Ventura Dragon Fruit Workshop

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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