Registration is now open for the 2013 MSU Tree Fruit School

Orchard managers can explore ways in improving pest management control strategies, harvesting, orchard maintenance and laborsaving tools in Grand Rapids, Mich., Feb. 13-15.

The 2013 MSU Tree Fruit School will be held at the Eberhard Center in downtown Grand Rapids, Mich., on Feb. 13-15. The motto for the 2013 MSU Tree Fruit School is be nimble. Faced with new pests, new restrictions on old management tools and climate instability, nimble orchard managers rely on technology to help stay on top. This two and a half day program will explore the use of current and innovative technologies for improving pest management control strategies, harvesting, orchard maintenance and laborsaving tools.

Included in the program will be two hands-on workshops: one on the spotted wing Drosophila fly and another on the brown marmorated stink bug. Participants will learn how to identify, monitor and manage these important emerging pests. Participants will be able to earn MDARD pesticide applicator recertification credits for both private and 1C commercial applicators.

Registration is $210 per person, or $310 after January 29, which includes breakfast, lunch and snack breaks on Wednesday and Thursday (Feb. 13-14), breakfast and snack break on Friday (Feb. 15), a binder with all course materials, classroom facilities in the Eberhard Center and speaker expenses. Dinner is on your own and lodging is separate.

To pay by check or money order, please download and complete the registration form and be sure to send it with your payment post-marked by January 29. To pay by credit card over the phone, please call Carolyn Devereaux at 517-884-0392.

A block of rooms is being offered at a special rate at the Holiday Inn Downtown Grand Rapids, just across from the Eberhard Center. Please call the hotel directly to make your reservation by January 29 and be sure to ask for the MSU Tree Fruit School room rate. Room rates are $100/night for a double or $110/night for a triple quad plus applicable taxes. Call the hotel directly at 616-235-7611.

For more information about the program, please contact Julianna Wilson at 517-432-4766 or visit the program webpage.

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