Veggie-e-Gram NewsletterUniv. Hawaii at Manoa, CTAHRHector Valenzuela, Vegetable Crops Extension Specialist

(hector@hawaii.edu)http://www2.hawaii.edu/~hector/

January, 2003

Note: Some of the information provided on products/pesticide usebelow, is from other states and thus the products may have nocurrent Hawaii registration. Always read the label before makingany product/pesticide applications. Due to environmental effectsthe effectiveness of particular products may also vary acrosslocations. Also note that recommendations developed for northernclimates may not be directly applicable to Hawaii.

Index

1.0 Field Supervisor Position at Aloun Farms2.0 Hort Position at HI Botanical Garden3.0 Three new regs for HI: banana, fruits, eucalyptus4.0 Diazinon 24(c) reg for pineapple seed pieces5.0 Organic Update from USDA6.0 New Organic Herbicide (New Zealand)7.0 Field/Industry Update from Florida8.0 Japan refuses biotech rice development9.0 Leafminers (Florida)10.0 Pepper weevil (Florida)11.0 Tomato Postharvest management (Florida)12.0 Organic fungicide on berry13.0 Cabrio/Quadris on Strawberry14.0 Customer Relationship Marketing15.0 Marketing 10116.0 Decontaminating and storing sprayers17.0 Specialty Crops School in No. Carolina Feb. 200318.0 Fruit Corner: Coconut management on the web19.0 Greenhouse Shortcourse, Miss. 3-0320.0 Greenhouse Shortcourse, Arizona 1-0321.0 Strawberry meetings 2003 (SE US)22.0 Third Taro symposium, Fiji 5-0323.0 Other upcoming events- Hawaii24.0 Other Upcoming events- Out of State

1.0 Field Supervisor Position at Aloun Farms

Aloun Farms is now accepting applications for a Field Supervisor Position.Aloun Farms is one of the largest diversified commercial farm operationsin the State of Hawaii. Headquartered on the Ewa plane, Aloun Farms iscurrently cultivating approximatly 3000 acres of Asian Vegetables,Seasonal Winter Crops, Pumpkins, Melons, Corn, and Sweet Onions in thefields of Ewa, Kunia, and Waipio. Aloun Farms is able to provide freshisland produce to grocers such as Times, Cosco, Daiei, and Foodland.

FIELD SUPERVISOR ASSISTANT: CROP CARE DIVISION

Starting Wages: DOE Duties to Include:* Systemize the record keeping procedure.* Track variety trials record.* Summarize harvest record and compare to forecasted numbers.* Assist with improving the production forecast system.* Organize and able to administer farm data.* Assist in Crop Care division and other areas where there is a need.

Skills Require:* Strong Computer skills a must. Programs include general MicrosoftOffice applications: Word, Excel, Access, and other data base software.* Strong Organizational skills.* Not required will train in the understanding of crop developmentand farming practices to include pest and disease managements onvegetables and melon crops.* Good communication skill.* Willingness to work in the field.* General knowledge of farm equipments and their operations.

Summary: The Field Supervisor position is an excellent way to gainexperience in commercial production of diversified crops. CTAHRstudents and graduate students are encouraged to apply. Aloun Farms iswilling to work with student schedules and apply work experience tointern program. Training available for right individual.

If interested, please contact Stacy Davis at 677-9516 ext 20

2.0 Hort Position at HI Botanical Garden

National Tropical Botanical GardenGardeners Conservation and Horticulture Department

We are now accepting applications for a two full-time Gardener positionsbased at the McBryde Garden, Lawai Valley.

The successful candidate will be expected to know and demonstrate theuse of good horticultural practices in the areas of landscape /collectionsmaintenance and installation. This position will primarily assist the LeadGardener with the area or job they are assigned, and at times may workas part of a larger crew on special projects. S/he may be responsible forgeneral maintenance of an assigned area in the absence of the LeadGardener. Tasks may include, but are not limited to weeding, watering,pruning, trimming, planting, mulching, soil preparations, rubbishremoval and small equipment operations. Applicants must have a validdriver's license and be physically able to perform all these duties,including the ability to lift 50#.

NATIONAL TROPICAL BOTANICAL GARDEN3530 Papalina Rd.Kalaheo, HI 96741

Contact science@ntbg.org for more information:The National Tropical Botanical Garden is supported by your donationsand dedicated to the research and conservation of and education aboutthe world's tropical plants. Dr. Paul A. Cox, Director.

3.0 Three new regs for HI: banana, fruits, eucalyptus

Message from UHM's Charlie Nagamine:

Greetings,

HI Dept. of Ag. Pesticides Branch issued three new24(c) registrations. Asummary follows. If you want a scanned image of the labeling and thecover letter, send me a request.

SUMMARY:

For growers of Eucalyptus Plantings—use of the pesticide Goal 2XL (Dow AgroSciences; 62719-424)—requires having a copy of HI-020005, valid 12/6/2002–12/5/2007—some notes:• Participation by the applicator (i.e., supervisor or person responsiblefor application) in Dow AgroScience’s Stewardship Program for theApplicaton of Goal 2XL Herbicide in Eucalyptus is required prior to use.• Do not treat ditchbanks or waterways.• Sprayer type, nozzle type, pressure range, and minimum volume ofspray mixture per acre are specified.• Aerial application prohibited.• Chemigation prohibited.• Do not apply when wind speed exceeds 10 mph.• Applicator must have means to accurately measure wind speed duringapplication.• Per season maximum dose: 24 pts. per acre.• This is an agricultural pesticide and so the Worker Protection Standardapplies.• Do not feed or graze animals on treated area.

For growers of Banana Plantings—use of the pesticide Goal 2XL Herbicide (Dow AgroSciences; 62719-424)—requires having a copy of HI-020010, valid 12/6/2002–1/27/2007—some notes:• 1 day to harvest if not tank-mixed with another pesticide.• Apply with ground equipment.• Chemigation prohibited.• Do not feed or graze animals on any area treated with this product. •Do not treat ditch banks or waterways.• Sprayer type, nozzle type, minimum pressure, and minimum volume ofspray mixture per acre are specified.• Directions for tank-mixing with either of two other herbicides isspecified.• Per season maximum dose: 8pts. per acre.• This is an agricultural pesticide and so the Worker Protection Standardapplies.

For growers of Tropical fruit and nut orchard crops (e.g., acerola,ambarella, blimbe, carob bean, cashew, date, fig, guava, imbu,jaboticaba, jujube, Indian jujube, natal plum, noni, olie, otaheitegooseberry, mountain papaya, persimmon, pomerac, rose apple,sentul, starfruit, surinam cherry, abiu, akee apple, atemoya,

avocado, banana, biriba, breadfruit, canistel, cherimoya, custardapple, durian, feijoa, Governor's plum, ilama, imbe jackfruit,longan, lychee, mamey apple, mango, mangosteen,marmaladebox, monstera, naranjilla, papaya, passionfruit,pawpaw, pitaya, pomegranate, prickly pear, pulasan, rambutan,sapodilla, black sapote, green sapote, mamey sapote, soursop,spanish lime, star apple, strawberry pear, sugar apple, tamarind,wax jambu, macadamia nut, betel nut, coconut, pili nut, coffee,citrus)—use of the pesticide AMDRO PRO Fire Ant Bait (Micro Flo Co.; 241-322-51036)—requires having a copy of HI-020009, valid 12/6/2002–9/3/2007—some notes:• Place specified amount of pesticide into bait station.• Place bait stations at specified spacing.• Monitor ant activity either by visual or mechanical (e.g., traps)methods.• For application in fields with actively foraging ants and for field bordertreatment (to prevent ants from re-infesting field).• This is an agricultural pesticide and so the Worker Protection Standardapplies.

Disclaimer24(c) Labeling List (above):***At the time of application, the applicator must have a copy of the24(c) labeling in his or her possession. The List (above) is not asubstitute for any 24(c) labeling.***The 24(c) labeling specifies an expiration date and is not valid afterthis date.***A 24(c) labeling issued for Hawaii is valid only in Hawaii.***The applicator must comply with all instructions and restrictionsspecified by both the 24(c) labeling and the container label. Theinstructions and restrictions may discuss any or all of the following:•crop, object, or site that may be treated•application method•application timing•preparing the crop, object, or site for treatment•wearing protective clothing (for example, a long-sleeve shirt) andpersonal protective equipment (for example, a respirator) •measuring,mixing, and loading pesticide into application equipment•dosage or dilution of pesticide•setting up, adjusting, and calibrating application equipment •restrictingentry by others into a treatment area•cleaning up or securing treated area

•notifying other persons of hazards (for example, by training them,warning them, or by posting signs)•storing, locking up, or disposing of the pesticide container•washing up himself or herself after the treatment•making and keeping records.

Charles NagaminePesticide Risk Reduction Education ProgramPlant & Environmental Protection Sciences Dept.3050 Maile Way, Gilmore 310, Honolulu, HI 96822Ph. 808-956-6007, Fax 808-956-9675(Charlie Nagamine, e-mail, Dec. 20, 2002).

4.0 Diazinon 24(c) reg for pineapple seed pieces

Message from UHM's Charlie Nagamine:

HI Dept. of Ag. Pesticides Branch renewed two 24(c) registrations.Both are diazinon (insecticide) products for "pineapple seed piece"treatment by dipping. A summary follows.

If you want a scanned image of the labeling and the cover letter, send mea request.

SUMMARY:For growers of Pineapple seed pieces—use of the pesticide D•Z•N Diazinon 50W (Syngenta; 100-460)—requires having a copy of HI-770010, valid 2/10/2002–7/31/2004—some notes:Pre-plant dip treatment. Do not use treated pineapple seed piecesfor livestock feed. Do not apply more than 12 pounds of productper season. [This 24(c) registration also applies to the pesticideClean Crop Diazinon 50W (Platte Chemical Co.; 100-460-34704).

For growers of Pineapple seed pieces—use of the pesticide Diazinon 50W (Micro Flo Co.; 51036-108)—requires having a copy of HI-970005, valid 12/10/2002–7/31/2004—some notes:

Pre-plant dip treatment. Do not use treated pineapple seed pieces forlivestock feed. Do not apply more than 12 pounds of product per season.Disclaimer24(c) Labeling List (above):***At the time of application, the applicator must have a copy of the24(c) labeling in his or her possession. The List (above) is not a substitutefor any 24(c) labeling.***The 24(c) labeling specifies an expiration date and is not valid afterthis date.***A 24(c) labeling issued for Hawaii is valid only in Hawaii.***The applicator must comply with all instructions and restrictionsspecified by both the 24(c) labeling and the container label. Theinstructions and restrictions may discuss any or all of thefollowing: •crop, object, or site that may be treated•application method•application timing•preparing the crop, object, or site for treatment•wearing protective clothing (for example, a long-sleeve shirt) andpersonal protective equipment (for example, a respirator) •measuring,mixing, and loadingpesticide into application equipment •dosage ordilution of pesticide•setting up, adjusting, and calibrating application equipment •restrictingentry by others into a treatment area•cleaning up or securing treated area•notifying other persons of hazards (for example, by training them,warning them, or by posting signs)•storing, locking up, or disposing of the pesticide container•washing up himself or herself after the treatment•making and keeping records.

Charles NagaminePesticide Risk Reduction Education ProgramPlant & Environmental Protection Sciences Dept.3050 Maile Way, Gilmore 310, Honolulu, HI 96822Ph. 808-956-6007, Fax 808-956-9675(Ch. Nagamine, e-mail, Dec. 16, 2002).

5.0 Organic Update from USDA

Implementation of National Organic Standards.

Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman launched the implementation ofUSDA's national organic standards for agricultural products on October21, 2002, which provide consistent labeling on products from coast tocoast. The standards, developed from extensive industry input andhundreds of thousands of public comments, went into effect on October21, 2002. For more information, seehttp://www.usda.gov/news/releases/2002/10/0453.htm.

Consumers can also access the information on Web site:www.ams.usda.gov/nop. In addition, USDA's Foreign Agricultural Servicehas also upgraded its organic Web site:www.fas.usda.gov/agx/organics/organics.html which providesinformation and resources to organic food and beverage exporters. OtherUSDA efforts in the organic arena include an Economic Research Servicereport released last month, "Recent Growth Patterns in the U.S. OrganicFoods Market," that indicates that U.S. organic farmland has increasedfrom approximately 1.4 to 2.4 million acres. The report can be accessedat: http://www.ers.uda.gov.

(CSREES SMALL FARM PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS December 2002,Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S.Department of Agriculture)

6.0 New Organic Herbicide (New Zealand)

NEW HERBICIDE MARKETED

A firm in New Zealand has developed and recently begun marketing"Organic Inter-ceptor," a non-selective, contact spray herbicide clearedfor use in organic agricultural production. Interceptor is derived from theliquid residue created when pine trees are processed to produce pulp andpaper, then blended with other natural components to create the finalproduct. According to the manufacturer, it is "not a systemic 'poison'"and "leaves no harmful residue." Interceptor's mode of action isdehydration; it is said to start working within 15 minutes of application,and that after 5 days treated plants are completely dead.

The product "penetrates green tissue and disrupts normal membranepermeability and cellular physiology. Disrupting the cell membranecauses cell leakage, desiccation, and the collapse of all contacted tissue."

It has a natural tendency to foam, a feature that can be enhanced bydelivery through specialized nozzles. The recommended starting mixtureis one part Interceptor to four parts water (a 20 percent mix). Best resultsare achieved by applying during warm, sunny conditions; applicationduring rain or cold weather should be avoided.

* E. Stevens, Certified Organics, PO Box 74 382, Market Rd.,Auckland, NEW ZEALAND. E-mail: <E.Stevens@certified-organics.com>.Fax: 64-9-525-3462. Phone: 64-9-525-3432.Web: http://www.certified-organics.com (IPMnet NEWS, December 2002,Issue 108)

7.0 Field/Industry Update from Florida

A cold front that arrived over the weekend bought some of the coolesttemperatures of the season with lows in some of the normally coolerareas dropping into the mid 30’s and patchy light frost reported in someareas.

No crop damage is anticipated. Although the month started off cool anddry, a series of cold fronts and disturbances has bought several periodsof rainy weather to south Florida every couple of days since then. Mostlocalities have received some rain from these systems. Rainfall totals havebeen variable with Homestead reporting 2.35 inches and some areasaround Immokalee receiving as much as 5 inches. Temperatures havebeen variable with some highs in the 80’s and few nights in the 30’s and40’s, although for the most part daytime highs have been in the mid toupper 70’s and night time lows mostly in the 50’s.

Fieldwork and planting has been proceeding normally in most areasalthough rains delayed planting and harvesting operations in some partsof southwest Florida.

Vegetables coming to market include beans, cucumbers, eggplants,endive, escarole, lettuce, okra, peppers, radishes squash, sweet corn,tomatoes and specialty crops are available on the market. Light suppliesof strawberries and watermelons are also available. Quality is mostlygood although some higher than normal grade-out and somepost–harvest disorders are still being reported.

(Gene McAvoy, Univ. Florida Coop, Ext. Service, SOUTH FLORIDAVEGETABLE PEST AND DISEASE HOTLINE, Dec. 16, 2002).

8.0 Japan refuses biotech rice development

ROUNDUP READY RICE SHELVED IN JAPAN

For the last six years authorities in a Japanese "prefecture" or region havebeen working with Monsanto to help develop a genetically modifiedstrain of Roundup Ready rice for commercialization. Similar to RoundupReady soybeans, the rice strain in question would supposedly withstandthe widespread spraying of Monsanto's Roundup herbicide. However,after 580 thousand Japanese citizens last week handed over a petition toprefecture authorities, they have decided to withdraw from anycollaboration with Monsanto, citing consumer opposition as the primaryreason. According to the Japanese information service, "Japaneseconsumers opposed the development because rice is their main food inlife" and "The stop of the development of GM rice in Japan may be agreat set back for Monsanto."

Contact for the article is j46033a@nucc.cc.nagoyau.ac.jp(Defenders Rural Updates!, December 12, 2002)

9.0 Leafminers (Florida)

Leafminers

Reports out of Homestead indicate leafminer populations are continuingto build up in a number of crops including beans, eggplant and tomatoand growers are starting to implement control strategies. Scouts indicatethat populations are particularly high in some older bean fields andexpect that these will begin to move into other crops as harvesting beginsover the next week or two.

Around Palm Beach, leafminers numbers in eggplant and tomatoes havereached threshold levels in a several places and growers are beginning tospray. Reports indicate good control on tomato where Platinum hadbeen applied.

Leafminer populations are increasing around southwest Florida althoughscouts indicate that parasites are active. With the on-set of cooler weather

across the peninsula, growers across the state can expect to see anincrease in leafminer pressure. Leafminers attack many crops but areparticularly damaging on celery, crucifers, cucurbits, okra, potato andtomato. Florida growers report that leafminers are the second mostimportant tomato insect pest especially in south and central productionareas. Leafminers are present for much of the year in Florida. In southFlorida, populations peak between October and March while in centralFlorida they are a problem in both spring and fall.

The two major species of leafminer that cause problems in vegetables inFlorida are the vegetable leafminer (L. sativae) and most commonly(Liriomyza trifolii) - sometimes referred to as the celery leafminer orAmerican sepentine leafminer. The adults are small yellow and blackflies about the size of a gnat. The female punctures or "stipples" theleaves with her ovipositor to lay eggs in the leaf tissue or to feed on sap.

Leafminer damage is easily recognized by the irregular serpentine minesin leaves, which are caused by feeding larvae. Heavy leaf mining damagecan reduce photosynthesis and cause leaf desiccation and abscission. Theyellow maggots with black, sickle-shaped mouthparts feed on themesophyll or chlorophyll tissue between upper and lower leaf surfaceleaving a winding trail or pattern through the leaf. The tunnel is clearwith the exception of a trail of black fecal material left behind as themaggot feeds.

Leafminer injury is readily visible to the grower but healthy plants cantolerate considerable damage without excessive loss of vigor and yield.The Florida Tomato Scouting Guide sets action thresholds at 0.7 larva perplant for young plants with less than 2 true leaves and 0.7 larva per 3terminal leaflets for larger plants. Heavily damaged leaves will oftendrop, due in part to entry of pathogenic organisms into old mines.

An integrated pest management program that stresses conservation ofnatural enemies is the primary tactic for the successful control ofleafminer. Chemical control is difficult due to the feeding habits insidethe leaf of the host plant. Insecticides that specifically target theleafminer are recommended as use of broad-spectrum materials maydecimate beneficial insects including those that attack leafminer. Thisoften results in a larger leafminer problem if the pesticide reduces fielddensities of leafminer parasites.

Fortunately, populations are usually prevented from reaching trulydamaging levels by a number of parasites that attack leafminers. Several

parasites for this insect have been recorded in Florida, but parasiticwasps such as Opius, Diglyphus are most common. Wasp larvae developon or in the leafminer larva or pupa. The host ceases to feed and theparasitoid egg or larva is visible through the leaf epidermis using a handlens against strong light. In scouting fields, growers should be careful tonote the number of parasitized mines before deciding to applyinsecticides.

Due to its feeding habit, this pest is resistant to many insecticides.Cyromazine (Trigard) alternated with abamectin (Agrimek) are effectiveagainst leafminer in tomato. Both of these products have limited cropregistrations and must not be used on unregistered crops. Spinosad(Spintor) has also given good results and is labeled on a wide range ofcrops. Some other materials that may be used to conserve beneficialsinclude azadirachtin and insecticidal oils. Both products are approvedfor use by organic growers.

Field sanitation is an important control tactic that is overlooked. Whencrops are not present in the fields, leafminers can survive on a variety ofbroad-leaf weeds. These plants serve as reservoirs for the pest.

(Gene McAvoy, Univ. Florida CES SOUTH FLORIDA VEGETABLE PEST ANDDISEASE HOTLINE, Nov. 15, 2002).

10.0 Pepper weevil (Florida)

Pepper Weevil

Respondents from Homestead report that pepper weevils are present inforce. Weevils have also been reported feeding on eggplant blooms aswell.

Scouts in Palm Beach County note that they have started to see low levelsof weevils in pepper but that in general controls are adequate.

Around southwest Florida, pepper weevils are starting to be detected inpepper fields in a number of locations.

The adult pepper weevil Anthonomus eugenii is a small (1/6 inch) blackor gray beetle with a long snout (proboscis) and elbowed antennae.Adults use the mandibles at the end of the proboscis to feed on leaf or

flower buds. Females also use the mandibles to bore a small hole indeveloping fruit or flower buds. The hole is plugged with fecal matter(frass) after an egg is deposited. A tiny legless grub hatches from the eggand eats its way toward the seed core of the fruit where it feeds on seedsand pulp, passing through larval growth stages or instars. Damaged fruitbecome contaminated by insect parts, frass and rotted tissue, and willeventually fall from the plant. Pupation takes place inside the fruit withina small cell created by larval feeding. The emerging adult may feedwithin the fruit for a while before escaping through a circular holechewed in the wall of the fruit.

Black nightshade may serve as a secondary host to maintain smallnumbers of pepper weevil during fallow periods. Since developmenttimes decrease as temperature increases and since adults will migratereadily from old fields to new plantings, populations generally build upduring the season so that populations are greatest in later springplantings.

Since adults tend to move to lower, more protected and less visible plantparts as temperatures increase, scouting efforts should concentrate on asearch for adults in leaf whorls, flowers and fruit during morning hours.Commercially available pheromone traps may also aid in early detection.Fruit and flower buds should be examined for damage and fallen fruitand buds examined for presence of larvae. Infested fruits can berecognized before they fall by the yellow calyx the presence ofoviposition punctures that look like small dimples. Hot peppers likeJalapenos and Serranos are often the first peppers to be affected. Fruitand flower buds should be examined for damage and fallen fruit andbuds examined for presence of larvae. If possible, all damaged and fallenfruit should be removed and destroyed.

Chemical control is difficult because all stages but the adult are protectedwithin the fruit, so that only the adult weevil is vulnerable to insecticides.Frequent sprays may be necessary starting in the initial stages ofinfestation in order to avoid unacceptable levels of damage.

Spraying needs to commence at the first sign of weevils or with floweringin fields with a history of problems. Vydate has been the standardcontrol and has given pretty good results even at 2 pts/acre whensprayed weekly in Dr. Phil Stansly’s trials at the Southwest FloridaResearch and Education Center. A total of 24 pts can be applied for theseason.

A number of growers have indicated obtaining good results in controllingweevils with either Capture - bifenithrin or cryolite. Actara –thiomethoxam has demonstrated superior efficacy in trials conducted byPhil Stansly. Applications are limited to two per season.

Other materials that have been used with some success by growersinclude Neemix and fish oil both of which seem to be most effective whenused preventatively before weevils become established. Some growerswho have applied Admire – imidicloprid on pepper indicate that theremay be some activity on weevils and report that Admire has delayedinfestations and possibly reduced the overall level of pepper weevilinfestation. Many of the currently labeled materials are difficult to workinto an IPM program once plantings begin to be harvested due to the 7day PHI in force for all of them. This is particularly true for hot peppers,which are often harvested multiple times during the course of a week.

In addition to chemical controls, a complete IPM approach isrecommended for pepper weevil management. Adjacent or nearbysequential plantings should be avoided. Sanitation is important. Cropsshould be deep-plowed immediately following harvest and after treatingwith insecticide to reduce adult movement into nearby fields and toreduce survival over the summer. Nightshade in and around fields shouldbe controlled to reduce population survival between crops.

(Gene McAvoy, Univ. Florida CES SOUTH FLORIDA VEGETABLE PEST ANDDISEASE HOTLINE, Nov. 15, 2002).

11.0 Tomato Postharvest management (Florida)

Post-Harvest Disorders

Growers and pack house operators around south Florida are reporting ahigher than normal level of post harvest problems in tomatoes and othercrops. Many of these problems are undoubtedly related to hot wetconditions during the growing season.

Post harvest diseases can be caused by a variety of bacterial and fungalpathogens. These include bacterial soft rot (Erwinia carotovora subsp.carotovora) and other bacteria such as Pseudomonas, Xanthomonas andBacillus sp. Fungal pathogens include sour-rot (Geotrichum candidum),Rhizopus stolonifer, target spot (Corynespora cassiicola), Phytophthorasp., Alternaria sp. and others.

Effective water sanitation is one of the most important means ofcombating these problems. Maintenance of 100 ppm to 150-ppm free(also known as available or active, not to be confused with "total")chlorine at a neutral pH (~6.5 to 7.5) is the recommended treatment ofdump tanks, flumes, and washers.

As tomatoes are introduced into the dump-tank, leaves and soil also enterthe water. Free chlorine reacts quickly with this organic matter plant andfruit surfaces as well as with soil or other inanimate matter. The productsof these reactions make chlorine ineffective in killing microbes.Therefore, free chlorine concentration and NOT total chlorineconcentration must be measured to determine the efficacy of the biocidein the tank.

Only free chlorine will destroy microbes. To further understand thedifference between free and total chlorine, one can imagine a room full ofchairs. With no one in the room, all of the chairs, the total number ofchairs, are empty, or free. If several people come into the room and sitdown, there is still the same total number of chairs present, but not asmany chairs remain empty, or free for more people to sit in. As morepeople enter the room, all of the chairs eventually become occupied. Thisis similar to the free chlorine in the dump tank. As it reacts in the water,less is available for sanitizing and more free chlorine must be added tothe water.

Effective water chlorination is also dependent on the pH of the water.Maintaining neutral pH (~6.5 to 7.4) maximizes efficacy of chlorine.Lowering the pH below 5 increases the amount of free chlorine, but canalso increase off gassing, accelerate the rate at which chlorine is lost fromthe system (increasing the amount that must be added) and enhancecorrosion of equipment. Alternatively, raising the pH above 7.5 reduceschlorine's efficacy.

It is also important to minimize infiltration of dump tank water (and anypotential accompanying pathogens) into the tomato. Heating dump-tankwater 5oC (about 10oF) above tomato pulp temperature has been shownto reduce infiltration through the stem-end or blossom-end scars andskin breaks and, therefore, reduce post harvest decay.

Tomatoes should be kept in the water for two minutes (one to threeminutes). This assures sufficient contact with the sanitizer, while avoidingextended soaking time that can increase water uptake.

For effective sanitation, the dump tank must be frequently monitored forfree chlorine, pH and water temperature throughout the packing day.Automated systems using ORP and pH probes are commonly used in theindustry, but manual readings should still be made and recorded every30 minutes to an hour to ensure proper equipment operation. Recordkeeping is critical for trace-back and evaluation/resolution should adecay outbreak, occur during later handling, shipping or marketing.Hand-held electronic mV and pH meters, free chlorine test kits, and freechlorine are very reliable for this purpose.

Dump-tank water is not the only potential source of pathogen inoculationof fruit. Improper or careless handling during harvest or binfilling/dumping operations can cause serious mechanical damage. Somedamage is obvious and is culled by sorters on the packing line. However,some other damage is nearly invisible without close inspection. A goodexample is the scraping wounds due to fruit rubbing rough bin walls, orabrasion caused by sand grains. Abrasions and micro perforations candirectly inoculate the tomato. Sand is most common, but dried plantmaterial, attached stems, wood splinters on bins, etc. can also be causalagents. Open wounds can also become infected later by other pathogens.

(Gene McAvoy, Univ. Florida CES SOUTH FLORIDA VEGETABLE PEST ANDDISEASE HOTLINE, Nov. 15, 2002).

12.0 Organic fungicide on berry

ORGANIC FUNGICIDE LABELED FOR MUMMY BERRY

Blueberries, and many other crops, have been added to the Serenade WPlabel. This product, manufactured by AgriQuest, is OMRI approved fororganic production and the active ingredient is the bacterium calledBacillus subtilis. Dr. Annemiek Schilder, a plant pathologist at MichiganState Univ. has conducted field trials comparing a variety of materials forcontrol of mummy berry disease in blueberry. The data suggest thatSerenade can provide moderate control of mummy berry although not asgood as Indar, a conventional, ‘low-risk' material that has a special usepermit in Vermont. Efficacy of Serenade may be improved by sprayingfrequently (e.g. every 7 days during high-risk periods) and perhaps byspraying right after a frost event, which may predispose the shoots toinfection (in lowbush blueberries at least). Conventional growers may

also alternate with other fungicides (e.g. Indar or Bravo) to increaseefficacy of the fungicide program. (VERMONT VEGETABLE AND BERRYNEWS, December 15, 2002, Compiled by Vern Grubinger, University ofVermont Extension)

13.0 Cabrio/Quadris on Strawberry

CABRIO FUNGICIDE REGISTERED FOR BERRY CROPS(Mike Ellis, Ohio State Extension Plant Pathologist)

Cabrio 20 EG fungicide (pyraclostrobin) was recently registered for useon blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, and strawberry. It is registered forcontrol of Alternaria leaf spot and fruit rot, powdery mildew, anthracnosefruit rot, Phomopsis leaf blight and twig blight, and for suppression ofmummy berry and Botrytis gray mold on blueberry. On brambles, it isregistered for control of anthranose, Septoria leaf spot, raspberry leafspot, powdery mildew, rust diseases and spur blight, and suppression ofBotrytis gray mold. On strawberry, it is registered for control ofanthracnose fruit rot, powdery mildew and leaf spot, and suppression ofBotrytis gray mold. Cabrio is an excellent material and provides good toexcellent control of all these diseases. This is a very important product onbrambles, largely due to the current lack of registered fungicides onbrambles.

Cabrio is a strobilurin fungicide. This is the same class of chemistry asQuadris and Abound. Quadris is currently registered for us onstrawberry, and Abound is currently registered for use on blueberry andgrape. For purposes of fungicide resistance management, only fourapplications of Cabrio can be applied per crop per season on blueberryand brambles and no more than five applications can be made per seasonon strawberry. In addition, no more than two sequential applications canbe made before switching to a fungicide with another type of chemistry.Cabrio cannot be alternated with Quadris or Abound as a fungicideresistance management strategy. Cabrio has a 0-day preharvest intervalon all registered berry crops; however, the re-entry interval is 24 hours.Remember: Always readthe label. (VERMONT VEGETABLE AND BERRY NEWS, December 15, 2002,Compiled by Vern Grubinger, University of Vermont Extension)

14.0 Customer Relationship Marketing

Smart Marketing Back to the Future:Customer Relationship Marketing (CRM) in Food RetailingFrom Rod Hawkes, Senior Ext. Associate, Food Industry ManagementProgram, Dept. of Applied Economics & Management,Cornell University written July 2002.

Close your eyes and imagine traveling back 75 years in time to 1927,when small, independent neighborhood grocery stores and specialtyshops were the norm. In those days, the grocer/owner knew most of thecustomers by name and many of their food preferences and needs. Thestore was probably a family operation and the grocer’s family may havelived right in the neighborhood, if not above the store itself.

That type of customer intimacy has largely disappeared as largesupermarkets replaced grocery stores and supermarket chains haveincreasingly replaced independent ownership in many parts of the world.However, history has a tendency to repeat itself and often what is oldbecomes new again. Such is the case with a new trend in food retailingcalled customer relationship marketing (CRM). Essentially, CRM is anattempt to regain the customer intimacy that was so much a part of thegrocery industry in the past. The goal of CRM is to create and maintaincustomer loyalty because a loyal customer can be less costly to serve and,therefore, may be more profitable in the long run.

Customer relationship marketing (CRM) can be defined as understandingthe specific needs and preferences of individual consumer householdsand marketing, staffing, and merchandising to meet those needs. Thekey CRM objectives are to increase (1) operational and marketingefficiency, (2) customer loyalty, and (3) long-term profitability. Thedifference today is the huge size of current supermarkets makes itdifficult to establish actual person-to-person relationships as in the earlydays of the 20th century.

Two major factors are driving the exploration and adoption of CRM byfood retailers: technology and competition. Technology is enablingretailers to track purchases by individual household through bar codescanning and customer identification cards. Retailers are thereby able totarget promotions and advertising to the customers who actually usevarious products.

Competition from other supermarkets, non-traditional food retailers suchas super centers, wholesale clubs, drug stores, and convenience stores,and many rejuvenated farm markets has resulted in too many outletsvying for the grocery spending of a consumer base that is not growing asfast as the number of shopping alternatives. As the number of stores in amarket increases, competition forces prices to decline, putting a premiumon efficiency to maintain profitability and sales growth.

In this environment, smart retailers recognize that the cost of acquiring anew customer is much higher than the cost of keeping a currentcustomer. Also, loyal customers can be more profitable, especially overtheir lifetime, than customers who switch stores on a regular basis.Therefore, CRM focuses on identifying and nurturing a store’s bestcustomers and trying to increase the loyalty of the rest of the store’scustomer base.

For at least the past 40 years, food retailers have treated all customers asif they were equally important (i.e. profitable) to the company.Advertising fliers are universally available in stores or as newspaperinserts, as are discounts, coupons, and even frequent shopper cardmembership. Customers who only purchase a few discounted sale itemshave been treated the same as customers who purchase the majority oftheir food and household goods each week in one store.

Today many retailers understand that as little as 30 percent of theircustomers may account for as much as 80 percent of their sales.Obviously, all customers are not created equal! CRM offers a vehicle bywhich retailers can better manage their biggest asset, customers, byrewarding the best customers for their loyalty.

The large scale of supermarket operations requires sophisticatedcomputerized database management to effectively deploy CRM. However,since CRM principles can be deployed on a smaller scale without a hugetechnology investment, this may be an area where small stores, farmstands, and farmer’s markets may have a distinct advantage over theirgiant competitors. Smaller operations often already enjoy a moreintimate relationship with their customers that can be enhanced andsolidified through attention to customer needs and service. In fact, oneof the acknowledged supermarket CRM leaders in the country is a one-store operator in Syracuse, NY called Green Hills Farms Market.

Small size and local ownership are attractive for a growing segment ofshoppers across most demographic groups. Evidence of this trend is

found in the parallel movement of major retail chains to build smallerstores, incorporate local and regional products, and to become moreinvolved in supporting activities in each store’s local community, amongmany other things. On the consumer side, recent events have causedmore and more concern about the origin, handling, and safety of thefoods they buy. Locally owned and operated food stores can alleviatesome of these concerns with their familiar faces, product knowledge, localsourcing, and customer service. Small store operators may also be able torespond quicker to changes in consumer tastes and demand. All of thesefeatures may allow small operators to achieve the ultimate goal of CRM:Customer Loyalty.

(Ruth Hazzard, ed., Vegetable Notes, University Of MassachusettsExtension Vegetable Program, November, 2002, VOLUME 13, NUMBER20).

15.0 Marketing 101

MARKETING 101 (adapted from Univ. of Wisconsin)

Marketing is an attitude and orientation towards your customers thatputs the customer first. By ensuring you are doing what the customerwants, needs, and expects; you will have repeat business. In order tomarket any product successfully, you must have a product desired by thepublic; you must develop an effective marketing plan; and you mustmake good use of promotion.

There are six common marketing mistakes that business entrepreneursoften make. The first is the failure to develop a suitable competitiveadvantage.The second is to focus on the product or service instead of thebenefit of the product. The third mistake is a failure to define the targetmarket Mistake number four is underestimating the competition. Thefifth marketing mistake is having an excessive optimism about the idea,product, or service so that short comings or pitfalls are not recognized.The last mistake isthe establishment of prices without knowing the effect on the demand.

An understanding of why customers buy as they do is important in theestablishment of a marketing plan. The reasons people shop at aparticular store are: (1) convenience, (2) variety of selection, (3) qualityof goods, (4) courtesy of sales people, (5) integrity and reputation for

fairness in dealings, (6) services offered such as credit or return of goods,and (7) prices.

(VERMONT VEGETABLE AND BERRY NEWS, December 15, 2002, Compiledby Vern Grubinger, University of Vermont Extension)

16.0 Decontaminating and storing sprayers

Decontaminating and Storing SprayersDr. Andrew Landers, Cornell University

Sprayer Decontamination and Maintenance:Sprayers must be thoroughly decontaminated, inside and outside, afteruse. Regular maintenance of spraying equipment will prolong its life andensure accurate trouble-free operation. This allows spraying to be donewith the minimum loss of time and taking full advantage of favorableweather conditions.

NOTE: Read the manufacturer’s instructions before beginning to washout a sprayer. Wear protective clothing appropriate to the pesticidewhich has been used. This may include an apron, rubber gloves, bootsand face shield. It is important to clean everything thoroughly includingassociated equipment such as mixers, the site where mixing and filling isdone, and, of course, yourself.

Dispose of Pesticide Waste: REMEMBER: Cleaning up should be done insuch a way that washings DO NOT enter public sewers or any watercourses, not fields which have under-drainage and certainly notcatchment areas for boreholes or wells.The safe disposal of pesticide waste is a serious responsibility for sprayeroperators. It is important, therefore, that everything should be done tokeep waste generation to a minimum. Remember that pesticide waste isof four types:1. Concentrated products2. Diluted pesticides including washings3. Empty containers4. Contaminated clothing and other materials

Try to keep the volume of tank washings to a minimum. Special lowvolume, inexpensive washing systems are now available which consist of aspinning nozzle(s) mounted in the tank. The device can be connected to

a hose or water tank. Water passes through the rotating nozzle(s) andcascades down the inside walls of the tank.

Preparation for Storage: Any spray liquid or contamination left in thetank should be disposed of correctly. Remove tank drain plugs or opendrain cock. Hose down the inside and outside of the tank, including thetank top. Scrub where necessary or use a low volume pressure washer.Replace drain plug or close drain cock. Remove the suction, main and in-line filter elements. Wash them thoroughly in clean water with a softbrush and replace. Remove nozzles, nozzle filters and nozzle bar endcaps if they are so fitted. Soak them all in a bucket of water with amaterial recommended for cleaning of spray machinery. Scrub cleanwith a soft brush. Partly fill the tank and pump out to flush all parts.Ensure that you open and close boom valves a few times during theflushing to clean out crevices. Refill the tank with clean water or arecommended cleaning agent. There are about a dozen commercial tankcleaners designed to remove or neutralize most of the modern low-ratechemicals. If no cleaning agent is available, one gallon of householdammonia per 50 gallons may be used. DO NOT use chlorine-basedcleaners such as bleach. Re-circulate for 15 minutes, then pump aquantity through the pipes and booms. Leave the remainder for as longas practicable; overnight if possible. Discharge at least on quarter of thecontents of the tank through the booms and drain the rest. Check thatno deposits remain in the tank or filters.

If any remain, hose them down and scrub them off. To ensure thoroughcleaning and decontamination, the last three steps can be repeated. Storenozzles and filters in a safe place. Leave valves open and the tank lidloosely closed. Ensure that the sprayer and all parts are completelyempty of water, especially the pump. If you are unable to completelydrain the system, you can use an antifreeze solution. An environmentallysafe antifreeze diluted to 50% may be acceptable. Hose down the outsideparts of the sprayer, scrubbing if necessary. Ensure that the sprayer isparked safely and securely. Wash down waterproof clothing, apron,boots and face shield. Wash outside and inside of gloves with soap andwater and rinse and dry them. Finally, thoroughly wash your face, neckand hands with soap and water.

Mechanical Maintenance: Lubricate all appropriate parts prior to storage.Check oil levels. Check soundness of all components, particularly boomsand boom hinges. Electrical connections and components which controlvalves, spray monitors, etc. should be cleaned and protected as directedby the owners manual. Check wheels, wheel bearings and tire inflation.

Storage of Sprayers: Store sprayers under cover, taking care to preventdirt and moisture from affecting the tank or working parts. Remembersunlight softens and weakens rubber materials and can degrade plasticmaterials. Storing in a building also allows you the opportunity toconduct any routing or pre-season maintenance.

(Ruth Hazzard, ed., Vegetable Notes, University Of MassachusettsExtension Vegetable Program, November, 2002, VOLUME 13, NUMBER20).

17.0 Specialty Crops School in No. Carolina Feb. 2003

The 2003 Northern Piedmont Specialty Crops School will be held onFriday, February 28, 2003 at the Regency Inn (formerly Ramada Inn) atthe junction of I-85 and NC 96 (Exit #204 off I-85) in Oxford, NC. Forinformation contact: Carl Cantaluppi Granville County Extension Center,Telephone: 919-603-1350 FAX: 919-603-0268 E-Mail:carl_cantaluppi@ncsu.edu (Carl Cantaluppi, press release, Nov. 14, 2002).

18.0 Fruit Corner: Coconut management on the web

*** Modern Coconut Management ***

The electronic version of "Modern Coconut Management" edited by JanOhler is now available on EcoPort.

This eArticle version is loyal to Jan's hard-copy book "as is". AGPC andAGPP (FAO), with the help of CIRAD and others including Hugh Harries ofCICLY, have only up-dated or corrected some scientific names and a fewother minor mistakes. This version will stay as the hard copy in Jan'shonour. He sadly passed away in August 2001 at the age of 76.

From EcoPort's home page (http://ecoport.org ) - the route is "ReadeNarratives" then "eArticles" - enter ID 127 and "Find eArticle" then clickon the blue ID 127. The reader will be presented with the Index and theAbstract. Individual Chapters can be chosen from the index or theChapters can be scrolled through using the right arrows starting in theAbstract.

A lot has happened in the coconut world (where about 50 millionsmallholders are involved) since the publication was written.

We intend to do a new virtual (to be continually up-dated) version inEcoPort with the help of CIRAD and many others.

For any comments please contact Peter Griffee of AGPC(Peter.Griffee@fao.org)(PLANT BREEDING NEWS EDITION 133 19 NOVEMBER 2002, An ElectronicNewsletter of Applied Plant Breeding, Sponsored by FAO and CornellUniversity, Clair H. Hershey, Editor)

19.0 Greenhouse Shortcourse, Miss. 3-03

The 13th annual Greenhouse Tomato Short Course will be held March 11-13 at the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum in Jackson,Mississippi.

If you have any interest in this training for commercial growers andExtension Agents, mark your calendars now.

Information will be posted on the web site in the near future. Also, adirect mailing will be going out in January to those on the short coursemailing list and exhibitor list.

Dr. Rick SnyderProfessor and Vegetable Specialisthttp://www.msstate.edu/dept/cmrec/ghsc.htm (GH Tomato ShortCourse)

20.0 Greenhouse Shortcourse, Arizona 1-03

Greenhouse Crop Production & Engineering Design Short Course to beheld Jan 19-22, 2003

Hosted by the Controlled Environment Agriculture Center (CEAC) and theCooperative Extension at The University of Arizona in Tucson.

This continuing education short course will offer a wide range of speakersaddressing crop production, greenhouse engineering design, marketing,pest management, and environmental control. Discussion sessions anddemonstrations will be held at the CEAC research greenhouses. The ShortCourse lectures will be conducted at the Windmill Inn. Register beforeJanuary 6, 2003, and the $195 fee includes course notes, meals, and abanquet dinner. Optional tour to a large commercial greenhouse inWillcox, Arizona is an additional $35.

For more information, visithttp://ag.arizona.edu/ceac/extension/cpesJan03.htm or contact Dr. GeneGiacomelli, (520) 621-1412, giacomel@ag.arizona.edu.

21.0 Strawberry meetings 2003 (SE US)

January, 2003

Jan. 11 2003, Georgia-South Carolina Strawberry Meeting,Savannahhttp://www.smallfruits.org/SFC_News/events1.htm (pre-registration form)(Several of us from NC State are planning to be there)

Jan. 13-14, NC Blueberry Council Open House (at a new location - need toregister soon -- before Dec 20 to get lowest cost). Willie Moore, Sec'yTreasurer, North Carolina Blueberry Council, Inc. 3550 Ivanhoe Rd.Ivanhoe, NC 28447 http://www.smallfruits.org/SFC_News/events1.htm(pre-registration form)

Jan. 22-24, North American Strawberry Growers Assn, Puerto Vallarta,Mexicohttp://www.hort.cornell.edu/grower/nasga/Annual%20Meeting/meeting02.html (a rather costly meeting to attend!)

February, 2003

Feb. 3 Clemson Walhalla, SC, Muscadine Meeting (NEW Meeting forMuscadine growers in SC) Joey Williamson, Ph.D. Area County AgentCommercial Horticulture Clemson Extension Service P.O. Box 400,Walhalla, SC 29691 (864) 638-5889

Feb. 3-11 North American Farmers Direct Market Association(NAFDMA),

http://www.nafdma.com/ - Conference and Trade Show: Feb 7-8(registration is high, but this is a great meeting and in NC this year:CHARLOTTE)

Feb. 11 Clemson - Lexington County, SC, Preharvest StrawberryPlasticulture Meeting (Low Country) Powell Smith, Clemson Univ. CES -Lexington County, 605 W. Main St. Ste. 109, Lexington, SC 29072 Phone:803-359-8515 (location TBA)

Feb. 12 Clemson Walhalla, SC, Upstate Preharvest StrawberryPlasticulture Meeting Joey Williamson, Ph.D. Area County AgentCommercial Horticulture Clemson Extension Service P.O. Box 400,Walhalla, SC 29691 (864) 638-5889 (location TBA)

Feb. 18-20 Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention is in St. Catharines(close to Buffalo, NY). Pam Fisher OMAF Berry Crops Specialist, Box 587,Simcoe,Ontario, N3Y 4N5, pam.fisher@omaf.gov.on.ca (There will be anexcellent Irrigation/Frost Protection workshop on Jan 20)

Feb. 19-22 Mid-Atlantic Direct Marketing Conference (HIGHLYRECOMMEND)http://www.agnr.umd.edu/madmc/Schedule.html

Feb. 27-28 Virginia Beach Preharvest Strawberry Plasticulture MeetingAND Trade Show , Calvin A. Schiemann, Extension Agent, VA-Tech,Virginia Beach Office, 2449 Princess Anne Rd, VA Beach, VA 23456 (757)427-4769 (SECOND YEAR WE HAVE DONE THIS MEETING - GROWERS INSUFFOLK AND SURROUNDING TIDEWATER AREA ARE CORDIALLYINVITED) cschiema@vbgov.com (location TBA)

March, 2003Mar. 4 Arkansas Strawberry Growers Association, Inc. PreharvestStrawberry Plasticulture Meeting, First Floor Conference Room Corner ofShackleford & Kanis, Little Rock, AR, Dr. Keith Striegler, ExtensionHorticulture Specialist, U of A, (479) 575-2790

22.0 Third Taro symposium, Fiji 5-03

Third Taro SymposiumNadi, Fiji, 22-24 May 2003

This Third Taro Symposium will review progress in taro research, analyzeneeds and priorities, develop a strategy for future work in taro researchand development, explore new ways to use genetic diversity and improvetaro quality and production, and stimulate international collaboration,information exchange and networking.

Information regarding themes and submission of abstracts and paperscan be found in the attached symposium brochure.

Please note that initial abstracts should be submitted to the organizingcommittee by January 15th.

Please pass this message to other colleagues who might be interested.TaroSym@spc.int, Tel: (679) 3370 733, Fax: (679) 3370 021, Website:

http://www.spc.int/tarosym.

23.0 Other upcoming events- Hawaii

*January 6-8, 2003: Invasive Species: A Comparison of Hawaii andCalifornia, presented by California-Pacific Section of the Society for RangeManagement, King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel, Kailua-Kona;registration fee of $95 (contact: K. O. Fulgham, fulghamk@humboldt.edu)

*January 7-8, 2003: "Sustainable pest control in the tropics," SAREprofessional development training for CES/NRCS/agriculturalprofessionals, 8:00 a.m-4:00 p.m., Komohana Ag Complex, Hilo (contact:Jody Smith, smithjos@hawaii.edu, 808-956-7774)

*January 13-17, 2003: National Council of Farmer Cooperativesconvention, Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort (January 15 openingreception open to all, 6:00-7:30 p.m.) (contact: Wayne Nishijima,waynen@hawaii.edu, 808-959-9155)

*January 15-March 19, 2003: Financial Counseling Certificate Program,non-credit course taught by Ron Wall, jointly sponsored by CTAHRCooperative Extension and Hawaii Credit Union League, Wednesdayevenings, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Hawaii Credit Union League Education Center,1654 S. King St., $230 tuition plus $23 for financial calculator (contact:Gina Karas, 941-0556)

*January 25, 2003: Maui 4-H: Teach in, noon, Baldwin High School(contact: Esther Yap, eyap@hawaii.edu; 808-244-3242)

*January 29-31, 2003: Pesticide Risk Reduction Education, short coursefor pesticide handlers preparing for HDOA restricted use pesticidecertification exam or in-depth coverage of handling pesticides properly;State Office Building, Lihue (contact: Charles Nagamine,charlie@hpirs.stjohn.hawaii.edu, 808-956-6007,http://pesticides.hawaii.edu)

*February 7-11, 2003: Annual meeting of the International Sweet CornDevelopment Association; workshop at Waimea, Kauai, February 8, at theManoa campus February 10 (contact: Jim Brewbaker,brewbake@hawaii.edu, 808-956-7985)

*July 26-30, 2003: Annual meeting, American Society of Plant Biologists,Honolulu Convention Center, abstracts due February 28, 2003 (contact:Susan Chambers Rosenberry, chambers@aspb.org; web sitehttp://aspb.org/meetings/pb-2003/)

24.0 Other Upcoming events- Out of State

International Society for Tropical Root Crops ***

Tropical Root and Tuber Crops: Opportunities for Poverty Alleviationand Sustainable Livelihoods in the Developing World

The13th Triennial Symposium of the International Society for TropicalRoot Crops ( ISTRC) -Global will be hosted in Arusha, Tanzania,November 9-14, 2003.

The Symposium is expected to attract scientists, researchers, foodprocessors, entrepreneurs, policy and decision-makers, representatives offarmer organizations, public and private sectors from throughout theworld. The Symposium will critically review and evaluate researchactivities and findings, food product development and potentialmarketing activities related to root and tuber crops.www.istrcsymp-tz.org Regina Kapinga (r.kapinga@cgiar.org)

January 7 NEW ENGLAND VEGETABLE & BERRY GROWERS ALL DAYMEETING, Host Hotel, Sturbridge, MA ****NEW PLACE – INCLUDES TRADESHOW!!*** Contact Dom Marini at (508) 378-2546

January 10-12 ECOLOGICAL CUT FLOWER GROWING WORKSHOP Ballston Spa, NY. Contact the Regional Farm & Food Project at (518)427-6537 or farmfood@capital.net

January 15 TRI-STATE GREENHOUSE IPM WORKSHOP UVM Entomology Research Laboratory, Spear St., Burlington, VT "On-Site Testing for Diseases and pH, and IPM for Herbs." 6 PesticideCredits. Call Margaret Skinner at (802) 656-5440 for more information.

January 16 CONNECTICUT VEGETABLE GROWERS MEETING Contact Jude Boucher at (860) 875-3331

January 25 NOFA MA WINTER CONFERENCE Cosponsored by CISA, UMass Extension and NOFA MA Barre, MA at the Quabbin High School Contact Registration Coordinator Elaine Peterson at (978) 928-4707

January 31-February 2 ORGANIC VEGETABLE FARMING SYSTEMS FROMSEED TO MARKET,Ballston Spa, NY Contact the Regional Farm & Food Project at (518)427-6537 or farmfood@capital.net

February 1 NEW ENGLAND VEGETABLE & BERRY GROWERS ALL DAYMEETING. Eastern Massachusetts Extension Center, Waltham, MA Contact Dom Marini at (508) 378-2546

February 11 VERMONT VEGETABLE & BERRY GROWERS ANNUAL MEETING Holiday Inn, Rutland VT

March 12-13 NEW ENGLAND DIRECT MARKETING CONFERENCE & TRADESHOW Holiday Inn Boxborough Woods, Boxborough, MA Contact Charlie Touchette at (413) 529-9100 orinfo@massfarmstands.com