Join specialists Heather Kase, Scott Cosseboom, Nathaniel Westrick, and Anna Wallis for updates and a review of berry phenology and pest management. Presentations will be given on berry horticultural and pest management considerations for strawberries, blueberries, brambles, and minor fruit crops. Light refreshment & snacks will be provided. Registration is encouraged but there is no fee for attendance. 1.00 DEC credit will be available in categories 10, 1a, and 22

Agenda

2:00-2:10 PM: Welcome and DEC Credits

Speaker: Heather Kase and Anna Wallis

2:05-2:20 PM: Intro from Samascott Orchards

Speaker Jake and Brian Samascott, Farm owners

2:20-2:50 PM: Berry Horticultural Updates

Speaker Heather Kase, Berry Specialist, CCE ENYCHP

Subjects to be covered This presentation will include a review of the 2026 berry season up to July 15th, and what we anticipate for the rest of the season. This will include updates on strawberries, blueberries, and brambles, with mention of minor fruits if necessary. Tasks recommended to be carried out from July 15th to the end of the season will be discussed such as soil samples, leaf samples, renovation, and other timely activities. Upcoming relevant events will be announced, and horticultural updates will be a segway for pest and pathogen updates.

Time of presentation 30 mins

2:50-3:10 PM: Plant disease research updates and diagnostics from the Hudson Valley Research Lab

Speaker Scott Cosseboom, Plant Pathologist, HVRL Cornell AgriTech

Subjects to be covered Updates on research projects concerning disease control and prevention for berry crops will be shared. General disease control suggestions, and tools will be discussed, as well as a strawberry diagnostics service offered at the Hudson Valley Research Lab.

Time of presentation 20 mins

3:10-3:30 PM: Management of Up and Coming Strawberry Diseases in the Northeastern United States

Speaker Dr. Nathanial Westrick

Subjects to be covered Increases in plant movement across state lines and warming climates have led to the introduction of new invasive plant diseases to our region, with Anthracnose, Neopestalotiopsis, and Black Root Rot being particularly devastating examples. This talk will discuss the current IPM strategies which can be used to limit the spread of these diseases and novel research into varietal resistance and chemical control of the pathogens.

Time of presentation 20 min

3:30-3:50 PM: Spotted wing drosophila monitoring and management updates

Speaker Dr. Anna Wallis

Subjects to be covered Spotted wing drosophila continues to be the most critical pest management challenge for berry growers in the northeast, with a heavy reliance on chemical controls. Updates and a review will be given of SWD monitoring methods and integrated pest management best practices, to minimize pesticide inputs. Preliminary results of a NYFVI funded on-farm research project investigating a new attract and kill method for managing this pest with a reduced pesticide program.

Time of presentation 20 min

3:50-4:00 PM: Questions and Discussion with Audience

Speaker All Speakers (Kase, Cosseboom, Westrick, Wallis)

Subjects to be covered Presenters will take questions from the audience on topics discussed in the session, and other concerns growers have pertaining to berry production for 2026.

Time of presentation 10 min

4:00-4:30 PM: Optional Field Walk and Discussion

Speaker All Speakers (Kase, Cosseboom, Westrick, Wallis)

Subjects to be covered Participants will walk to several berry plantings at Samascott Orchards Specific sites will depend on audience interest and current production activities at Samascott Orchards, but will include strawberries and blueberries to observe production and pest management. The Samascott's will share their production and pest management practices and challenges with participants. Presenters will take questions from the audience on pertaining to these plantings.

Time of presentation 30 min