The University of Arizona is hosting a workshop entitled “Melon Insect Losses” for melon growers and pest control advisors (PCAs) in Yuma, Ariz. and Imperial Valley, Calif. on July 2 at the Cooperative Extension auditorium in Yuma.
“This is an interactive exercise for growers, PCAs, and industry representatives from Arizona and California to quantify melon insect losses during the ‘06-’07 growing season by completing a survey and reviewing the outcomes of previous surveys,” said Kurt Nolte, Yuma County extension agent.
The workshop will be held from noon to 3:30 p.m.
The survey will focus on the following areas:
Melon production;
What is an “idealized” potential average yield?;
Defining yields relative to dynamic market forces;
What are insect losses?;
Overall losses due to non-insect pests and other stressors;
Planted, infested, and treated acres;
Interpreting insecticide usage in the context of the questionnaire;
and Insecticide costs.
Questionnaires completed by PCAs will be done anonymously to ensure confidentiality.
For more workshop information, call (928) 782-3836.