MSU Veggie Grower Virtual Coffee Break
January 14 - April 14, 2026
Webinar
Grab your coffee as we talk with experts about how to tackle tough challenges that arose during the 2025 season. Get pro tips for tackling these in 2026 from “hand-picked” experts from MSU and beyond. Register for this free webinar series to get updates ahead of each webinar date. One Michigan RUP credit has been requested for each episode.
January 14, 2026 - 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. ET
What Still Works - and What's New - in Onion Thrips Management
Brian Nault, Cornell University
Brian Nault of Cornell University will discuss how to put together an effective onion thrips management program, given the changing efficacy of existing products, our increased understanding of the role of thrips in onion disease, and the arrival of the new insecticide Vertento.
January 27, 2026 - 10 - 11 a.m. ET
Raising Healthy Tomato Transplants by Managing Bacterial Diseases
Gary Vallad, University of Florida
Dr. Gary Vallad (University of Florida) will share practical, science-driven strategies for managing bacterial diseases in tomato transplants. Drawing on his leadership of a major multi-state project on these painful pathogens, he’ll highlight why early action in the greenhouse is one of the most powerful ways to prevent losses later in the field.
March 3, 2026 - 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Understanding Organic Fertility Sources in Vegetable Systems
Zach Hayden, Michigan State University
Dr. Zack Hayden (Michigan State University) will showcase his work evaluating organic nutrient sources in vegetable production systems and how they may complement conventional fertilizers. Understanding multi-nutrient composition, availability, and release rates for different products ensures your fertility program is both building soils and meeting crop demand. Dr. Hayden will discuss good practices for achieving healthy plants and a healthy environment.
March 18, 2026 - 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. ET
Protecting Your Cucurbits for the Long Haul
Laura Ingwell, Purdue University
Dr. Laura Ingwell (Purdue University) will review the major cucurbit insect pests, including aphids, cucumber beetles, and squash bugs. We will dive into their biology and effective pest management programs that can help you protect your crops, starting with zucchini and ending with pumpkins. Cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical control methods will be discussed.
April 14, 2026 - 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Using Soil Steaming to Control Weeds and Pathogens in High Tunnels
Becky Maden, University of Vermont
Soil steaming is a method of managing weeds and pests in high tunnel soils. In this webinar, Becky will share a basic overview of soil steaming in high tunnels: how it works, why it is used, equipment needed, logistics of set up and steaming, what it controls, crop responses, and impacts of steaming on soil health.
Registration for MSU Veggie Grower Virtual Coffee Break is open.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on April 14, 2026.
Accommodations
Michigan State University Extension programs, services events, and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or veteran status. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.
Contact Information
For information, contact Ben Werling at 231-873-2129 or werlingb@msu.edu.