HDC Crop Protection Workshops for Ornamental Plant Growers

The accurate recognition of pest and disease problems and the use of control measures that are effective, economic and sustainable are essential components of high quality ornamental plant production. Zero tolerance of pests and diseases amongst customers coupled with the need to reduce pesticide use are placing added pressures on growers in today’s increasingly competitive market.

The HDC are pleased to announce a crop protection workshop for ornamentals growers at the GroSouth Exhibition on the 9th of November.

The workshop will focus on the recognition and control of seasonal pests and diseases, with an emphasis on the use of Integrated Crop Management (ICM), to encourage preventative and environmentally sustainable approaches to crop protection to help reduce pesticide use. Each workshop will be presented by ADAS specialists and the topics covered will include:

• Timely and correct recognition of seasonal pests and diseases, featuring the use of fresh sample material and aids to crop monitoring
• Guidance on how to monitor crops, cultural control measures and nursery hygiene
• The use of biological control agents and Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Guidance on best practice in the use and application of pesticides.

The workshop will be geared towards pot and bedding plant crops. Growers are encouraged to bring along plant sample problems for diagnosis and discussion during the actual workshop sessions.

The workshops will each last for an hour, take place in the morning (11.00 a.m.) and be repeated during the afternoon (2.00 p.m.). They will be informal and have a strong practical emphasis, with opportunities for questions and discussion. Much of the workshop content will link to and showcase current or recent HDC funded projects, including present work on ICM on nursery stock and ‘Spray Check’ the DVD tutorial for spray operators in the ornamentals industry.

The workshops will also feature an integral HDC stand providing an opportunity to meet HDC staff and discuss projects and output. Pre-booking is not required but places will be limited. The event will be registered for BASIS continued professional development points.