In early 2023, Penn State Extension will offer several training sessions on turf and ornamentals. Both in-person workshops and webinars will help participants learn about weed identification and control, insect and disease management, and other topics. The events will provide opportunities for licensed pesticide applicators and certified arborists to earn updated training credits.
For those interested in attending an in-person workshop, Penn State Extension will offer the “Turf and Ornamentals School” to provide pest management information on ornamental plants and turfgrass pests. The workshop will take place from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Jan. 30, at the Grantville Holiday Inn, 604 Station Road, Grantville.
The school is designed for landscape professionals, turfgrass management professionals, grounds managers, school and park employees, and arborists. Participants can learn about disease identification, insect and weed pests, and chemical and nonchemical management options. Pesticide recertification credits are available in categories 05, 06, 07, 18, 23, core and private. Attendees can register for a $110 fee. Registrations are due by 11:45 p.m. Jan. 27.
Another in-person event, the “Turf and Ornamentals Conference,” offers opportunities for licensed pesticide applicators and certified arborists to receive updated training credits and network with peers. This training will occur in four locations:
- Leesport, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, at Berks County Agricultural Center, 1238 County Welfare Road.
- Altoona, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, at Blair County Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Drive.
- Wexford, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, March 2, at the Chadwick, 10545 Perry Highway.
- Meadville, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, at Harper Event Center, 13635 Dickson Road.
The training sessions are designed for lawn care professionals, sports field managers, golf course superintendents, Master Gardeners and turf professionals. The workshop will focus on topics such as weed identification and control and insect and disease management. Registration deadlines vary by location, with registration fees ranging from $60 to $65.
As an alternative option for those unable to attend an in-person event, a webinar series will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on seven consecutive Tuesdays in January and February. These training sessions are designed for turf professionals, landscape professionals, greenhouse growers, agriculture teachers, interiorscape professionals and pesticide license holders. The series will cover the following topics:
- “Greenhouse and Interiorscape,” Jan. 10. Participants will learn about common pests and diseases of greenhouse and interiorscape plants as well as strategies for controlling insects and mites. Pesticide recertification credits are available in categories 06, 18, 22, 23 and private.
- “Core,” Jan. 17. Instructors will discuss pesticide safety and handling of pesticides. Attendees can earn four core pesticide recertification credits.
- “Ornamentals,” Jan. 24. This webinar will cover leaf-feeding beetles, tree disease updates, managing powdery mildew on ornamentals and environmental stressors versus landscape disease. Pesticide credits are available in categories 06, 18, 23 and private.
- “Pools,” Jan. 31. Instructors will discuss the intricacies of proper chemical selection and use for pool sanitation as well as factors to consider when creating an emergency action plan. Pesticide credits in category 24 and private category are available.
- “Aquatics,” Feb. 7. This session will cover aquatic environments, aquatic plant categories and types, common aquatic invasive plants, harmful algae blooms, aquatic herbicide labels, and nonchemical ways to reduce nuisance plant species. Attendees can earn pesticide credits in category 09 and private category.
- “Turf,” Feb. 14. Instructors will focus on disease prevention with proper variety selection, disease-resistant varieties, 2022 pests and turf herbicides. Pesticide credits are available in categories 07, 18, 23 and private.
- “Right-of-Way,” Feb. 21. This webinar will cover identification and management of invasive plants, the Pennsylvania noxious weed list, and new regulations on barberry and Callery pear. Participants can earn pesticide credits in category 10 and private category.
Each webinar carries a registration fee of $20. Participants must register by 11:59 p.m. the day before each webinar to receive the link to access the live webinar. Registrants also will receive access to the webinar recording.
More information about the webinars and workshops is available on the Penn State Extension website.