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 (IPM) 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 (must attend in each webinar in full and answer intermittent poll questions during each) and earn a passing score on associated online quizzes following each class. Participants not interested in a certificate may also attend all the 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. This certification series is only offered every other year - the next opportunity will be the fall of 2025.

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

9:30 AM   Introductions and explanations of quizzes, certificates, and pesticide and association credits. 

9:45 AM   Invasive Forest Insects in MA: Identification, Life Cycles, Hosts, Damage, and MA State Regulations

Nicole Keleher, MA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation

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

10:45 AM  Break

11:00 AM  Invasive Agricultural Insects in MA: Current and Potential Future Pests

Dr. Jennifer Forman Orth, MA Dept. of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) 

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.

12:00 PM  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.