July 18, 2006

Viticulturists to gather at SIUC on Aug. 5

by Carmen Bell

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The seventh annual summer viticulture meeting is set for Aug. 5 at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

This year's field day theme, "Putting Principles into Practice," focuses on vineyard management practices that can improve the yield and fruit composition of Illinois vineyards in a sustainable manner. Participants will see demonstrations of critically important management techniques that affect vineyard sustainability – often for many years into the future. The long-term ramifications of management strategies and tactics emphasize the need for continued viticultural research of Illinois.

Vendors of vineyards supplies will also participate. This will also be a good time to renew contacts with other growers and industry representatives. A picnic supper will round out the day and provide an opportunity to visit with others.

The meeting is set for 12:30-7:30 p.m. in the Agriculture Building and the Horticulture Research Center at SIUC. For more information or to register, contact the Division of Continuing Education at 618/536-7751 or visit www.dce.siu.edu.

Providing traditional and continuing education opportunities for professionals is among the goals of Southern at 150: Building Excellence Through Commitment, the blueprint the University is following as it approaches its 150th anniversary in 2019.