This field day is a collaboration between PASA, Penn State and Pennsylvania Certified Organic.

Several Penn State scientists and researchers will meet us at the Southeast Research and Extension Center at Landisville to discuss disease and insect management in bramble crops, including blackberries, as well as general information on growing bramble crops. Topics will include blackberry cultivars and their characteristics, common bramble diseases, tips for diagnosing bramble problems, and growing brambles in high tunnels. You'll have the opportunity to visit various identified cultivars in the field, look at disease symptoms with hand lenses, and learn about the requirements for transitioning to organic bramble production.

In addition, presenters will demonstrate two other projects on weed and disease management. We'll hear about the use of cover crops between rows of plastic to manage weeds in vegetable crops, and the use of softer chemistries for tomato disease management. This field day has something to offer producers and educators, students and ag professionals alike.

Our knowledgeable presenters include Elsa Sanchez, Assoc. Prof., and Kathy Demchak, Sr. Extension Assoc., both in the PSU Dept. of Horticulture, Timothy Elkner, Sr. Extension Educator, Steve Bogash, Assoc. Extension Educator, Dave Johnson, PSU Sr. Research Assoc. and Assoc. Prof., and Mike Byers, bramble farmer and Administrative Director, Pennsylvania Certified Organic.

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