Cherry growers' meeting set for April 8

The 81st annual cherry growers’ horticultural meeting begins at 8:30 a.m., Saturday, April 8 at the Yellow Bay Community Clubhouse, MT Highway 35, mile-marker 18.

Dr. Claudia Probst, Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences, Washington State University, will be the keynote speaker. Probst’s research in the identification of specific factors that promote fruit infection, and the improvement of existing and new disease management approaches, will provide local cherry growers with important current information on the control of powdery mildew, a known threat occurring in this area. Probst will also discuss other plant pathogens specific to sweet cherries.

Jack Stivers, MSU/Lake County Extension Agent, will facilitate the meeting. The agenda will also include updates on governmental regulations and other items of interest to local cherry growers.

The meeting is sponsored by the Flathead Lake Cherry Growers, Inc. co-operative and is open to all cherry growers in the area. The event encourages the production of high quality fruit by all growers to maintain the reputation that the Flathead sweet cherry industry has enjoyed for over 80 years.

For more information or to preregister, call (406) 982-3069, fax (406) 982-3065, or email hammons@centurytel.net. The registration form can be downloaded at www.montanacherries.com in the Media Related tab – Press Release & PSA Announcement section.