FL State Hort Society Annual Mtg Set for June 7-9 2009

Randall Weiseman Citrus, General, Nursery Crops, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.—The Florida State Horticultural and Florida Soil and Crop Science Societies will hold their joint, annual meeting June 7 through 9, 2009 at the Wyndham Jacksonville Riverwalk, located at 1515 Prudential Drive, Jacksonville, Florida.
Don’t miss our Keynote Speaker, Dr. Robert L. Fireovid, USDA National Program Leader for Biosecurity, who will speak on “From Biomass to Biofuel: The Technologies and the Production Potentials.” Our Horticultural breakfast speaker will be Dr. Nicholas Comeford, Center Director of the NFREC in Quincy, and our Extension luncheon speaker will be Dr. Jim Horne, President and CEO of The Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture. There will be over 170 presentations reporting on applied research into new technologies and practices for growers, processors, allied industries, and other horticultural and agronomic interests in Florida. Members and nonmembers of both societies are welcome to attend. There will be two evening receptions for friends and colleagues. Programs from the FSHS sections will include talks on:
• CITRUS: Citrus Greening detection and control of psyllids, advanced production systems, freeze tolerance and water use of trees, and mechanical harvesting;
• HANDLING AND PROCESSING: Citrus production and packing in China, pre- and postharvest factors affecting fresh and fresh-cut fruit and vegetable quality/aroma, and issues relating to citrus juice quality;
• GARDEN AND LANDSCAPE: Performance of new ornamental varieties, biological and conventional control of pests, fertility management, nutrient leaching, and export shipping of palms;
• KROME: Blueberry production practices, market potential for Florida’s sub-tropical peaches, and evaluation of new cultivars;
• VEGETABLE: Greenhouse production systems, vegetable quality and market opportunities, and the latest in new cultivars, irrigation, nutrition, and pest management.
On the afternoon of Tuesday June 9, the University of Florida/IFAS will also offer in-service training for County Extension faculty on “Profitable business management of an agricultural operation.”

For information about the Florida State Horticultural Society, including meeting details, on-line registration and FSHS membership dues payment, please visit www.fshs.org. For additional assistance, contact the Program Coordinator at the number below.