Join us July 31st at 10 AM in Moxee for a hands-on workshop covering important topics on Codling Moth management and variable rate sprayers, with a demo of a variable rate sprayer at the WSU Smart Orchard in Moxee.

Location: WSU Smart Orchard – Moxee (46.495111, -120.091944)

Free to attend, 2 WSDA Pesticide Credits available

Preregister or Onsite registration @9:30, Event 10 AM – 12:30 PM

Topics:

• Current status of codling moth virus resistance and resistance management recommendations
• Codling moth banding and hot spot management
• Variable rate sprayers (demo)
• Research updates

Speakers:

• Dani Gray, WSU Extension Educator for Integrated Pest Management of Tree Fruit
• Tobin Northfield, WSU Endowed Chair of Tree Fruit Entomology
• Rob Curtiss, WSU Research Professor of Entomology
• Gwen Hoheisel, WSU Tree Fruit Extension Team Lead, Benton County Director, Regional Tree and Small Fruit Specialist

Codling Moth Virus Resistance

Speaker: Tobin Northfield and Dani Gray
Provides an overview of the current understanding of codling moth virus resistance in Washington. Attendees will learn recommended approaches for monitoring and managing resistance, with emphasis on how to do field assessments on your own to assess efficacy of virus in your orchard. A guided activity involving apple dissection will support practical learning, and participants will receive a handout summarizing virus resistance concepts and management recommendations.

Cardboard Banding: Principles and Best Practices and Hot Spot Management Tips

Speaker: Rob Curtiss
Covers the fundamentals of cardboard banding for codling moth control. Topics includes guidance on selecting appropriate corrugated cardboard, constructing effective bands, and deploying them using various methods. The session also addresses strategic placement of bands to target orchard hotspots. A hands‑on activity will allow attendees to practice making and deploying bands, accompanied by a Banding Basics reference sheet.

Variable Rate Sprayers and Best Management Practices

Speaker: Gwen Hoheisel
Participants will learn the distinctions among variable rate spraying technologies and how these systems can be integrated into orchard operations to enhance coverage uniformity and resource efficiency. The session will outline best management practices for calibration, operation, and evaluation of variable rate sprayers. A live demonstration will provide attendees with direct exposure to equipment performance and application techniques.

This workshop offers a structured, practical learning environment aimed at improving pest management outcomes and supporting informed adoption of emerging technologies within Washington’s tree fruit industry.