Integrated Disease and Weed Management for Christmas Tree Production
Date: Friday, June 26, 2026
Time: 12 noon – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Red Barn Christmas Tree Farm, 27 Center Lane, Etna, Maine 04434
Participants can earn 3 pesticide applicator recertification credits.
Registration
Cost: $20
Registration is required.
If the registration fee is a barrier, or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact: Melissa Libby Babcock, 207.581.2788 or melissa.libby1@maine.edu
Session Agenda
- 12:00–12:10 p.m.: Welcome and registration
- 12:10–1:40 p.m.: Safe and Efficient Application of Crop Protectants
Speaker: Brett Johnson, UMaine Extension- Boom sprayer calibration demonstration
- Spray gun calibration demonstration
- An overview of pesticide safety including product labels and personal protective equipment
- 1:40–2:10 p.m.: Update – Managing Phytophthora Root Rot of Balsam and Other True Fir
Speaker: Brett Johnson, UMaine Extension- Update on emergent best management practices for reducing tree loss caused by Phytophthora root rot
- 2:10–3:10 p.m.: Update – Integrated Weed Management for Maine Christmas Tree Producers
Speaker Dr. Manjot Sidhu, UMaine Extension- Considerations for establishing a Christmas tree plantation
- Integrated weed management approach focused on transplant survival in the plantation establishment phase
- An update on problem weeds in Maine Christmas tree plantations
- 3:10–3:30 p.m.: Program evaluation, applicator credit quiz, and closing
About the Speakers
Brett Johnson
Brett Johnson is UMaine Extension’s Sustainable Agriculture and Farm Business Management Educator and an Assistant Extension Professor. He serves as the statewide contact for Maine’s Christmas tree producers. His work focuses on integrated pest management in Christmas tree production and identifying market opportunities for specialty potato producers. Brett is also a member of the Woods Product Program Leadership Team and coordinates Extension’s Business Planning for Producers course.
Dr. Manjot Sidhu
Dr. Manjot Sidhu is an Assistant Extension Professor of Horticulture and Ornamental Horticulture Specialist with University of Maine Cooperative Extension. She develops educational programs, conducts applied research, and provides support for ornamental crop production across Maine. Her work supports the green industry, including floriculture, nurseries, greenhouse production, and consumer horticulture.