Michigan State University Extension Blueberry Team’s, annual Blueberry Kick Off meeting will be March 21, at the MSU Trevor Nichols Research Center located at 6237 124th Ave., Fennville. The meeting will start at 1 p.m. and conclude about 5 p.m.

Three RUP credits will be available to certified pesticide applicators in Private and Commercial fruit. There will is a $5 registration fee to cover break snacks and handouts. Please register online or by calling or emailing Mark Longstroth, 269-873-8983, email: [email protected], or Mary Frein, 616-994-4540, email [email protected].

Blueberry growers – preseason meeting set for pest control strategies. Photo by Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images

Visit the MSU Extension Event registration at:  http://events.anr.msu.edu/2016BBKickoff/. Preregistration provides us with information for planning the number of handouts and audience seating. 

Topics to be covered at this meeting include:

•Introduction and Updates on 2016 Blueberry Meetings
Mark Longstroth, and Dr. Carlos Garcia Salazar

•Updates from the Michigan Blueberry Industry,
MBBAC and USHBC Representatives

•What Does the 2016 Growing Season Look Like?
Dr. Jeff Andresen, MSU Climatologist

•Blueberry Weed Control
Dr. Bernie Zandstra, Professor, MSU Horticulture

•Blueberry Nutrition Update
Dr. Eric Hanson, Professor & Extension Specialist, MSU Horticulture

•Enviroweather Update
Dr. Beth Bishop, MSU Enviroweather Coordinator

•Blueberry Irrigation and Spring Freeze Control Options
Mark Longstroth, MSUE Small Fruit Educator, Van Buren County MSUE

•Update on FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act)
Dr. Carlos Garcia, MSUE Small Fruit Educator, Ottawa County MSUE

•Blueberry Insect and Insecticide Update
Dr. Rufus Isaacs, Professor, MSU Entomology

•Early Season Blueberry Disease Control Update
Dr. Annemiek Schilder

Growers with special needs may request assistance by calling: Mark Longstroth, 269-873-8983, email: [email protected],  Mary Frein, 616-994-4540, email [email protected], or Carlos Garcia, 616-260-0671, email [email protected]