Dates set for 2013 southwest Michigan grape meetings

Registration is now open for grape IPM meetings in southwest Michigan on April 24, May 22 and Aug. 27.

Be sure to register now for the Michigan State University Extension in-season grape IPM meeting series in southwest Michigan. If you preregister and prepay for all three meetings in advance, you can save $10 over the registration cost of individual meetings: $35 for all three in advance, or $15 individually. Two RUP credits are available for each meeting.

April 24, 6-8 p.m. – Berrien County Extension Office
1737 Hillandale Rd., Benton Harbor, MI 49022 (view map)
Our first in-season grape meeting will feature MSU’s small fruit pathologist Annemiek Schilder. She will cover updates on fungicides and introduce a new grape virus factsheet that will be available in 2013. We will also discuss the benefits of using both soil and foliar testing to determine the nutrient status of your grape vines, how and when to collect samples, and how to interpret results Registration is $15 and includes a light supper for those who preregister and prepay by April 22.

May 22, 6-8 p.m. – Cronenwett Farms
70121 28th St., Lawton, MI 49065 (view map)
The May meeting will focus on early season insect management, canopy management and weed control. Join MSU’s small fruit entomologist Rufus Isaacs, state viticulturist Paolo Sabbatini and weed scientist Bernie Zandstra for updates on these important production issues. Registration is $15.

August 27, 6-8 p.m. – Lemon Creek Winery
533 E. Lemon Creek Rd., Berrien Springs, MI 49103 (view map)
The preharvest meeting will feature Isaacs with updates on late season insect management, including an important new research project for grape berry moth. Stan Howell, professor emeritus of viticulture and enology at MSU, will be joining us to discuss several issues in canopy management and the benefits of the VESTA program for juice and wine grape producers. Schilder will lead a vineyard tour to look at symptoms of grape diseases that may be present. Registration is $15.

Contact Diane Brown or Jamie Styburski at 269-944-4126 at the Berrien County Extension office for more information about all meetings except the Viticulture Field Day.

Did you find this article useful?