Whiteflies are among the top pests specialty crop growers face every year. The pest causes damage and losses on a wide range of vegetable crops across the Southeast. Nationally, the pest costs growers hundreds of millions of dollars annually. To make matters worse, the whitefly transmits many plant viruses.
During the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo, a panel discussion will take a deep dive into whitefly management. The talk will take place on Aug. 20 during an afternoon educational session at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa.
“This presentation will be a little different than the standard production presentation given during educational seminars,” said Frank Giles, AgNet Media editor-in-chief. “It will be more of an interactive conversation that engages several perspectives from the research side and the grower side.”
Panel participants include:
- Hugh Smith, entomologist, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
- Alton “Stormy” Sparks, entomologist, University of Georgia
- Elizabeth Malek, grower, Lipman Farms
- Ryan Richards, consultant, Simplot
Don’t miss the chance to learn more about whitefly management from the experts who are fighting the pest in the field.