EL PASO — Pecan growers and farm hands will have an opportunity to learn various aspects of pecan orchard management and how to scout for pecan pests during the Pecan Short Course and Insect Management Workshop May 20-21.
The Thursday session will run from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is scheduled for the Texas A&M Research and Extension Center, 1380 A&M Circle. The Friday session will take place at the orchard at 300 Riverside Dr., behind St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church.
Speakers will include: Dr. George Ray McEachern, professor and Texas Agricultural Extension Service horticulturist; Dr. Larry Stein, professor and Extension horticulturist; Dr. Mike Kilby, pecan specialist, Arizona Extension; and, Bill Ree, Extension entomologist.
The workshop will offer participants a chance to learn about such topics as sustaining pecan orchards in low-water years; managing tree crowding; planting and establishing orchards; tree fertilization; and orchard economics. Participants will also have an opportunity to tour an orchard and learn the art of scouting for insects such as pecan nut casebearer, weevil and black pecan aphid.
Registration fee for the two-day program is $50 per person. The fee covers workshop material, the Texas Pecan Handbook and lunch on both days.Participants will also have the opportunity to meet and speak to some of the most noted pecan specialists from Texas and the Southwest.
Registration fee for the Friday, May 21, session only will be $10. This fee includes lunch and program handouts. It will not include the Texas Pecan Handbook. Two Continuing Education Units will be given for Thursday’s workshop and 3 CEUs will be given for the session on Friday. Registration deadline is at 5 p.m. Monday May 17 . For more information, please call the El Paso County Extension Service, (915) 859-7725.
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