UConn Extension will offer two workshops on pests and diseases of vegetable crops this February.  These workshops will cover common and important pests and diseases of four vegetable families: Cucurbitaceae (cucumber, squash, melon and pumpkin), Brassicaceae (cabbage family), Solanaceae (tomato, potato, pepper and eggplant), and Fabaceae (legumes/beans and peas).   The emphasis will be on identification and an understanding of pest life cycles and disease cycles.  Correct identification of a plant problem is essential for an organic and/or integrated pest management (IPM) approach to be successful.  Cultural practices, the backbone of IPM and organic systems, rely on an understanding of the biology of the pest or pathogen.  For selected pests and pathogens in each plant family, we’ll look at IPM programs in detail.  An interactive on-farm workshop with a field walk will be held during summer 2015 at Community Farm of Simsbury.   These workshops are suitable for new farmers, Master Gardeners, gardeners, and experienced farmers interested in a review.  For more information and registration, go to: http://www.extension.uconn.edu/root/feb-veg-wkshp.php  Questions?  Contact Joan Allen at joan.allen@uconn.edu or 860-486-6740.

Vegetable Pest and Disease Workshop I: Cucurbits and Brassicas

Date: Saturday, February 7, 2015

Time: 8:30am to 1:00pm

Location:  Litchfield County Extension Center, UConn Torrington campus.

Vegetable Pest and DiseaseWorkshop II: Solanaceae and Legumes

Date: Saturday, February 14, 2015

Time:  8:30am to 1:00pm

Location:  Tolland County Agricultural Center, Vernon, CT