The MSU Extension Pesticide Education Program is offering a fall webinar series covering pesticide and pest management topics useful for Montana pesticide applicators, agricultural producers, homeowners and landowners. The series consists of five, one-hour webinars from October 29 to December 19. All webinars have been approved for pesticide license credits and Certified Crop Advisor credits. The webinars are free to attend, and all are welcome.
Pesticides and Pollinators, October 29, 9:00 to 10:00 am
Pesticides are considered an important component of pollinator decline. Shelley Mills, the MSU Extension Agent in Valley County, will provide important information on how pesticide use can be modified to have minimal impacts on pollinators. She will discuss pesticide types, timing of applications, modes of action, habitat risk mitigation, and colony collapse disorder of honeybees.
The Montana Biocontrol Weed Project, November 7, 12:00 to 1:00 pm
Melissa Maggio, the Montana Biocontrol Program Coordinator, will discuss the Montana Biocontrol Weed Project using biocontrol as a management option for specific weeds in Montana. She will cover the pros and cons of use; pesticide use when using biocontrol and the effectiveness of available options.
Managing Noxious Weeds near Water, November 21, 9:00 to 10:00 am
Dr. Jane Mangold will cover considerations of herbicide use for the control of noxious weeds in Montana when near water. She will introduce noxious weed species commonly found near water and the chemical and non-chemical options available for managing these pests.
An Introduction to Pesticide Formulations, December 5, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Dr. Cecil Tharp will review different pesticide formulations, when to use specific formulations along with their effectiveness and safety, as well as discuss when it is appropriate to use adjuvants like surfactants and water conditioners, among others.
Developing a Pest Management Plan for Vertebrate Pests, December 19, 12:00 to 1:00 pm
Stephen Vantassel will review the elements applicators need to consider when creating a pest management plan for vertebrate pests. Stephen will address the psychological barriers to planning, the steps of the planning process and the challenging questions that must be answered to determine the if control is cost effective. Tips for creating control plans for managing voles, ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and pocket gophers will be provided.
Registration and More Information
To register for the webinar series or for more information on credits offered and details on using WebEx please visit the webinar series event webpage. Once you have registered you will receive instructions on accessing the webinars. For further inquiries regarding this event please contact Amy Bowser, (406) 994-5178 or amy.bowser@montana.edu.
Cecil Tharp
ctharp@montana.edu
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MSU Extension
