IPM In-depth: A New York model for hands-on interactive greenhouse workshops Neil Mattson Betsy Lamb Brian Eshenaur John Sanderson

How it began Began in 2008, at the Cornell campus the afternoon before our July Floriculture Field Day half-day, hands-on training program for floriculture/greenhouse growers Three 1-hour modules on – Insect – Disease – Crop culture Up to 3 groups of 15 people, rotate through modules

What if we took this on the road? Applied for funding from New York Farm Viability Institute Received $44,000 to hold several workshops throughout the state Budget 40%Travel expenses 22%Materials and supplies 16%Onsite room rental, food 13%Advertising 10%Indirect costs

Objectives Provide IPM information to floriculture/greenhouse growers Reach growers that we have not reached through on-campus programming Use a format that encourages active learning and practice change

Logistics Cooperation with County Extension Educators They provide location, local advertising, registration, refreshments/lunch, help identify greenhouse for tour County educator charges whatever they feel is appropriate for the location/clientele – Keep proceeds to cover their costs We provide the expertise, equipment and supplies – NYS IPM – Cornell Department of Horticulture – Cornell Department of Entomology

Topics – Crop Culture Testing substrates for pH and EC Water quality and alkalinity Diagnosing nutrient deficiencies Exploring alternative substrate components

Topics Entomology Thrips ID and management Aphid ABC’s Facing Fungus Gnats: ID and management Mite ID and management

Topics Pathology Focus on Fungi – identification and management of fungal pathogens Basics of Botrytis Various Viruses Nematodes in the greenhouse and nursery

Modules followed by tour of local commercial greenhouse See concepts in practice Entices growers to attend

Materials and Supplies Checklist Microscopes (10) Hand lenses Light sources Extension cords and Power strips Plants Insects Disease specimens Beneficial insects pH, EC, meters (12) Handouts Continuing education Credit forms Cornell Guidelines Reference material Needles, forceps, petri dishes Cups, plant saucers, water bottles Distilled water Media samples Scissors, pens, clipboards

Impacts 21 programs, 17 locations, over 350 participants ( ) 82% had not been to programs on campus 52% had not been to other IPM programming 84% reported intent to change production practices at their operation based on what they had learned

Other benefits Connect with county extension educators we don’t often see Primary audience was retail and wholesale greenhouse growers but increasing numbers of greenhouse vegetable growers and new/potential farmers.

Questions? Is there still a need for hands-on workshops in the information age? Future of the program now that our primary funding source is gone?