Pest management and sanitation topics at Canadian Greenhouse Conference

The Canadian Greenhouse Conference has prepared a speaker program that addresses the challenges faced by today’s flower, vegetable and nursery growers. Two full days of sessions are aimed at equipping growers with information necessary to thrive in today’s marketplace. Complete details are on the website www.canadiangreenhouseconference.com Here are some highlights:

Pest management
Pest management is perhaps the most frustrating problem for growers as the game keeps changing. New pests appear, old ones evolve and develop resistance while customers and retailers make demands in regard to environmental sensitivity. Staying current on all things IPM is critical. Sessions on both Wednesday and Thursday deal with different facets of pest management including strategies to extend the effectiveness of insecticides and the economics of biocontrol. OMAFRA specialist, Sarah Jandricic updates the Mealybug situation and Rose Buitenhuis from Vineland Research & Innovation Centre discusses controlling whitefly at the beginning of the production cycle.

Rose Buitenhuis from Vineland Research & Innovation Centre discusses controlling whitefly at the beginning of the production cycle. (PHOTO: VINELAND RESEARCH @ TWITTER)

Sanitation
Good sanitation practices are the key to preventing disease inside your greenhouse but can be time-consuming. Warren Copes, USDA ARS, will help you determine where to put your efforts in both tasks and training. Learn how two well-established operations have made bio-security and greenhouse hygiene a priority. Steve Vanderkooy from Ontario Plants Propagation Ltd. and Lloyd Traven from Peace Tree Farm in Pennsylvania will share their challenges and successes.

Grow your business and your network; time invested at the conference pays dividends throughout the year. Register in advance to take advantage of discount pricing. Complete conference information is available at www.CanadianGreenhouseConference.com