2008 Using Biological Control in Greenhouses Program, Directions and Registration
Program Brochure (PDF)

Thursday, September 18, 2008
9:15 AM to 3:45 PM

Sturbridge Host Hotel http://www.sturbridgehosthotel.com/
366 Main St., Sturbridge, MA

Sponsored by: University of Massachusetts-Amherst Extension, University of Connecticut Extension, University of Rhode Island and Northeast SARE

More growers and retailers are using natural enemies to manage common greenhouse pests. Come learn from two leading experts and a panel of wholesale growers and grower retailers about the "nuts and bolts" of implementing a biological control program to manage thrips, aphids, fungus gnats and spider mites in greenhouse crops. There will also be examples of live specimens!

Program

8:45 AM Registration, Complimentary coffee

9:15 AM- 9:30 AM
Introduction - Why Should Growers and Retailers Consider Biological Control in Their Greenhouses

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Practical Steps in Starting a Biological Control Program: Is it for you? What does it take? What crops should you start with? Can I still use pesticides?
Stanton Gill, University of Maryland, Ellicott City, Maryland

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM Break

10:45 AM – 11:45 PM
Natural Enemies: Sources and Quality Control
Which Natural Enemies are Best for Fungus gnats, and Spider mites: How to use them, Compatibility, Where and how to release, What rates to use. Examples of Live Specimens!
Suzanne Wainwright-Evan, Buglady Consulting, Slatington, Pennsylvania

11:45 AM – 12:45 PM Buffet Lunch

12:45 PM – 1:45 PM
Which Natural Enemies are Best for Thrips and Aphids: How to use them, Compatibility, Where and how to release, What rates to use, Using Banker Plants,
“Future” New Products
Stanton Gill, University of Maryland, Ellicott City, Maryland

 1:45 PM – 2:00 PM Break

 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Case Studies: Real Experiences of Greenhouse Growers and Retailers
Suzanne Wainwright-Evan, Buglady Consulting, Slatington, Pennsylvania

3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
Grower Panel: Wholesale Growers and Grower Retailers Share Their Experiences Using Natural Enemies

Stanton Gill is Regional Extension Specialist, University of Maryland Cooperative Extension, Central Maryland Research and Education Center, Ellicott City, Maryland. Stanton leads the IPM team that works with the greenhouse and nurseryindustry in Maryland. He has published numerous referred journal articles and more than two hundred popular articles in the trade on greenhouse and nursery pest control topics. Stanton is the co-author of the Ball Identification Guide to Greenhouse Pests and Beneficials and Pests & Diseases of Herbaceous Perennials: The Biological Approach. He is a regular speaker at state, national and international greenhouse and nursery conferences. For more information see: www.ipmnet.umd.edu.

Suzanne Wainwright-Evans is an Ornamental Entomologist specializing in sustainable practices and integrated pest management.  Suzanne, the owner of "Buglady Consulting" has worked as a consultant for the Green Industry for the past 18 years. She provides hands-on field training and scouting for pests and beneficials for greenhouses, garden centers, nurseries and interiorscape companies. Suzanne lectures nationwide to professional groups and her articles are frequently published in trade magazines. For more information see: www.bugladyconsulting.com

Financial support for this program is being provided with a grant from Northeast SARE .

Four pesticide recertification credits (MA, CT, RI, NH and VT) have been approved.

For more information contact:

Tina Smith, University of Massachusetts , 413-545-5306, tsmith@umext.umass.edu
Leanne Pundt, University of Connecticut , 860-626-6240, leanne.pundt@uconn.edu
Paul Lopes, University of Massachusetts , 508-295-2212, ext 24, lopes@umext.umass.edu

Included in the cost of admission:

• Handouts
• Refreshments
• Lunch
• Four Pesticide recertification credits for attendees from CT, MA, RI, ME, NH and VT

Attendees needing overnight accommodations should contact: Sturbridge Host Hotel, http://www.sturbridgehosthotel.com/ or call 508-347-7393

Directions:

The Sturbridge Host Hotel and Conference Center is located on Route 20 West. From the North, East and West, take the Massachusetts Turnpike (Interstate 90) to Exit 9, Route 20 West. From the South, take either Interstate 84 or Route 131 to Route 20 West. The hotel is located less than one-quarter mile from the first set of traffic lights.