This presentation will cover the major cucurbit insect pests and control options. This will include spray options and a discussion on insect exclusion techniques which may be of interest to conventional and organic growers alike. The talk will be broken down into sections with time for questions and discussion throughout.

Also included will be the outcomes of the recent research studies on Curcubit and Tomato diseases - Babadoos

University of Illinois Extension will host the 25th Annual Stateline Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference this February 2021. This conference attracts commercial vegetable and fruit growers from farms in Illinois and Wisconsin, all of whom sell to small and/or wholesale markets, in order to provide them with updated production-related information from Extension specialists at the University of Illinois.

This year, our conference will be delivered via the Zoom platform. Because of the breadth of content, our conference will be held over multiple dates. These webinars will be held live.

The core of the program, fruit and vegetables disease and insect updates from Drs. Mohammad Babadoost and Kacie Athey, Extension Specialists with University of Illinois Extension, will occur on the following dates:

• Thursday, February 18 (Fruit Track) 1:00-3:30PM
• Thursday, February 25 (Vegetable Track) 1:00-3:30PM

To compliment these tracks, we have scheduled additional sessions on Fridays in February. These Zoom sessions will be held from 12-1PM.

• Friday, February 12
  • Hard Cider Production, Carla Snyder, Penn State Extension
• Friday, February 19
  • Pumpkin Varieties, Nathan Johanning, University of Illinois Extension
• Friday, February 26
  • High Tunnel Production Updates, Bronwyn Aly, University of Illinois Extension 

“Each year, we have University of Illinois Extension specialists deliver research based information to give growers timely updates to better manage their crops for the upcoming season,” states Grant McCarty, Local Foods and Small Farms Educator for Jo Daviess, Stephenson, and Winnebago counties.  “We also cover topics that growers are interested hearing more about like pumpkin varieties and high tunnel production.” Sarah Farley, Local Foods and Small Farms Educator for Lake and McHenry Counties added, “We are thrilled to offer a live lineup of experts who can answer grower questions with evidence-based research and highlight market opportunities such as hard cider production. Offered virtually with no travel constraints, we hope to reach growers where they are and support their educational needs as we look forward the growing season.”

The cost for the entire program (Thursday and Friday sessions) is $20. Participants may also register just for Thursday sessions ($10) or Friday sessions ($15). Participants will receive access to the live presentations, handouts, and YouTube recordings of the sessions.