Fall Integrated Pest Management Seminar to be held Nov. 3 in Dallas

Pesticide applicators can earn five continuing education units

Writer: Paul Schattenberg, 210-859-5752, paschattenberg@ag.tamu.edu

Contact: Dr. Mike Merchant, 972-952-9204, michael.merchant@ag.tamu.edu

DALLAS – A Fall Integrated Pest Management Seminar will be held Nov. 3 in Dallas.

The seminar will be from 8:30 a.m.-3:10 p.m. in Pavilion Building C of the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, 17360 Coit Road.

“The fall IPM conference serves urban pesticide applicators throughout the North Central Texas area,” said Dr. Mike Merchant, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service urban entomologist in Dallas and seminar coordinator. “We try to provide training for school districts and parks departments, professional landscape managers and arborists.”

Merchant said the training emphasizes the smart and safe use of pesticides for insect and weed control.

“We also make sure applicators are up to date on the latest environmental and safety regulations,” he said. “Programs like this help ensure that pesticides are used properly, and that pests are effectively controlled.”

Merchant said this year’s meeting is expected to draw over 300 licensed applicators.

“This will be a full day of pesticide applicator continuing education from experts with AgriLife Extension, Texas Tech and others in the pest management community,” he said. “It’s the best pesticide training available in North Texas. Attendees will receive the latest updates on pesticide laws, pest biology and identification, and pest management strategies.”

Merchant said participants are eligible to receive continuing education units, whether their applicator license is from the Texas Department of Agriculture or the TDA’s Texas Structural Pest Control Service. A total of five continuing education units are available.

The program will begin with a brief opening and welcome. Topics, speakers and associated continuing education units for the seminar will be:

— Are you in compliance with the TDA rules? What’s new and what you should know, Janet Hurley, AgriLife Extension program specialist in school integrated pest management. One TDA  or SPCS continuing education unit in laws and regulations.

— Mosquito management and Zika prevention, Dr. Sonja Swiger, AgriLife Extension livestock/veterinary entomologist, Stephenville. One TDA continuing education unit in general or one SPCS continuing education unit in pest.

— Year-round weed management in turf, Joey Young, Texas Tech University assistant professor of turfgrass. One TDA continuing education unit in general or one SPCS continuing education unit in weed.

— Choosing and using adjuvants in IPM, Martyn Hafley, WinField Solutions national sales director, Carrollton. One TDA continuing education unit in general or one SPCS continuing education unit in integrated pest management.

— Control strategies for crape myrtle bark scale, Merchant. One TDA continuing education unit in general or one SPCS continuing education unit in lawn and ornamental.

Morning presentations will be followed by a catered lunch at 11:45 a.m. The agenda includes a mid-morning break for attendees to view exhibits related to pest management presented by area vendors. Exhibits can also be viewed during the lunch break.

To register, go to http://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/IPM and look for “2016 Fall IPM Seminar” or call 979-845-2604.

The cost for early registration by Nov. 1, including lunch, is $70 per person. The cost is $85 after Nov. 1 and lunch is not guaranteed. There are no refunds and payment can be made by check, money order or credit card. Payment by invoice requires a purchase order.

For more information, contact Sharon Harris at 972-952-9201 or SRHarris@ag.tamu.edu .

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