Garlic and onion growers, processors and their research support team members will gather for the California Garlic and Onion Symposium in Tulare Feb. 9.

The meeting to discuss research projects, water availability, weed control, pest and disease threats, production aids and chemical controls will take place at the Agriculture Building Auditorium of the Tulare County Cooperative Extension Service.

The meeting site is across the street from the World Ag Expo show grounds where the annual farm show begins the following day. Many of the participants in the symposium are expected to stay over for the farm show.

The symposium will begin at 8:55 a.m. and adjourn at 2:30 p.m. A meeting of the board of directors of the California Garlic and Onion Research Advisory Board (CGORAB) will immediately follow the symposium program.

The board and the University California Allium Workgroup are sponsors of the symposium, which will include lunch provided by CGORAB.

Farm advisors from Fresno, Imperial, Modoc and Tulare counties who work with Allium crops will discuss research projects they are involved in with onions and garlic. Michelle Le Strange, Tulare County farm advisor, is coordinator for the program.

Others participating include a water specialist from the Westlands Water District, specialists in GPS guidance systems for agriculture and Bob Ehn, CGORAB’s chief executive office and technical manager.

Any industry members wishing to attend can make a reservation by calling Le Strange at 559-685-3303. Credits for Department of Pesticide Regulation requirements and for pest control advisors will be offered.