Oct 24, 2023

Managing IPM programs and nutrient uptake

What Great Lakes EXPO has to offer on blueberries, raspberries and more

Growers know that an effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program helps identify if, when, where and what combination of control methods are necessary for crop development. During the 2023 Great Lakes Fruit Vegetable and Farm Market EXPO, growers will have the opportunity to learn about proper nutrient and IPM management in fruit, as well as root fundamentals for water and nutrient uptake.

Lisa Wasko DeVetter, associate professor of horticulture at Washington State University Northwestern Washington and Extension Center (WSU NWREC), leads an applied research program in the department of horticulture at WSU with an emphasis on small fruit crops, including blueberries, raspberries and strawberries.

Wasko DeVetter strives to address grower concerns, collaborating with experts in other disciplines while focusing on issues related to Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Improving pollination in blueberries and evaluating alternative mulch technologies are two areas of Wasko DeVetter’s specialization within her program. 

During the Great Lakes EXPO, Wasko DeVetter will present on nutrient management in small fruit crops, specifically, organic and foliar nutrient management in blueberries and calcium nutrition in raspberries.

“Expos like these offer a fantastic opportunity to network and learn how research done in other parts of the world applies to Michigan and the surrounding areas,” Wasko DeVetter said. “I encourage growers to ask questions and chat with researchers to improve the flow of information exchange between the research and grower community.”

Learn more about this session and others at www.glexpo.com. The 2023 Great Lakes EXPO will be held Dec. 5-7 at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

A ‘fruitful’ experience 

Fruit growers can count on Great Lakes EXPO to deliver industry-leading education alongside an opportunity to meet with suppliers from every category. In addition to general education sessions, the crop-specific lineup includes berries, grape, sweet cider, apples, blueberries, cherries, peach/plum, apple and hard cider. 

Many of the education sessions will offer credits for Michigan and Ohio Private and Commercial Pesticide Applicators and Certified Crop Advisors. Those interested in credits will fill out an online survey at the end of each session providing credits. The survey will be filled out using a personal mobile device.

Back this year by popular demand is the Meet the Buyers reception, giving growers a chance to connect with new buyers and markets. The reception will be held Wednesday, Dec. 6, from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Throughout the EXPO, attendees also will be able to explore an expanded Innovation Experience focusing on labor-saving technologies with an aisle dedicated to just innovation and agricultural technology. Plus, companies will have their latest new products displayed on Main Street.

See the full education line-up at https://glexpo.com/programming-2023/.