Washington State University Extension announced two pear study circles to provide opportunities for growers, consultants, researchers and industry professionals to learn from one another and improve pear profitability and sustainability. 

Scouting, Thresholds, Conserving Natural Enemies
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 1–4:30 p.m.
A panel discussion with scouting network participants Rebecca Schmidt-Jeffris, U.S. Department of Agriculture in Wapato, who will share new information on trechnites biology, and Tianna DuPont, WSU Extension, who will share information on campylomma and deraeocoris biology and spray timing impacts. Topics include: 
—Natural enemy biology. 
—What spray timings are best to avoid natural enemy impact? 
—How did thresholds and scouting work in 2023? 
—Scouting network feedback. 

Phenology-based IPM
Wednesday, Dec. 13, 1–4:30 p.m.
A panel discussion with Darin Palmer, Mel Weythman, Sam Parker and other project participants, facilitated by Robert Orpet and Molly Sayles of WSU. Topics include: 
—What is phenology-based IPM? 
—How did IPM programs compare to organic and conventional in 2023?
—Grower discussion of pluses and minuses. 
—Discussion of improvements. 

These pear study circles will be held at the Mission Creek Community Club (4724 Mission Creek Rd.) in Cashmere. A simultaneous virtual option will be available via Zoom. 

Three pesticide credits will be available with approval from the Washington State Department of Agriculture. 

For more information or to register, go to: treefruit.wsu.edu/events.

For further questions, contact either Ricardo Lima Pinto by phone at: 509-470-1316 or by email at: j.limapinto@wsu.edu or Tianna DuPont by phone at: 509-713-5346 or by email at: tianna.dupont@wsu.edu.

—by Jonelle Mejica