Organic pest control seminar slated March 15 in Edinburg
EDINBURG — The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will sponsor the Small-Farm Seminar from 9 a.m – noon March 15 at their Hidalgo County office at 410 N. 13th Ave.in Edinburg.
Cost of the program is $10, payable at the door.
The entire program will be devoted to helping organic producers who face special challenges in South Texas, according to Barbara Storz, AgriLife Extension horticulturist in Edinburg.
“Because of our subtropical climate and high insect pressures, those who farm or garden organically find that selecting an effective pesticide can be a real hit or miss mission,” Storz said. “To help them in this effort, Dr. Joe Masabani, an AgriLife Extension small farm specialist in College Station, will discuss organic herbicides, pesticides and fungicides.”
South Texas onion producers have optimal conditions for growing onions popular with consumers, but have a long history of fighting a determined insect pest called thrips, Storz said.
“Thrips debilitate onion crops, reducing yields and degrading their bulb quality,” she said. “Fortunately, Dr. Juan Enciso, an AgriLife Extension vegetable specialist, has lots of experience evaluating pesticides. He will share his latest findings, providing producers with the best tools for sustainable thrips control.”
Both speakers, Storz said, will allow plenty of time to answer questions from participants.
For more information, contact the AgriLife Extension office in Hidalgo County at 956-383-1026.
