Invasive Forest and Agricultural Insects in MA - Current and Future: Day 3 of Invasive Insect Certification Program for Landscape, Nursery, and Urban Forest Pests

This six-day webinar series looks at the characteristics of invasive insects, the impacts and costs they have regionally and nationwide, and highlights the biology, ecology, and identification of some of the most destructive insects. This includes (but is not limited to) the Asian longhorned beetle, emerald ash borer, Lymantria dispar (formerly gypsy moth), hemlock woolly adelgid, winter moth, and more. State and federal regulations pertaining to invasive insect management will be discussed, as well as invasive forest and agricultural insects in Massachusetts along with warnings about potential newcomers. Management of invasive insects as a part of landscapes will be presented along with strategies to prevent human assisted movement of these organisms. Integrated Pest Management will be the focus, highlighting cultural and mechanical management options along with the use of biological control.

Participants may receive a certificate in INVASIVE INSECT MANAGEMENT upon the successful completion of all six webinars and earning a passing score on associated online quizzes following each class. Participants not interested in a certificate may also attend all six webinars, or individually, without taking the associated quizzes. Attendees are encouraged to take all six sessions in one season to get the most out of the information.

Download printable agenda for the complete 2021 Invasive Insect Certification Program.

AGENDA
Invasive Forest and Agricultural Insects in MA - Current and Future (DAY 3)

9:00 A M  Introductions and explanations of quizzes, certificates, and pesticide and association credits

9:15 AM   Invasive Forest Insects in MA: Identification, Life Cycles, Hosts, Damage, and MA State Regulations

Nicole Keleher, MA Department of Conservation and Recreation

A presentation of the many different invasive forest insects in MA including an update on current pest issues.

10:15 AM  Break

10:30 AM  Invasive Agricultural Insects in MA: Current and Potential Future Pests

 Jennifer Forman Orth, MA Department of Agricultural Resources 

A review of invasive insects in MA that have the potential to impact agricultural commodities, along with the pest survey and management efforts conducted by MDAR. Current pests will be highlighted, along with potential future pests covered by the state’s CAPS program. The presentation will cover identification and biology, host plants, MDAR’s outreach efforts, and how to report suspicious insects.

11:30 AM  Closing remarks, credit explanations, quiz reminders/instructions for the quiz assessments for those attending all 6-days of the training and seeking a certificate of completion, and instructions for pesticide CEU’s and association credits.