Ongoing Research

AMES, Iowa – Two workshops will be held to help growers, local foods coordinators, extension staff, county horticulturists and industry representatives learn to manage common insect and disease challenges in vegetable production in Iowa.

Topics to be covered include pest and disease management in vegetable production, weed management and how to correct nutrient deficiencies in vegetable crops. To make things interesting, there will be live plant samples with disease symptoms and disorders. Participants would be encouraged to take a small quiz to identify those diseases and disorders. The workshops are supported by a professional development grant by USDA North Central Sustainable Research and Education. Participants will have an opportunity to learn how to better protect their vegetable crops from both harmful diseases and insect pests, allowing them to have the best chance to remain profitable and sustainable.

Following are the workshop dates and venues:
1. April 26 at the ISU Extension and Outreach Johnson County office in Iowa City,
2. April 27 at the NICC Dairy Center in Calmar, IA.

Workshop will be led by Drs. Nair; Laura Iles, director of the Iowa State University Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic; Lina Rodriguez-Salamanca, plant pathology diagnostician with the ISU Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic; and Patrick O’Malley, commercial horticulture specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach.Online registration is required as space is limited. Use the section below to register. Registration must be completed by April 20, 2018. There is no cost for the workshop and lunch will be provided. Sign-in begins at 8 a.m. on the day of the workshop, with training beginning at 8:30 a.m.