HARDIN, Ill. – Growing fruit on trees is a rewarding experience, but it comes with challenges. From pests and disease to climate stress or soil issues, a single mistake can set back growth. Growers can get current research-based information to help their tree fruits thrive at the Southwestern Illinois Commercial Tree Fruit School on Feb. 12 in Hardin.

This year’s program will cover topics on current trends in insect and disease management, including peach and apple diseases updates from Professor and Faculty Extension Specialist Mohammad Babadoost, integrated pest management in fruit trees with Specialty Crops Entomologist Kacie Athey, and the weather hazard forecast project from Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford. Industry representatives will also be on hand to talk about their latest products and services.

The 2026 Southwestern Illinois Commercial Tree Fruit School will take be at the Barefoot Restaurant, 106 S Water St., Hardin, IL 62047. There will be no afternoon presentations, and the program will conclude after lunch. All registration fees include lunch and one copy of the Midwest Fruit Pest Management Guide.

For more information or to register, visit go.illinois.edu/TreeFruitSchool. Attendance is $35 per person for advanced registration by Feb. 4. Registration after Feb. 4 or at the door is $50 per person. If you have questions or if you will need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact Horticulture Educator Ken Johnson. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.