Upcoming UMass Turf Insect ID Workshops

image_pdf

Accurate identification of turf damaging pests is the first step toward effective, integrated management. Knowing the target pest is key to understanding the biology and life cycle, determining threshold levels for damage, and making informed and responsible control decisions.

UMass Turf Entomologist Pat Vittum will lead this half-day session focusing on the identification of turf insect pests common in the Northeast. Insect categories covered will include white grubs, weevils, chinch bugs and billbugs, caterpillars and crane flies. Lecture material will be coupled with hands-on examination of specimens, and IPM considerations such as threshold levels will be highlighted.

Two identical sessions will be offered:
Date #1:  Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Date #2:  Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Time: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. (attendee check-in will begin at 7:45, and the program will start promptly at 8)

Location:  Agricultural Engineering Building (3rd Floor), Amherst, Mass.

Four pesticide contact hours have been approved for Massachusetts categories 37 (turf), 32 (sod), the applicator’s license (00). Contact hours are valid for equivalent categories in all New England states.

For complete information, including instructions for how to register online or by mail, visit extension.umass.edu.