Horticultural field day to focus on healthy plants, healthy diets

Fast Facts:

Annual horticulture field day scheduled for May 17
$17 to attend with pre-registration by May 11; $20 day of the event

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HOPE, Ark. – The 2018 Horticultural Field Day is scheduled for May 17 at the Southwest Research and Extension Center in Hope. The day-long event will include a symposium of experts speaking on subjects from blackberry breeding and watermelon production to pest management and disease identification.

Sherrie Smith, plant pathologist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, will be available to help diagnose any ailing plants attendees bring with them to the field day.

Paul Beck, Interim Director of the Southwest Research and Extension Center, said both professional growers and hobbyists can expect to take away great growing tips from the day.

“Producers of horticulture crops, whether full-time large operators or part-time enthusiasts, will learn valuable lessons from our speakers and enjoy the tours of the SWREC Horticulture area,” Beck said. “Come join us for great fun and fellowship!”

The schedule of events includes:

8:00: Welcome from Dr. Paul Beck, Interim Director of the Southwest Research and Extension Center
8:15: Tomato Production and Pest Control with John Gavin, Bradley County Cooperative Extension Agent
9:00: Squash Bugs in the Home Garden, with Dr. Jackie Lee, Arkansas Horticulture Integrated Pest Management Extension Specialist
9:30: Go to the field, or stay inside for Ouachita District Family and Consumer Science Agents presentations, including “Good Eats: Good Health”
9:45: Blackberry Breeding and Variety Development Update, with Dr. John Clark, University of Arkansas Distinguished Professor
10:15: Watermelon Production with Cover Crops, with Dr. Amanda McWhirt, Extension Horticulture Crop Production Specialist
10:45: Tomato Diseases and Pests, with Dr. Jackie Lee
11:15: Fruit Breeding and Genetics—Peach and Nectarine Variety Development Update, with Dr. Margaret Worthington, Assistant Professor, University of Arkansas
12:00: Lunch: Amigo Juan Taco Bar under the Big Shed (Evaluations and Door Prizes)
1:00: Station tour, with Clay Wingfield, SWREC Horticulture Program Technician III

Pre-register for the field day by May 11 to attend for $17, or pay $20 the day of the event. To pre-register, contact Sherri Pote at (870) 777-9702, ext. 100.

To learn about horticulture in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu.

About the Division of Agriculture

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.

The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

By Ryan McGeeney
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture

Media Contact: Ryan McGeeney
Dir. of Communication Services
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2120
mcgeeney@uada.edu

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