Jun 2, 2009

Fruit and Wine Grape Research Meeting June 24 at Rutgers Research and Extension Center

Tree fruit and wine grape growers will gather June 24 at the Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Upper Deerfield Township, N.J. They will see and hear some of the latest research findings by scientists at the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.
A demonstration of an optical weed sprayer called the Weed Seeker will be held, and there will be displays of fruit varieties and early season pests, according to horticulturist Jerome Frecon.
A riding tour of the experimental plantings will begin at 5:15 p.m. Plant Pathologist Norman Lalancette will share information on disease management research and summarize results of the most effective programs on peaches and plums. Fruit entomologist Kris Tollerup will discuss alternative pest management research of peaches, with emphasis on the latest mating disruption technology,
Pomologist Dan Ward will discuss wine grape and fruit research. The tour will stop at plantings of exclusive Italian wine grape clones to discuss their adaptability for future planting and also focus on ground cover and alternative weed control for wine grapes, a project with weed scientist Brad Majek. He will discuss his weed management research on fruit crops and demonstrate his evaluative work with the Weed Seeker.
The Weed Seeker is driven by a computer and its spray head has an infrared lens that can tell the difference between weed and non-weed plants. It then will automatically spray only the weeds, using much less herbicide. The Weed Seeker detects chlorophyll in plants and uses reflected light patterns to distinguish weeds.
Information on pesticide storage and protective equipment will be presented by Extension pesticide coordinator Pat Hastings, and New Jersey Pesticide Applicator training units will be given in core and other categories.
A picnic supper will be served, so pre-registration is required. Call Frecon at 856-307-6450, ext. 1 or e-mail [email protected]. Full information is available at http://gloucester.njaes.rutgers.edu.