Last Chance to Register for Tomorrow's OPMC Winter Webinar
- ontariopmc
- 31 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The Ontario Pest Management Conference is hosting its first winter webinar, continuing the conversation from our fall conference: using drones to deploy pest predators. This free event will take place on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:30 pm EST.
What You Will Learn
Dr. Rebecca Schmidt-Jeffris, a Research Entomologist with the US Department of Agriculture, will lead the conversation, "It's Raining Bugs! Benefits & Challenges of Deploying Pest Predators By Drone". Her expertise lies in biological control of pest arthropods in tree fruit, focusing on natural enemies and sustainable pest management.
In Washington State, organic apple orchardists have started using drones to release these natural predators more efficiently. This approach promises better coverage and less manual labor, but it also raises questions about the survival of these beneficial insects and how accurately they reach their target areas.
This webinar will explore these challenges and benefits in detail, providing valuable insights for growers, researchers, and pest management professionals.
Key topics include:
How drones can improve the distribution of pest predators in large-acre cropping systems
Research findings on the survival rates of natural enemies when released by drone
Best practices for adapting drone technology to orchard environments
Challenges growers face when integrating drones into pest management programs
The session will last 45 to 60 minutes, followed by a Q&A where you can ask Dr. Schmidt-Jeffris your specific questions.
How to Register
Registration is free but spots are limited. Since the webinar is tomorrow, now is the time to sign up to secure your place. Don’t miss this chance to learn about a promising new tool in pest management that could transform how you protect your crops.
Visit the Ontario Pest Management Conference website to register and get access details.
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