UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State's 2002 Christmas Tree Management Short Course will be held at The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel in University Park on Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 13-14. Sponsored by the College of Agricultural Sciences' department of horticulture, the course attracts growers from Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, New Jersey and beyond.

The course is designed to help Christmas tree growers adopt the latest pest control, production and business management practices, according to Rick Bates, co-chair and assistant professor of ornamental horticulture. Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture pesticide re-certification core and category credits will be available.

Wednesday sessions will focus on pest management and issues related to farming in high-population areas. Highlights include reducing deer damage, weed and disease control, pesticide safety, and challenges and opportunities of farming on the urban fringe. An afternoon workshop for new growers and employees will cover production basics.

Thursday sessions will feature business management, insect control and cultural practices. Topics include nursery inspection and regulations, shearing, controlling insects, soil fertility, managing Canaan fir and planning for the end of your business.

The $170 registration fee includes all workshops, instructional materials, breaks and lunches. Registration for one day is $100. The registration deadline is Feb. 1. After Feb. 1, registration will increase to $200 (both days) and $115 (one day). The course is limited to 150 participants.

A block of rooms have been reserved at the conference center for $73 plus tax per night for a single or double. Reserve a special-rate room by calling (800) 233-7505 before Jan. 14 and say you are attending the course.

For more information, call 814-863-7715 or e-mail Dr. Rick Bates at rmb30@psu.edu.

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EDITORS: Rick Bates can be reached at 814-863-2198 or rmb30@psu.edu.

Contact:

Kim Dionis kdionis@psu.edu 814-863-2703 814-865-1068 fax