We are pleased to announce that we will be holding our 2026 Spray Preparation Program on December 3, 2025, from 1:00PM -4:00 PM. 

Agenda Information 

12:50 PM-1:00 PM: Course registration and welcome

Fluctuation of grape berry moth populations in Concord vineyards - Dr. Flor Acevedo, Penn State University

The grape berry moth is typically managed using pesticide applications timed according to a degree-day model. However, despite the current management guidelines, there is substantial damage caused by this insect in high-risk vineyards. This presentation will share results on grape berry moth phenology collected from four vineyards over two growing seasons in Northwestern Pennsylvania. Attendees will learn about the insect's life cycle, how to recognize its damage in the field, and how populations fluctuate throughout the season in relation to temperature.

 The Future of Disease Management is (Almost) Now — Dr. Katie Gold, Cornell University 

An update on what's new from Cornell Grape Pathology—dsRNA, next-gen biologicals, disease-resistant varieties, phenology-based scheduling, dynamic spray volume ("smart" spraying), and emerging AI decision support—and how to judge these against the unchanged fundamentals of pathogen biology and viticultural practice. Using PM, DM, and black rot examples, attendees will connect pathogen life cycles to product choice and timing, learn where our data says the new tools can help with old problems, and leave with clear questions to ask before adopting new products and approaches.

 Fungicide Efficacy 2025: Results from Powdery Mildew, Downy Mildew and Black Rot Trials — Dave Combs, Cornell University  An overview of the materials and their effectiveness in the Cornell pathology vineyard field trials in 2025. Fungicides will be evaluated and compared against like modes of action as well as untreated controls and grower standard programs. This program will also suggest materials to use in the future and what pathogens they are most effective against.  

 Pathology Resistance Update and Upcoming IR4 Projects in Grapes - Dr. Tim Miles, Michigan State University

A presentation with a grape pathology resistance update on downy, powdery and botrytis along with a discussion on the upcoming IR4 projects in grapes and what that means for our industry. The IR4 is a research and registration program that helps grape growers get approval for safe and effective pest management products, including both conventional pesticides and newer biopesticides. The Interregional Research Project No. 4 (IR-4) coordinates research, gathers necessary data, and petitions the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to register products for specific uses on specialty crops like grapes, which would otherwise be too costly for the pesticide industry to pursue on its own.

 A Review of Common Issues Impacting Pesticide Use - Megan Luke, Penn State University

This talk will discuss common issues in sprayer set-up, coverage, calibration, and water quality, which may drastically affect the efficacy of your spray program. This will include a recap of issues that I observed in the past two years of sprayer calibration in NY and PA, as well as discussing simple and cost-effective solutions to overcome some common problems.

3:30 PM-4:00 PM: Final Assessment and Q & A

YOU MUST E-MAIL A COPY OF YOUR PESTICIDE LICENSE TO KJR45@CORNELL.EDU BEFORE THE PROGRAM if you are seeking pesticide credits.