UPCOMING EVENTS:

 

“2026 LERGP What’s Your Spray Program?”

Wednesday, December 3, 2025
ZOOM Meeting
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Speakers: Dr. Tim Miles, Michigan State University; Dr. Flor Acevedo, Penn State University; Dr. Katie Gold, Cornell University; Megan Luke, Penn State University; and Dave Combs, Cornell AgriTech

Attendance Cost: $25.00 (additional attendee: $25.00 each)

Agenda Information 

12:50 PM-1:00 PM: Course registration and welcome

1:00 PM-1:30 PM:
Fluctuation of grape berry moth populations in Concord vineyards — Dr. Flor Acevedo, Penn State University 

  • The grape berry moth is typically managed using pesticide applications timed according to a degree-day model. However, despite the current management guidelines, there is substantial damage caused by this insect in high-risk vineyards. This presentation will share results on grape berry moth phenology collected from four vineyards over two growing seasons in Northwestern Pennsylvania. Attendees will learn about the insect's life cycle, how to recognize its damage in the field, and how populations fluctuate throughout the season in relation to temperature.

1:30 PM-2:00 PM:  
The Future of Disease Management is (Almost) Now — Dr. Katie Gold, Cornell University 

  • An update on what's new from Cornell Grape Pathology—dsRNA, next-gen biologicals, disease-resistant varieties, phenology-based scheduling, dynamic spray volume ("smart" spraying), and emerging AI decision support—and how to judge these against the unchanged fundamentals of pathogen biology and viticultural practice. Using PM, DM, and black rot examples, attendees will connect pathogen life cycles to product choice and timing, learn where our data says the new tools can help with old problems, and leave with clear questions to ask before adopting new products and approaches

2:00 PM-2:30 PM:  
Fungicide Efficacy 2025: Results from Powdery Mildew, Downy Mildew and Black Rot Trials — Dave Combs, Cornell University

  • An overview of the materials and their effectiveness in the Cornell pathology vineyard field trials in 2025. Fungicides will be evaluated and compared against like modes of action as well as untreated controls and grower standard programs. This program will also suggest materials to use in the future and what pathogens they are most effective against.

2:30 PM-3:00 PM: 
Pathology Resistance Update and Upcoming IR4 Projects in Grapes — Dr. Tim Miles, Michigan State University

  • A presentation with a grape pathology resistance update on downy, powdery, and botrytis, along with a discussion on the upcoming IR4 projects in grapes and what that means for our industry

3:00 PM-3:30 PM:   
A Review of Common Issues Impacting Pesticide Use — Megan Luke, Penn State University 

  • This talk will discuss common issues in sprayer set-up, coverage, calibration, and water quality, which may drastically affect the efficacy of your spray program. This will include a recap of issues that I observed in the past two years of sprayer calibration in NY and PA, as well as discussing simple and cost-effective solutions to overcome some common problems.

3:30 PM-4:00 PM: Final Assessment and Q&A

Pre-Registration Deadline: December 2, 2025,  at 12:00 PM

Register Here!
 

if you are seeking pesticide credits,
YOU MUST E-MAIL A COPY OF YOUR PESTICIDE LICENSE TO KJR45@CORNELL.EDU BEFORE THE PROGRAm begins.

 
 

Winter Grape Grower Conference

Thursday, March 19, 2026

More information to come!