US (LA): Workshops on high tunnel pest exclusion, alternative pesticides

The Louisiana Sustainable Agriculture and Research and Education (SARE) Program and U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service will offer workshops on pest exclusion in high tunnels, or hoop houses, and the proper use of alternative pesticides in two Louisiana locations on Oct. 19 and 20.

“This series of workshops on pest management are a follow-up to our winter workshops around the state on the use of high tunnels, which are increasingly popular with small and medium-scale market gardeners in order to extend the growing season and increase farm profitability,” said Carl Motsenbocker, LSU AgCenter professor of horticulture and sustainable agriculture.

The presenter for these workshops is Ayanava Majumbar, an extension entomology specialist who works with the SARE program at Auburn University and has conducted research on high tunnel production as well as alternative and integrated pest management for horticultural crops.

The first workshop will be held on Oct. 19 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden, 4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge. The second workshop is set for Oct. 20 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the AgCenter Dean Lee Research and Extension Center near LSU of Alexandria off U.S. Route 71 south of Alexandria.

There is no fee, but advance registration is requested at http://lahightunnelpest.eventbrite.com.

For more information:
LSU AgCenter
Carl Motsenbocker
225-578-1036
cmotsenbocker@agcenter.lsu.edu
www.lsuagcenter.com