Month: January 2015

Tell us how SWD affected your fruit farm in 2014.

Dear berry growers,

Dr. Hannah Burrack in the Department of Entomology at NC State is coordinating the effort again this year to estimate the impact of spotted wing drosophila (SWD) on fruit crops in the Eastern USA.  This information is very valuable for a number of reasons. It helps us quantify changes in impact over time as we learn more about SWD and methods for control. It serves to document the economic challenges this pest has caused growers. And the information on SWD impact supports obtaining federal funding for research and education.  You can access the survey online at the website below. Thank you for your assistance.

Dr. Greg Loeb, Cornell University, Department of Entomology.

http://swd.ces.ncsu.edu/2014/12/measuring-the-impacts-of-spotted-wing-drosophila-in-2014-your-help-needed/​

Plan now to attend the SWD Workshop in the Albany County CCE office, on January 14th. Growers of fall raspberries, mid to late season blueberries, & day-neutral strawberries: Learn how to manage Spotted Wing Drosophila in this in-depth workshop! THIS is the place to learn current SWD information, the most recent research results, and management practices.

Wednesday Jan. 14, 2015, 8:30AM-4PM, CCE Albany County, 24 Martin Road, Voorheesville, NY. (Can't make it? Plan on March 4 in Batavia, NY.)

Presentations by Cornell Researchers, Extension Educators, and New York State Berry Growers Association on SWD biology, SWD management - including insecticides, cultural practices, biological control, and spray technology - signs of infestation, and decision-making resources.

Hands-on activities on SWD trapping and monitoring, achieving good spray coverage, and salt floatation tests.

Take-home a binder filled with reference information, trap supplies, SWD specimens to aid in identification, and other supplies.

• 7 CCA credits available!
• 5.5 DEC credits available! – Categories 1A, 10, 22, 23 & 24

WORKSHOP REGISTRATION FEE:  Per Person- Includes lunch, binder and take-home supplies. Register by January 12th. (No refunds after deadline; late registration fee: $20.)

NYSBGA Members  $25   Join the NYS Berry Growers Association and GET HALF OFF your workshop registration. The 2015 Membership fee is $125 and applies to 2 individuals per farm; $50 goes directly to berry research. The 2015 Associate Membership fee is $75, for a non-profit Ag Professional.

Non-NYSBGA Members  $50   Join the NYS Berry Growers Association and GET HALF OFF your workshop registration (see above).

REGISTER EARLY, by January 12th, to reserve your seat, lunch, and take-home goodies. Register for the Albany SWD Workshop Online. Or, print the registration form and mail it in. More information is at www.hort.cornell.edu/grower/nybga/swdworkshops/.

Questions?

Contact: Penny Heritage, NYSBGA- Communications (518) 424-8028, pennyh@nycap.rr.com

Sponsored by:  NYS Berry Growers Association, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and NYS IPM Program

Funding support from: NYS Legislature and NY Farm Viability Institute