2017 Pitahaya/Dragon Fruit Production Tour – Ventura
UC Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center
14292 W Telegraph Rd. | Santa Paula, CA 93060
Enter on Briggs Road Entrance
Phone: (805) 525-9293 |Fax: (805) 525-5475
Monday – October 2, 2017
Self Driven Tour-Volunteer Drivers Needed for Carpooling
Tour Itinerary & Agenda:
7:00 am Registration, Continental Breakfast, Welcome and Introductions - Ramiro Lobo, UCCE San Diego, Ben Faber and Jose Fernandez de Soto, Ben Faber UCCE San Diego
7:45 am Depart for MVP Ranch in Fillmore, CA. – Tour hosted by Jose Fernandez, UCCE Hansen REC and Ramiro Lobo, UCCE San Diego County
9:15 am Depart for Thille Ranch in Santa Paula, CA. – Tour hosted by Dave Pommer
11:00 am Depart for UC Hansen REC in Santa Paula, CA. – Tour hosted by Jose Fernandez de Soto, UC Hansen REC
12:30 pm LUNCH, Pitahaya Fruit and Ice Cream Tasting, Pitahaya Cutting Exchange
2:00 pm Adjourn
Topics to be Discussed/Highlighted:
- Overview of farming operations visited
- Variety selection, planting, trellis and growing systems (pots vs. soils, shade vs. full sun, etc.)
- Pitahaya or Dragon Fruit Irrigation and water quality Issues
- Pitahaya orchard establishment & economics considerations
- Pitahaya/Dragon Fruit Varieties, Pollen Collection and Pollination Demonstration
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for pitahayas and other specialty crops
- Pitahaya fertility management & fertilizer practices
- Nematode issues for pitahaya production
- Pitahaya/Dragon Fruit Tasting and cutting exchange – Please bring/donate fruit for the tasting and get feedback from other growers (10 pieces of fruit needed)
Register Online at: http://ucanr.edu/2017-pitahayaventura
Registration Questions: Contact Roland Hills - 858.822.7711 or Erin Spaniel - 858.822.7919
Program Information: Contact Ramiro Lobo - 858.243.4608 or Jose Fernandez - 760.996.4874
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