University of Maine Cooperative Extension is hosting two virtual presentations covering current pest management challenges in Christmas tree production, Thursday, April 17, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

During this virtual webinar, UMaine Extension Forage Educator Jaime Garzon will discuss the potential of alfalfa, clovers and birdsfoot trefoil for use as continuous ground cover in Christmas tree plantations. In the second hour, Extension Sustainable Agriculture Educator Brett Johnson will describe the biology of an economically significant Christmas tree pest, the balsam gall midge, followed by methods for scouting and control. 

Registration is required by phone at 207.342.5971 or on the event webpage. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Billiejo Pendleton at billiejo.pendleton@maine.edu. 

About University of Maine Cooperative Extension

As a trusted resource for over 100 years, Extension has supported UMaine's land and sea grant public education role by conducting community-driven, research-based programs in every Maine county. UMaine Extension seeks to build thriving communities and grow the food-based economy, focusing on aspects from production and processing to nutrition, food safety and food security. Extension also conducts the most successful out-of-school youth educational program in Maine through 4-H which offers hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement and creates a positive environment where participants are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.