Texas Pesticide applicator license CEU course
More than ever, green industry professionals are looking for new solutions that can help them better manage some of the biggest landscape business expenses. Join us for this TDA/CEU workshop to learn about some of the latest solutions for your landscaping business including:
- Science of Paclobutrazol and the positive impact on plant material.
- Using plant growth regulators for the reduction of labor expenses through reduced pruning/trimming spikes.
- Providing examples / case studies detailing results for improved landscapes ROI
- Use of Trinexpac – Ethyl for turf growth management and the benefits for growth, shade tolerance, and watering. Along with ROI.
- Discussing emerald ash borer best management practices and application.
Venue: Water & Land Resources Building, on campus at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center
17360 Coit Rd,
Dallas, TX 75252
Date: July 20th 2022
Time: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
5 TDA CEUs
Light Breakfast and Lunch Provided
Free Event
Registration
Agenda
8:30-9:00 am Registration / Sign In
9:00-9:10 am Introductions and Welcome
Jim Casey, South Central Territory Manager, Rainbow Ecoscience
9:10-10:10 am Science of Paclobutrazol
Cory McCurry, Midwest Arborologist, Rainbow Ecoscience
Abstract: Landscape maintenance operations are challenged by labor shortages, increasing client expectations, and finding new ways to create enhancement opportunities. Plant growth regulators are an innovative landscape management tool which reduces pruning, enhances plant aesthetics, and offers opportunities for enhancement sales. During this session we will discuss real life examples of plant growth regulator use in commercial landscapes. By the conclusion of this talk attendees will be familiar with where plant growth regulators can be used to save labor, improve plant health as an enhancement service, and how to educate property owners.
Speaker Bio: Cory McCurry
Cory McCurry is a certified arborist with six years of field experience. He started as a plant healthcare technician, became a Plant healthcare coordinator, and finally becoming a consulting arborist in the north region of Chicago. He is excited to join the team of values-based professionals at Rainbow. Cory holds a BS in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. He is also a 2019 Davey institute of tree science graduate.
10:10-11:10 am Justification Integrating Plant Growth Regulators into your business
Mark Lucas, National Account Manager, Rainbow Ecoscience
Abstract: Landscape maintenance operations are challenged by labor shortages, increasing client expectations, and finding new ways to create enhancement opportunities. Plant growth regulators are an innovative landscape management tool which reduces pruning, enhances plant aesthetics, and offers opportunities for enhancement sales. During this session we will discuss real life examples of plant growth regulator use in commercial landscapes. By the conclusion of this talk attendees will be familiar with where plant growth regulators can be used to save labor, improve plant health as an enhancement service, and how to educate property owners.
Trimtect is a shrub growth regulator. It has many benefits including reducing the labor required for regular maintenance of shrubs and hedges allowing companies and municipalities to reallocate existing labor and reducing frequent trimming spikes. It also improves the overall appearance of flowering plants and increases the plant’s tolerance to drought and other urban environmental stresses. The key to proper application of Trimtect is to understand the nuances and best practices of the foliar application process. During the demonstration, we will cover the foliar spray techniques on shrubs and hedges, best practices for complete coverage, and expectations for control.
Speaker Bio: Mark Lucas
Mark Lucas, has over 34 years of green industry experience. He’s worked with Chapel Valley as the Process Improvement Manager. He has also worked with Brickman Group for over 30 years in various roles including National Account Manager, Branch Manager, and Tree Manager. Mark is dedicated to providing training, technical support, client service, and education to National Accounts across the country. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a B.S. in Environmental Conservation.
11:10 -11:30 am Break
11:30 - 12:30 pm 'Trinexapac-Ethyl as a Tool for Reducing Turf Inputs and Building Stress Tolerance'
Dr. Wherley, Professor of Turfgrass Management and Ecology in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Texas A&M University
Abstract: During this session we will be learning what is trinexapac-ethyl (TE)? We will be going over how it is first used in turf and what plant growth regulator classification is, along with the difference between type I VS II. We will discuss how TE works and the application and more!
Speaker Bio: Dr.Wherley
Dr. Ben Wherley is Professor of Turfgrass Management and Ecology in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Texas A&M University. He currently advises 3 graduate students and oversees an active research program addressing best management practices including irrigation, nutrient management, turfgrass weed control, and construction practices. He also teaches 3 undergraduate courses in the Turfgrass Science Program at Texas A&M. Wherley earned his PhD in Crop Science from N.C. State University in 2008, and holds both MS in Horticulture & Crop Science and BS in Agronomy from The Ohio State University. He has been lead author on 1 patent and 3 cultivar registrations, and has published numerous research articles in peer-reviewed and turf industry trade journals including Crop Science, Agronomy Journal, HortScience, GCM, and Turfgrass Trends. He has been invited speaker on turfgrass management related issues at the Golf Industry Show, Texas Turfgrass Association, Texas GCSA chapter meetings, as well as numerous state turfgrass association meetings outside of Texas. Wherley is past recipient of the GCSAA Watson Fellowship (2005) and the Turf Council of North Carolina’s Eagle Award (2007). Wherley and his wife, two sons, and dog Ranger reside in College Station.
12:30- 1:00 pm Break
1:00-2:00 pm Laws and Regulations Water and Pesticide Labels
Dr. Bowling, Assistant Professor & Extension Urban Water Specialist
Texas A&M AgriLife – The Dallas Center
Dept. of Soil & Crop Sciences
Abstract: This 1-hour laws and regulations program is designed for professionals working in turfgrass and ornamental landscape systems. The class focuses on key sections of pesticide labels (Environmental Hazards, Directions for Use, and Storage and Disposal) and their relationship to water. Attendees will learn how to use label information to simultaneously improve pesticide program efficacy while also protecting Texas water resources and wildlife. Background on pesticide contamination and common mechanisms for off-target movement will be covered.
Speaker Bio: Dr. Bowling
Dr. Bowling works closely with AgriLife County Extension Agents as well as Regional Program Leaders and other Extension Specialists to provide programming on the topic of water conservation in the urban landscape. This includes education on appropriate plant selection, soil management to improve infiltration, and water use in residential and commercial landscapes alike. As part of her Extension responsibilities, Dr. Bowling will generate outreach materials through multiple platforms (social media, videos, and written materials) to engage the Texas public in environmental stewardship to protect precious water resources throughout the state.
2:15 – 3:15 pm Herd Immunity: Its Use and Benefit for Maintaining Ash in the Community Forest
John Ball, Professor of Forestry at South Dakota State University
Abstract: Emerald ash borer has arguably been the most devastating invasive insect in the last 20 years since it was first found in Michigan in 2002 and is now confirmed in Dallas. As it continues to spread to new communities, it becomes vital that municipalities have a plan in place to effectively manage it. This presentation will discuss the impact of EAB, sign/symptoms, determining municipal budget allocations, how to determine which trees to target, and a toolbox approach to manage EAB.
Speaker Bio: John Ball
MS and PhD in Forest Entomology from Michigan State University where he worked on Agrilus, currently Forest Health Specialist for the State of South Dakota and Professor of Forestry at South Dakota State University.
