Feb 29, 2016

WSU Extension to host grape pest management workshop

Grape pest and disease management for growers in western Washington will be discussed in a hands-on workshop on Saturday, March 19, at the Stillaguamish Grange, 6521 Pioneer Hwy., Stanwood, Washington.

Space is limited and pre-paid registration by March 17 is required. Cost for either morning or afternoon is $20 per person; both sessions plus box lunch and a copy of the Washington State University Extension 2016 Grape Pest Management Guide is $45.

Full-day participants can qualify for up to five state agriculture department pesticide recertification credits. Those in the morning session are eligible for two credits.

Both organic and conventional approaches will be covered. Small groups will design programs to put into use this season. Strategies will be evaluated and the group with the most sustainable will win a prize.

Workshop leaders will be Michelle Moyer and Gwen Hoheisel, both with viticultural extension at WSU Prosser. The training is sponsored by the WSU viticulture and enology program, WSU Snohomish County Extension and WSU Extension.

The morning session, 9 a.m.-noon, will cover biology and management of the insect pests brown marmorated stink bug and spotted wing drosophila with emphasis on distinguishing invasive species from native and beneficial species.

Discussion of sprayer best practices will consider equipment, maintenance and environmental conditions that influence spray efficacy and drift. In a hands-on session, participants will learn to calibrate and use backpack sprayers – including discussion on whole-canopy (disease) vs. spot spraying (insects and weeds).

The afternoon session, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., will be devoted to designing grapevine disease management programs with emphasis on powdery mildew and botrytis bunch rot. Discussions will focus on integrating chemical and cultural practices for optimal control with an eye to modes-of-action rather than specific chemicals so control can be adapted to both organic and conventional management strategies.

Visit Grape Pest and Disease Management for Western Washington web page to register with a credit card or download the form and mail with a check. For more information, contact Kate Halstead at 425-357-6024.