Webinars offered for apple growers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cindy Reisig
(800) 456-2753
(DeWitt, Mich.) – Technology keeps coming to the apple orchard. The latest is in the form of webinars, or live web seminars, offering Michigan apple growers an opportunity to learn what's new in research and growing techniques from the comfort of their homes.
Denise Donohue, executive director of the Michigan Apple Association, said, “This winter growers have the opportunity to participate in educational programs featuring research results from their home or office computer. We are excited to bring growers up-to-date on research efforts funded by the Michigan Apple Committee in this new, time-saving and no-travel method.”
Webinars are a live Powerpoint presentation broadcast over the Internet to registered attendees. Participants have the opportunity to call-in questions for the speaker and to provide input or personal experiences related to the topic.
The following webinars will be broadcast 1- 2 p.m. from Agriculture Hall on Michigan State University's campus with assistance of MSU-Extension personnel:
Jan. 15 – Dr. Mark Whalon, entomologist, will present: “A 'Greener' Congress and a 'Green' Public = Changes in Michigan Apple Production.” This webinar will feature a “how to” on measuring ecosystem services in orchards, the future of reduced risk compounds and information regarding “softer” biopesticides being tested for common apple insects.
Feb. 12 – MSU's premiere pruning expert, Dr. Ron Perry, professor of horticulture, will give a refresher course on winter pruning of apple trees. Orchard owners and employees alike will benefit from learning what cuts will lead to best fruit production.
March 5 – Dr. Larry Gut, MSU entomologist, will present “Looking Ahead: Managing Apple Pests without OP's.” Gut has multiple topics planned that will improve the bottom line of any orchard.
Cost of each webinar is $30 ($20 for MAA members). To learn more, contact Cindy Reisig, MAA education director, at (800) 456-2753 or reisig5@comcast.net. Detailed descriptions of each webinar are posted on the www.MichiganAppleAssociation.com. Online registration is coming soon.