Pesticide Alternatives and Summer Irrigation

July 23, 2025
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Generally, insecticides for control of common vineyard insect pests (e.g., leafhoppers, mites, and mealy bugs) are added to the tank mix for the last fungicide spray of the year. But what if you farm organically, sustainably, or biodynamically, or just prefer to use few if any insecticides for fear of harming bees or other beneficial insects? Join us at IGGPRA's July grower seminar and learn the latest on pesticide alternatives including pheromone disruptors and promotion of habitats for natural enemies from Dr. David Headrick, Professor Emeritus, Cal Poly SLO Plant Sciences for one hour of continuing education credit.

By now every grower in the Paso Robles groundwater basin is (or should be) aware that the groundwater basin is in decline. The issue is what to do about it. To make the best decisions for yourself one should always consider all of the information, not just what you hear from social media, neighbors, or friends that may not have all the facts or have agendas that are not yours. Mark Battany, former UC Cooperative Extension advisor and now private agricultural consultant working for the SLO County Groundwater Sustainability organization will join us to give an update of the Paso basin groundwater plan. Mark will also present on summer vineyard irrigation strategies. Join us to hear the county's plan to bring the Paso groundwater basin into compliance with state law, and how to irrigate your vineyard to maximize benefit with the least waste of water.

Speakers:

	Dr. David Headrick, Plant Sciences Professor Emeritus, Cal Poly SLO Dr. Headrick teaches Agricultural Entomology, Biological Control of Agricultural Pests, Vertebrate Pest Management and Insect Pest Management in the Plant Protection Science concentration. He earned his PhD from UC Riverside where he studied biological control of weeds and became a specialist in tephritid fruit fly ecology and behavior. His research on this agriculturally important group and other research has resulted in more than 100 published articles, book chapters and technical reports. He was the recipient of the 2010 College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Outstanding Researcher Award and conducts research on insect pest management in vegetable, citrus and greenhouse cropping systems. He has given over 100 research-related presentations nationally and internationally.
	Mark Battany, Independent Agricultural Consultant Mark's focus areas are water, climate, and soil conditions affecting grape production and other permanent crops, serving California and abroad. He has an excellent ability to evaluate, explain and demonstrate solutions to a range of complex problems with clear effective communication, both in English and Spanish.

Dr. David Headrick, Plant Sciences Professor Emeritus, Cal Poly SLO

Dr. Headrick teaches Agricultural Entomology, Biological Control of Agricultural Pests, Vertebrate Pest Management and Insect Pest Management in the Plant Protection Science concentration. He earned his PhD from UC Riverside where he studied biological control of weeds and became a specialist in tephritid fruit fly ecology and behavior. His research on this agriculturally important group and other research has resulted in more than 100 published articles, book chapters and technical reports. He was the recipient of the 2010 College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Outstanding Researcher Award and conducts research on insect pest management in vegetable, citrus and greenhouse cropping systems. He has given over 100 research-related presentations nationally and internationally.

Mark Battany, Independent Agricultural Consultant

Mark's focus areas are water, climate, and soil conditions affecting grape production and other permanent crops, serving California and abroad. He has an excellent ability to evaluate, explain and demonstrate solutions to a range of complex problems with clear effective communication, both in English and Spanish.

Venue:

Castoro Cellars, 1315 N. Bethel Road, Templeton, CA 93465

As always, our seminars are FREE for Members (limit 2 people per membership) and just $30 per person for Guests. Feel free to invite other vineyard owners and managers that you think might be interested in the topics this month.

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