This season presented new and recurring hurdles for the maintenance of healthy and attractive landscapes. Factors such as variable weather and pest outbreaks have compelled changes in day to day approaches as well as modifications to longer-term management plans. Join UMass Extension Educators at their home base – the UMass Amherst campus – for a detail-oriented day of learning about the latest management challenges and pest problems. This end-of-growing-season time frame was selected to summarize take-aways from the 2015 season, while also allowing sufficient time to utilize the latest research-based information in planning for next season and beyond. Don’t miss this unique and valuable educational opportunity!
Registration
The registration rate is $75 per person, or $64 for per person for groups of 2 or more from the same company. Online registrations will be charged a nominal processing fee.
| To register by mail with check or PO: | To register online with a credit card: |
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Agenda
| 9:00 - 9:50 | Rust Never Sleeps: Diseases of Herbaceous Landscape Perennials Dr. Angela Madeiras, UMass Extension Plant Pathologist A summary of the challenges to perennial health encountered in the 2015 season, and a look at common diseases and their control, including powdery mildews, leaf spots, and rusts. |
| 10:00 - 10:50 | Important Pests and Pathogens of Landscape Trees and Shrubs in 2015 Dr. Nick Brazee, UMass Extension Plant Pathologist A look at the most important pathogens and pests of trees and shrubs from the 2015 growing season, including the Norway spruce gall midge, needle cast of white pine, winter injury, among many others. |
| 10:50 - 11:10 | Break |
| 11:10 - Noon | Caterpillars and More: Update on the Health of Massachusetts' Trees and Predictions for 2016 Ken Gooch, Massachusetts Dept. of Conservation and Recreation Forest Health Program A look at the insects, diseases and abiotic events that affect our trees. Emphasis on non-native invasive species which continue to be problematic in Mass. |
| Noon - 1:00 | Lunch (on your own, many options in UMass Campus Center) |
| 1:00 - 1:50 | Turf Insects - What Went Right and What Went Wrong in 2015? Dr. Pat Vittum, Entomologist, University of Massachusetts Review of turf insect activity in 2015, with comments on the impacts of weather on insect biology, as well at the current status of traditional insecticides. |
| 2:00 - 2:30 | Turf Establishment: Is Your Timing Right? Jason Lanier, UMass Extension Educator Whether for new turf, renovation or repairs, proper timing for turfgrass planting is one of the most important considerations for long-term success. Learn the hows and whys of good timing and how timing can make or break an establishment project. |
| 2:30 - 3:30 | A Tough Year for Weeds Randy Prostak, UMass Extension Weed Specialist The 2015 growing season has presented some unique weed challenges. We'll explore these challenges and suggest strategies that may have mitigated these problems. Some new products will be discussed, as well as weed management strategies for new seedings, renovation and grow-in. |
Pesticide & Professional Credits
Pesticide contact hours: 2 for Massachusetts categories 29, 36, or 37; 5 for Applicators License available. Valid for equivalent categories in all New England states.
ISA, MCA, MCH, MCLP, and AOLCP credits requested.
