Southern California and southwestern Arizona farmers, pest control advisers (PCAs), and industry members are inivted to attend the 22^ndannual Fall Desert Crops Workshop Nov. 29, 2011 in El Centro, Calif. at the On Broadway Events Center.

Speakers at the free workshop will cover topics ranging from insect management in winter vegetables and melons, weed management, alfalfa leafhopper management, new developments in nematode management, adjuvants, powdery mildew, and water retention and conservation.

The University of California (UC) and University of Arizona (UA) are the conference organizers. Eric Natwick, entomologist, UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE), Imperial County, is the conference chair.

Western Farm Press is the official workshop sponsor.

Agenda

7:15 - Registration

7:25 - Welcome from Western Farm Press – Cary Blake, Associate Editor, Western Farm Press, Gilbert, Ariz.;

7:30 - Thrips Control on Onions - Eric Natwick, Entomology Farm Advisor, UC Desert and Extension Center, Holtville, Calif.;

7:45 - Invasive Insects - Rachel Nilson, Entomologist, Imperial County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, El Centro, Calif.;

8:05 - Weed Management Area - Carlos Ortiz, Deputy Agricultural Commissioner, Imperial County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, El Centro;

8:25 - Management Tips for Insects in Leafy Vegetables and Melons – John Palumbo, UA Entomologist, UA Yuma Agricultural Center, Yuma, Ariz.;

8:45 - Spinach and Lettuce Diseases – Jose Aguiar, Vegetable Crops Farm Advisor, UCCE Riverside County, Indio, Calif.;

9:05 - Alfalfa Leafhopper Management - Vonny Barlow, Entomology-Agronomy Farm Advisor, UCCE Riverside County, Blythe, Calif.;

9:25 - Herbicides: New Uses and Formulations for Old Products - Barry Tickes, UA Weed Science Extension Agent, UA Yuma Ag Center;

9:45 - Break

10:00 - New Developments in Management of Plant Parasitic Nematodes – Ole Becker, UCCE Specialist and Nematologist, UC Riverside, Riverside, Calif.;

10:20 - Impact of Hydrogels on Soil Water Retention and Water Conservation – Khaled Bali, Irrigation/Water Management Advisor and County Director, University of California Desert and Extension Center, Holtville;

10:40 - Adjuvants and Their Use in Pest Management - Kai Umeda, UA Area Extension Agent, Phoenix, Ariz.;

11:25 - All Melon Powdery Mildew is Local: Breeding for Pest-Resistance – James McCreight, Plant Breeder and Research Leader, USDA-ARS, Salinas, Calif.;

11: 45 - Industry Updates – Commercial suppliers

12:05 - Lunch: rib-eye steak meal provided at no charge for those who RSVP – courtesy of Western Farm Press and commercial suppliers.

CEU credits applied for include: California 4.0 CEUs, Arizona 4.0 CEUs, and CCA 4.0 CEUs.

All times listed are California Standard Time. Arizona Mountain Standard Time is one hour later.

Attendees can register at the door.

The On Broadway Events Center is located in The House of Steaks Restaurant building, 201 N. Imperial Ave., El Centro, Calif. 92243.

For more information and to pre-register, contact UCCE’s Annette Tietz at (760) 325-9474 or [email protected].