An upcoming series of field days is designed for vegetable growers and crop advisors keen to learn more about employing an integrated pest management approach in vegetable production.

Hosted by Vegetables New Zealand, with the support of A Lighter Touch, Plant and Food Research and Balle Brothers, the workshops will be led by pest and disease experts responsible for developing and improving the industry’s IPM programs.

Running for 10 weeks at the Pukekohe Demonstration Farm in Cronin Road, each workshop will include both in-field and classroom sessions. Those living outside the region can benefit from the classroom learning via an online link.

Beginning on September 19, the sessions begin at 7am, and run for 90 minutes. The weekly nature of the sessions will allow participants to track crop growth, changes in pest and beneficial insect populations, and actively take part in discussions around monitoring and decision-making.

The first series of 10 workshops will focus on a spring lettuce crop, while a second series held later in the growing season will look at management of summer broccoli. Those interested in attending the spring lettuce workshops can register online here or contact Daniel.Sutton@freshvegetables.co.nz for further information.