Blueberry workshops set for Jan. 29, Feb. 19

HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- Mississippi blueberry producers have two opportunities to learn more about production of the state’s largest fruit crop.

The Mississippi State University Extension Service is hosting an in-person workshop in Hattiesburg and a virtual workshop. 

The in-person workshop will be held Jan. 29 from 9 a.m. to noon at the MSU Extension Service office in Forrest County. The office is located at 952 Sullivan Drive in Hattiesburg. A virtual workshop will be held Feb. 19 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. 

Both workshops are open to blueberry producers and those interested in growing blueberries at any production level.

Speakers for both workshops include Eric Stafne, Extension fruit and nut specialist and Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station researcher; Rebecca Melanson, Extension plant pathologist and associate professor; Jermaine Perier, Extension entomologist and assistant professor; Jenny Ryals and Haley Williams, both research associates. 

Topics for both workshops will include organic versus conventional weed control, disease management practices and pest scouting and integrated pest management practices. Also included is the Transition to Organic Partnership Program, which helps producers transition from traditional production practices to organic production practices.

Both events are free. Preregistration is required for the virtual workshop. To sign up, visit the Extension registration portal at https://msuext.ms/bvw26.

No registration is required for the in-person workshop.

MSU is an equal opportunity institution. For disability accommodation or other information, contact Eric Stafne at eric.stafne@msstate.edu.