This year’s Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo has a lot to offer vegetable producers. A session on pest management will cover challenges growers face in fields, including whitefly, thrips, pepper weevil and more. Talks will be given on whitefly-transmitted viruses.
A presentation on nematode management with reduce-risk nematicides and cover crops will be given during the pest management session. Speakers also will discuss how biopesticides can be brought into the mix for insect pest management.
The specialty crop seminars also will feature optimizing production in plasticulture. One topic will cover nutsedge management in vegetable beds. With the growing interest in soil health, a presentation will be given on what happens to the soil microbial community when fumigants are applied. Another presentation will feature the “ditch effect” and how to mitigate the challenge and reduce yield variability.
The recent outbreak of cyclospora is a reminder of the importance of food safety protocols. A presentation on food safety will be given during the Expo and touch on areas where growers need to be paying the most attention in their food safety programs.
A discussion also will be held featuring guidance on how growers can tap into cost-share dollars for application of compost and/or biochar, along with other conservation opportunities. The specialty crop seminars will be rounded out with a final presentation on alternative crops, including bamboo and other fruit and nut crops. Check out the full agenda here.
The event’s trade show will provide grower attendees a chance to see the latest in products and services they need to produce a crop and to network with peers.
The Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo is scheduled for Aug. 12-13 at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center and adjoining Luminary Hotel in downtown Fort Myers.