Regular scouting is an important component of vineyard management, allowing early detection of problems, improved timing of controls, and a framework for measuring the success of management programs. MSU Extension will offer an intensive program of training in Grape IPM Scouting during 2005, delivering a program designed for growers, scouts, consultants and other decision-makers in the Michigan grape industry. The program will broadly cover IPM scouting methods relevant to the juice and wine grape industries in Michigan.

Classes on scouting techniques and identification of vineyard pests and disorders will be held once a week beginning Tuesday, February 8, 2005 and ending Tuesday, March 8, 2005 at SWMREC. These classes will cover the biology, identification, and detection of key vineyard problems. During the summer of 2005, there will be classes held once each month at grape farms and at the Trevor Nichols Research Complex in Fennville. Classes will be taught by Tom Zabadal, Annemiek Schilder, Rufus Isaacs, John Wise, Mark Longstroth and others from the MSU Grape Extension Team. Participants will receive a comprehensive training package that will be useful as a future resource for identifying vineyard problems.