Results of the latest blueberry variety trials will be one of the topics at the East Texas Commercial Fruit and Vegetable Conference set Feb. 25 in Nacogdoches. (Photo courtesy of Dr. David Creech, professor emeritus at Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches)
Writer: Robert Burns, 903-834-6191, rd-burns@tamu.edu
NACOGDOCHES – The latest blueberry variety trials and information on alternative fruit crops such as citrus will be just a few of the many topics presented at the East Texas Commercial Fruit and Vegetable Conference set Feb. 25 in Nacogdoches, according to conference planners.
“Dr. David Creech, a horticulturist who is highly respected in his field, will discuss his variety trials on blueberries, figs, persimmons and citrus for East Texas,” said Kimberly Benton, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service horticulture agent in Cherokee County and one of the conference planners.
Creech is a professor emeritus at Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Benton noted.
There will also be separate updates on fungicide and pesticides for fruits and vegetables, she said.
The program will be held at the Nacogdoches Expo Center, 3805 N.W. Stallings Dr.
Registration will start at 8 a.m. and is $30, payable at the door, and includes a catered lunch. Three continuing education units for holders of Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide applicator licenses will be offered.
The formal programming will begin at 8:30 a.m. and adjourn at 3:35 p.m.
Program presentations and presenters before lunch will include: Fungicides for Fruits and Vegetables, Dr. Tom Isakeit, AgriLife Extension plant pathologist, College Station; Insecticides for Fruits and Vegetables, Erfan Vafaie, AgriLife Extension entomologist, Overton; Organic Certification for Fruits and Vegetables, Dr. Joe Masabni, AgriLife Extension vegetable specialist, College Station; New Peach and Nectarine Varieties, Dr. David Byrne, Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientist, College Station; and Laws and Regulations, Manuel Martinez, Texas Department of Agriculture inspector.
After lunch, topics will include: Common Pecan Problems in East Texas, Monte Nesbitt, AgriLife Extension horticulturist, College Station; Starting a Commercial Vegetable Operation, Juan Anciso, AgriLife Extension vegetable specialist, Weslaco; Alternative Ways of Marketing; Blogs, Social Media, etc., Vafaie; and Variety Trials: Figs, Persimmons, Blueberries, Citrus, Creech.
Conference planners said attendees needing the continuing education units will need to bring their pesticide license or pesticide number. By Texas Department of Agriculture rules, drivers license numbers will no longer be accepted.
-30-
