At this grower-focused meeting, ag industry experts will discuss pest control in vegetables, weed management strategies and best practices, seed germination, an introduction to foliar nutrient uptake in vegetables, and grouping flowers by growth needs. Plus we'll hear from a grower panel from Kutztown Produce Auction, moderated with NYS specific pest control from Judson Reid. 

2.25 DEC recertification credits will be offered in categories 10, 1a, 23, and 24.

AGENDA:

8:30 AM Coffee, Re-certification Credits, visit vendors

9:00 Welcome and Auction Updates -- Nelson R. Hoover, Chair FLPA Board of Directors.
How did the new space work in 2024? What can we expect in the new year for processes?

9:15 Grouping flowers by growth needs -- Professor Neil Mattson, Cornell University
Neil will share research on the influence of water quality and nutrient availability, temperature, light, and abiotic stress for the production of high quality floriculture crops. Growth needs will be defined using nutrients, water, and energy.

10:00 Tomato and Pepper Insect and Mite Management -- Steve Bogash, retired ProFarm Inc.
Steve will discuss integrated management of common pests in tomatoes and peppers with a focus on cultural and microbial insecticides.

10:45 Seed germination; quality plants begin on Day 1 -- Jeff Werner, Rupp Seeds
Jeff will cover how to seed, germinate and care for young transplants from flowers to vegetables.

11:15 Introduction to Foliar Nutrient Uptake in Vegetables, Greenhouse Crops, and Small Fruit (Part 1) -- Steve Bogash, retired ProFarm Inc.
Steve will cover foliar nutrient application for common produce auction crops; what, how and when to apply different fertilizer solutions.

11:45 Updates from Sponsors and Vendors -- Three seed and ag input companies will have 5 minutes to share product news.

12:00 Lunch

1:00 Weed control for Plasticulture Vegetables PART I: Are herbicides in row middles a good idea? -- Elizabeth Buck, Cornell Vegetable Program 
Herbicides can be used between plasticulture vegetables, but careful attention must be paid to label requirements including pre-harvest intervals and crop safety considerations. Elizabeth will cover legal, effective options for produce growers.

1:45 Weed control for Plasticulture Vegetables: PART II: Park the Sprayer! You can use living mulch in row middles! -- Judson Reid, Cornell Vegetable Program
Cover crops, or 'living mulch' are an alternative to herbicides. We will share updates on cover crops as a tool to combat weeds, and interactions with disease, insects and soil health. 

2:15 Grower Panel - Kutztown Produce Auction growers, moderated with NYS specific pest control from Judson Reid
We have invited our friends to discuss their techniques in sweet corn production, including insect control, pumpkins, weed control, tomatoes and more. Bring your questions!