February 12, 2007

Two University of Nebraska-Lincoln Crop Management Winter Programs in March will offer in-depth information on the technology of pesticide application and crop scout training for pest managers.

Crop Scout Training for Pest Managers March 19 begins with 8:30 a.m. registration and training at 8:55 a.m.Technology of Pesticide Application March 21-22 starts with 7:30 a.m. registration on March 21 and training at 8 a.m. each day. Both are at UNL's Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead.

Training is conducted by university and industry specialists.

Crop Scout Training for Pest Managers offers instruction for new employees preparing to take the CCA exam and serves as a refresher course for experienced personnel. Topics include: how corn and soybean plants grow and develop, soybean and corn pests, plant morphology, using a key to identify weed seedlings, identifying weeds, crop diseases and nutrient deficiencies.A total of 5.5 CCA credits are available with 4 in pest management, 1 in crop management and .5 in fertility/nutrient management. The fee for this training is $80. Those who register one week in advance will receive a $10 discount.

Technology of Pesticide Application will provide custom applicators, consultants, farmers and landscape professionals with the knowledge necessary to apply pesticides in the most effective manner. This hands-on workshop will focus on the function of agricultural and landscape sprayers and spreaders, pest biology, pesticide formulation, sprayer calibration, nozzle function and selection and applying pesticides professionally. The fee for this program is $250. Those who register by March 14 will receive a $50 discount.

Fees for both programs include lunch, refreshment breaks, instruction manuals and all workshop materials.

To register or for more information about these programs or for upcoming programs, contact UNL Extension at (402) 624-8000, e-mail kglewen1@unl.edu, or visit the Web at http://ardc.unl.edu/training.shtml.

Those who wish to take Technology of Pesticide Application for noncredit professional development or for CEU credit can register online at http://estore.adec.edu.