The Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Comanche County will host a fruit and vegetable short course from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Jan. 20 at the Comanche Community Center, Comanche.

Attendance is free and a meal will be provided. Those attending will earn two continuing education units toward the renewal of their Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide applicators license, said Whit Weems, AgriLife Extension agent for Comanche County. One hour will be in the general category; one in integrated pest management.

The morning speaker will be Dr. Larry Stein, AgriLife Extension horticulturist, Uvalde. Stein’s presentation, which is titled, "Tweaking Cultural Practices to Optimize Yields," will cover fertility management, water requirements, irrigation systems and using plastic mulch.

In the afternoon, Jim Kamas, AgriLife Extension horticulturist, Fredericksburg, will talk about "Year Around Management of Fruit Trees."

"His presentation will cover each month of the year focusing on timing of management practices in the fruit industry," Weems said.

The Comanche Community Center is located at 100 Indian Creek Drive. Heading west on U.S. Hwy 377/67, go to the west side of Comanche. Indian Creek Drive is on the left after crossing the overpass. The Comanche Community Center will be the first building on the left.

Program sponsors include AgTexas Farm Credit Services, Central Texas Farm Credit, Comanche Electric Cooperative, Comanche National Bank, Farley Farm Supply, Ferti-Tex Ag Services and Gore Bros. AgriService Center.

For more information contact Weems at 325-356-2539 or w-weems@tamu.edu .

Weems encouraged persons with disabilities who will require an auxiliary aid, service or accommodation to contact him so accommodations can be made.