WNC Specialty Crop Institute presents hoop house pest management workshop

“If you build it, they will come.”

Hoop houses present many benefits for growing plants, including a longer growing season and higher yields. However, the protected environment can also attract pests.

Western Nevada College Specialty Crop Institute offers a Hoop House Pest Management workshop on Sept. 18, 9 a.m.– 4 p.m., at WNC Fallon Campus, 160 Campus Way. Cost is $25 for those registering by Sept. 12, and $35 afterward. Lunch is included, and seating is limited. The workshop includes a hoop house tour at Lattin Farms in Fallon. Online registration is available at http://www.wnc.edu/ce/sci/

The workshop explores challenges and solutions to managing pests in hoop houses. Participants will learn to identify hoop house pests and beneficial insects, early warning signs and preventative options for reducing pest populations, and integrated pest management methods.

Featured speaker Dr. Carol Sutherland is the Extension entomologist at New Mexico State University and state entomologist for the New Mexico Department of Agriculture. She identifies insects for farmers, ranchers, pest control operators, colleagues and the general public. Sutherland makes presentations statewide for New Mexico’s farm groups, pesticide applicator workshops, master gardener classes and other events.

Ray Saliga, farm supervisor at the High Desert Farming Initiative at the University of Nevada, Reno will discuss his experiences in controlling pests at the university farm. Saliga will explain the different methods of pest controls used and which were successful or unsuccessful.

The WNC Specialty Crop Institute is an innovative program that teaches alternative farming methods to local growers. Funding is provided by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Information/registration: Ann Louhela - 775-423-7565 Ext. 2260 or ann.louhela@wnc.edu