Growers and pest consultants who want to learn more about using lacewings for biological control can attend field days scheduled June 24 and 25 in Washington apple orchards.

The field days are a joint effort between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Washington State University and will include demonstrations of lacewing release techniques by hand, by four-wheeler and by drone. 

Rebecca Schmidt-Jeffris, entomologist with the USDA Agricultural Research Service, will share findings from her research into lacewing use for pest management and release strategies. (For more on that, see: A bug spray for boosting beneficials.) Chuck Weaver, who conducts releases for G.S. Long Co. with Parabug technology, will also speak, as will the grower hosts at each location: Teah Smith of Zirkle Fruit, Mike Brown of Gebbers Farms and Dain Craver of Craver Orchards.

There is no cost to attend, but attendees are encouraged to preregister. The press release announcing the event shared these details for each session: 

—Wednesday, June 24, 9:00–10:30 a.m.
Pateros, Wash. Click here for registration and details.

—Thursday, June 25, 9:00–10:30 a.m. 
CRO Orchards, Rock Island, Wash. Click here for registration and details.

—Thursday, June 25, 3:00–4:30 p.m.
Dain Craver Orchards, Royal City, Wash. Click here for registration and details.