IPM In-depth: A New York model for hands-on interactive greenhouse workshops
Neil MattsonBetsy LambBrian EshenaurJohn 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
• Budget40% Travel expenses22% Materials and supplies16% Onsite room rental, food13% Advertising10% 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 practiceEntices 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 (2009-2012)
• 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?