The Guédot lab started the new year 2024 with two pivotal conferences, the Growing Wisconsin and Wisconsin Cranberry School, continuing our commitment to applied research for the benefit of Wisconsin growers.

The Growing Wisconsin Conference, organized by the Wisconsin Apple Growers Association, Christelle Guédot presented talks to the berry, grape, and apple growers and our lab members Fatma Ezzahra Besbes and Emilie Parkanzky delved into research and industry topics specific to grape cultivation. Valuable insights were gained through sessions focusing on Spotted Lantern Fly management, wasp control, alternative weed control and powdery mildew affecting grapes, among other great topics. In the same week, at the Wisconsin Cranberry School Conference tailored for cranberry growers, lab member Casey Trickle presented his research results on cranberry false blossom disease and its vector the blunt-nose leafhopper and Elizabeth Hrycyna attended the Winter Trade Show, educational presentations, and the WSCGA Annual Winter Meeting. 

These conferences also provided a broader perspective on the fruit and vegetable industry in Wisconsin. Discussions spanned topics such as herbicides, growers surveys, irrigation systems, fertilization, irrigation techniques, and trends in agricultural tourism.

The networking opportunities fostered connections for lab members with growers, industry leaders, and fellow researchers, enhancing our lab’s collaborative network. As an Entomology Fruit Extension Lab, our participation in these conferences underscores our commitment to translating research into practical solutions that directly benefit Wisconsin growers. These experiences are expected to significantly contribute to the development of targeted and sustainable pest management strategies in grape, berry, apple, and cranberry crops, reinforcing the importance of applied research in our mission to help growers manage insect pests on their farms.

 

This article was posted in Conferences & Outreach and tagged Conference, Entomology, Fruit crops, Wisconsin.