The Desert Difference: A Showcase of Ag Tech Opportunities for Growing in the Desert begins TODAY Wednesday, November 13th with a Field Demo Day at the Yuma Agricultural Center. The educational workshop will feature 13 of the latest automated and robotic technologies for pest control and improved vegetable production being demonstrated in the field. Registration begins at 7:00 am and the program starts at 7:30 am (agenda below).
The Field Demo Day is part of at wo-day event. The second day will be a standard conference with keynote speakers, breakout sessions and trade booths. The event will be held Thursday, November 14th at the Yuma Civic Center. Details of the event and Conference Day (Day 2) activities can be found here.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at both events!
Fig. 1. Field Demo Day agenda (Day 1) for The Desert Difference: A Showcase of Ag
Tech Opportunities for Growing in the Desert event. More information about the event
and Conference Day activities (Day 2) can be found here.
I am delighted to embark on my first produce season here in Yuma, AZ. I am looking forward to becoming acquainted with the growing region this fall as we begin identifying tools that can enhance our pest management strategies, specifically focusing on organic solutions for managing insect pests in the Desert Southwest. It is also important for me to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and issues you are facing in the field. We are eager to evaluate both current and new biopesticides in our upcoming trials and look forward to engaging with potential collaborators.
Here is a list of our fall 2024 trials:
1- Evaluation of selected bioinsecticides against Lepidopteran pests in Brassicas
2- Evaluation of selected bioinsecticides against whiteflies in Brassicas
3- Alternative bioinsecticides for thrips management in lettuce
4- Assessing the effectiveness of beneficial insects (T. brassicae, T. pretiosum, and green lacewings) release for diamondback moth control in Brassicas
I hope everyone’s season gets off to a fantastic start. Please contact me or Macey if you have specific pest issues, biopesticides, or other organic IPM practices you would like us to evaluate. Your expertise is truly invaluable to us!
Contact Information:
• Wilfrid Calvin
Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist
Cell: (979) 709-9762
Office: (928) 782-5861
e-mail: wilfridcalvin@arizona.edu
• Macey Keith
Assistant in Extension
Cell: (928) 580-5785
e-mail: maceyw@catmail.arizona.edu
