Pest Management for Christmas Tree Growers

University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer a virtual Integrated Pest Management Spring Update for Maine Christmas tree producers from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, 2026. This live webinar is eligible for two Maine Board of Pesticides Control recertification credits.

The session is designed for Maine Christmas tree producers and others interested in pest management strategies for tree production. Brett Johnson, assistant Extension professor and farm business management educator, will discuss balsam gall midge management and results from a 2024 insecticide efficacy trial in southern Maine. Manjot Sidhu, assistant Extension professor of horticulture and ornamental horticulture specialist, will cover topics including scouting methods and timing for insecticide applications and strategies to conserve beneficial biological control agents. The program will also cover perennial weed management, including non-chemical and chemical control strategies, herbicide resistance prevention and long-term integrated pest management planning.

The cost to attend is $15. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link. For more information, contact Manjot Sidhu at 207.342.5971 or manjot.sidhu@maine.edu.

Register

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