The 3rd International Lygus Symposium will be held in Scottsdale, Arizona on October 28-31, 2012 at the Hotel Valley Ho.

The Symposium sessions will address the biology and control of lygus bugs and other mirid pests. Some of the topics to be covered include control chemistry, landscape ecology, IPM and resistance. To learn more about the 3rd International Lygus Symposium, please visit http://ag.arizona.edu/apmc/3rdILS/Home.htmlor contact Colin Brent (colin.brent@ars.usda.gov) .

Members of universities, public agencies, and private entities are welcome to participate with oral and poster presentations, and to engage in both formal and informal discussions. All of the talks will be in plenary format so there is no chance of missing a presentation. Some of the topics to be covered during the symposium will include biological control, behavior and ecology, IPM, insecticides and resistance, intercrop movement, and molecular approaches. There will also be an optional tour of local agricultural facilities and research centers on November 1.

The venue chosen for the symposium is the Hotel Valley Ho (www.hotelvalleyho.com) in Scottsdale, Arizona. This chic resort offers numerous amenities, has excellent conference facilities and is located in the heart of this charming city. It is just ten miles from the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and is only a few minutes of walking away from numerous shops, restaurants and art galleries. At this time of year the weather in Arizona is perfect, with mild temperatures, sunny skies, and no humidity worth mentioning. There is an amazing variety of activities available, and the Valley Ho will offer their reduced conference rate (45% below normal) for several days both before and after the conference to any participants who wish to extend their stay. There will also be a block of rooms available at the per diem rate for employees of the US government.

This will be a wonderful opportunity to catch up on the latest advances, exchange advice, network and find new collaborators. Given the infrequency of this conference, you probably won’t want to wait until the next one comes along. More detailed information about the conference can be found at our website (http://ag.arizona.edu/apmc/3rdILS/Home.html). I will be happy to answer any additional questions you may have.