April 3, 2020
Division of Agriculture to broadcast virtual field walk for strawberry research
By Ryan McGeeney
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts:
- Webinar scheduled for April 20, 2 p.m. CST
- No cost to register or attend
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CLARKSVILLE, Ark. — Strawberry growers and other specialty crop producers will have the opportunity to learn about the latest findings in strawberry cultivation research during an April 20 virtual strawberry field walk from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
In light of social distancing and other guidelines in place to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, researchers and administrators at the Division of Agriculture Fruit Research Station in Clarksville decided to move the annual public event online, rather than cancel it outright. The decision was in keeping with the Division of Agriculture’s mission to continue serving producers and other Arkansans during this time, while keeping all participants safe.
Amanda McWhirt, extension horticulture specialist for the Division of Agriculture, said participants in the webinar will have the opportunity to see and hear the latest developments in Arkansas-specific horticulture research.
“We look forward to being able to show growers from across the region the research we are conducting, and how the trials are performing, through this online format,” McWhirt said. “Typically, only growers who live within an hour’s drive or less from the research station are able to attend in-person workshops, so the webinar will make it easier for growers who live further away to see our trials up close.”
The tour will be hosted by McWhirt and Aaron Cato, extension horticulture integrated pest management specialist for the Division of Agriculture. The tour will visit strawberry research plots at both the Fruit Research Station and the Vegetable Research Station in Alma, Ark.
Topics planned for the webinar include:
- Strawberry variety trial
- Planting date and row cover trial results
- ProMax and Zap disease management trial
- Pest management observations and recommendations from the season.
For individuals not able to view the webinar as it is broadcast, a recording of the virtual tour will be available on the Division of Agriculture’s horticulture YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzPEeCm2tCZ0yIBKA7wIsQ.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter at @UAEX_edu.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact Amanda McWhirt at 501-671-2229 as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.
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Media contact:
Ryan McGeeney
Communications Services
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2120
rmcgeeney@uada.edu