Washington State University Extension and the pear IPM team announced an intensive workshop to be held Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Confluence Technology Center in Wenatchee (285 Technology Center Way). This in-person event includes an option to participate via Zoom, however online participants will not be able to interact vocally during discussions.

Pear orchardists, field staff, consultants and scouts are invited to delve deeply into effective integrated pest management for pears. Lectures, hands-on activities and in-depth discussion will help participants: 

—Improve confidence in psylla and natural enemy identification.

—Learn how to use newly updated thresholds for psylla and natural enemies. 

—Increase the success of selective biologically based IPM programs in orchard operation using phenology models, honeydew washing and thresholds.

Registration is required for in-person and online attendance, and space is limited. For more information, a list of speakers, an agenda and registration links, go to: treefruit.wsu.edu/event/pear-ipm-intensive. 

Three pesticide recertification credits are approved for Washington and Oregon.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication or program information, or reasonable accommodation, should contact Tiana Dupont by phone at: 509-293-8758 or by email at: tianna.dupont@wsu.edu at least two weeks prior to the event.

—by Jonelle Mejica