COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri and Lincoln University Extension will offer a free workshop on holistic strategies to manage pests and disease on vegetables and fruit crops 5:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, July 14, at the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture, 1769 Ash St., Columbia.

The workshop begins with a discussion of implementing an integrated pest management system to reduce reliance on synthetic insecticides and fungicides, said MU Extension horticulturist Justin Keay.

“Scouting and identifying pests, and understanding their life cycles, is the first step in developing a management plan that enables growers to reduce inputs and crop damage and protect pollinators and beneficial insects,” Keay said.

After the classroom portion, participants will take a twilight tour of the urban farm and discuss building an effective pest management plan. The 10-acre public agriculture park showcases a variety of food farming techniques and urban ecosystems.

Leading the tour and discussions will be Keay, MU and LU urban entomologist Emily Althoff, LU plant pathologist Waana Kaluwasha and Peng Tian, director of the MU Plant Diagnostic Clinic.

“During this twilight tour, plant pathologists and entomologist will offer insights and share resources to help attendees develop resilient crop production systems,” Keay said.

Event sponsors include the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture and the Lincoln University Extension Innovative Small Farm Outreach Program.

Register at muext.us/TwilightFarmTour. For more information, contact Keay at justin.keay@missouri.edu or 573-324-5464.