Earn Pesticide Credits at Penn State Orchard Workshop

By Blake Jackson

Penn State Extension invites commercial tree fruit growers to attend the upcoming Spring Orchard Meeting on May 14, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Rivendale Farms, located at 1357 Valleyview Road, Bulger, Pennsylvania.

This in-orchard workshop is tailored specifically for commercial producers and offers a valuable opportunity to address critical production issues during the growing season.

Participants will hear directly from Penn State Extension specialists, who will present the latest updates on tree fruit disease management, including seasonal fungicide and bactericide applications.

Additional topics include integrated pest management (IPM) for insect pests, guidance on chemical thinning and return bloom sprays for apples, and, where applicable, the use of irrigation sensor technology in orchard management.

The workshop offers three pesticide applicator credits in each of the following categories: 02 (Fruit and Nuts), 18 (Demonstration and Research), and the Private Category. These credits are approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture for licensed applicators.

This meeting is designed for commercial-scale growers, employees of packing and processing facilities, and industry partners such as chemical and equipment suppliers.

While non-commercial growers are welcome, the focus will be on technical content best suited to professionals in the field.

Registration is open until the event begins at 6:00 p.m. on May 14. For those involved in commercial fruit production, this is an excellent chance to gain research-based insights and connect with experts and peers.

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