WSDA Pesticide credits: 2

Join us for an educational event for orchardists sponsored by the Okanogan Horticultural Association. See a demonstration of lacewing releases for aphid control. Learn the latest research: do natural enemy releases work? Participate in a demonstration of how to assess honeybee colony strength. The field day will be held in a Sugarbee block. Two pesticide update credits will be available (with WSDA approval).

AGENDA

Natural Enemy Releases for Integrated Pest Management
Does releasing natural enemies in the orchard work? Rebecca Schmidt-Jefris, USDA will report on new project assessing lacewing releases.
• Why are natural enemies important?
• Demonstration of natural enemy release by drone.
• Do natural enemy releases work?

Assessing Honeybee Colony Strength and Improving Pollination
Washington State University’s Brandon Hopkins will demonstrate how to assess honeybee colony strength and discuss ways we can improve pollination in our orchards.
• Assess a hive.
• Discussion of best management practices to optimize pollination.
• Pesticide BMPs to support native bees and honeybees.
• Discussion of this year’s weather on pollination and crop load.

Apple Maggot
Update on apple maggot’s presence and potential quarantine in Okanogan County.

DIRECTIONS
At the sign for Pateros turn west on Park st. Turn right on Warren St. Continue up the rd on Watson Rd. Watson Rd will turn into Watson Draw Rd. Follow Watson Rd/Watson Draw Rd up the hill for 1.5 miles. Turn right on farm rd (marked with field day sign) and follow to the gate. After entering the gate follow farm rd past 1 block and turn right (marked with a sign). Park in the loading area.

Pateros WA

48.073375,-119.890369 (gate) 48.069552, -119.883492 (block)