellising systems for high tunnel blackberries.
A refreshment break will be provided between program sessions. The open house will be held rain or shine; umbrellas and/or lawn chairs may be desirable.
The open house is free and open to the public but pre-registration is required to ensure adequate transportation, handouts, and refreshments. Signs will be posted on the day of the event. Please register by phone or e-mail by contacting Cathy Heidenreich, mcm4@cornell.edu, 315-787-2367 no later than Friday, September 26, 2014.