Pesticide Recertification Workshop

For Categories A & E, and E/F
Wednesday, November 19, 2008 | Minnesota Valley Country Club
7:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. A and E Turf and Ornamentals Only
7:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. A & E, F Aquatics (with E)

Lunch is included and parking is free. Credit cards now accepted!

FULL BROCHURE (.pdf)

REGISTRATION FORM ONLY (.pdf)

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM

7:00-7:40
REGISTRATION AND CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

7:40-7:45
WELCOME

7:45-8:30
MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE UPDATE: NEW ISSUES AND RECORD KEEPING
Joseph Spitzmueller, Supervisor, Licensing and Certification, Pesticide & Fertilizer Management, MDA
Regulations affecting pesticide use are often lengthy and complex. At this session, Joe Spitzmueller with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture will provide an overview of its requirements and address new issues affecting pesticide applicators. Topics include a review of state laws and regulations, applicator licenses, pesticide labels and safety, and pesticide and application records.

8:30-9:15
DISEASES INTHE FLOWERS OF LANDSCAPE
Michelle Grabowski, Extension Educator, Horticulture and Plant Pathology, University of Minnesota Extension
Diseases of flowers in the landscape can devastate what was designed to be an attractive and eye catching area. To manage these problematic diseases an integrated approach is recommended. In this session learn how to identify common diseases of annuals and perennials. A variety of disease management strategies will be discussed including cultural control practices, biological control and proper pesticide application.

9:15-9:30
BREAK

9:30-10:15
35 YEARS ON - THE CHANGING FACE OF DUTCH ELM DISEASE
Mark Stennes, Plant Pathologist/ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, S & S Tree Specialists
The more things change, the more they stay the same. The factual biology of Dutch elm disease has not changed; it just may not be what you thought it was. Mr. Stennes will discuss the biology of the disease, the economics, ecology and tools of prudent management, and how the nature of its epidemiology has changed with time because of its effects on the host’s population. Also discussed will be some good news about new, disease tolerant cultivars of the American elm.

10:15-11:00
CULTURAL CONTROL OF TURFGRASS DISEASES
Eric Watkins, Assistant Professor, Department of Horticultural Science, University of Minnesota
Plant pathogens can affect all turfgrass species that are used in Minnesota. Fortunately, the diseases caused by these pathogens can often be controlled without the use of fungicides. We will discuss many aspects of cultural disease control in turfgrasses including the use of resistant cultivars, modifications in fertilizer programs, and cultivation.

11:00-11:15
BREAK

11:15-12:00
ENVIRONMENTAL FATE OF TURFGRASS HERBICIDES
Robert J. Mugaas, Extension Educator - Horticulture, University of Minnesota Extension
Ever wonder or have you ever been asked what happens to those weed killers applied to a lawn? This session will review some basic tenets of herbicide fate in the environment and where one can find that information on herbicide labels and MSDS sheets. Armed with that information, we can better understand herbicide fate and in turn be able to share some of that basic information with interested customers.

12:00-12:30 LUNCH

12:30-1:15
PESTICIDE EXPOSURE AND LONG TERM HEALTH CONCERNS
Dean Herzfeld, Coordinator, Pesticide Safety & Environmental Education, University of Minnesota Extension
Understanding the effect of pesticide exposure on personal health is the first step in minimizing pesticide risk. Just as important are the steps applicators can take to minimize exposure. Topics at this session include:
- Difference between acute, chronic and trace exposure
- Understanding media reports on health research
- Differing views of long term health effects
- Importance of reducing pesticide exposure
- 7 Universal practices to reduce long term health problems

1:15–2:00
COMMON LANDSCAPE INSECTS ANDTHEIR MANAGEMENT
Jeff Hahn, Professor and Assistant Extension Entomologist, University of Minnesota Extension
We will discuss landscape insect problems, including sawflies, Japanese beetles, and borers with an emphasis on those commonly found in 2008.We will include information on how to identify these insects, the type and severity of injury they cause to plants, and nonchemical and insecticide management options.

AQUATICSWORKSHOP FOR E/F RECERTIFICATION
The workshop is approved as recertification training for category F, Aquatics, for applicators who are also certified for E. Those wishing to recertify for category F must attend the entire program as well as the following Aquatic session:

2:15–3:45
MANAGING AQUATIC PESTS
John Barten, Director of Natural Resources, Three River Parks
Because aquatic systems by definition have adequate water, something will always grow when sunlight and nutrients are available. Management strategy needs to recognize this reality. Topics covered at this session include:
- The essential elements of a successful aquatic pest management program
- How to measure aquatic system volume
- Pest identification
- Defining the magnitude of problems
- Determining the sources of problems
- Developing an appropriate management strategy