March 14, 2003

 

Ornamental and Turf Commercial Pesticide Training to Be Held

The North Dakota State University Extension Pesticide Program is conducting ornamental and turf pest control training March 25, 26 and 27 in Dickinson, Devils Lake and Williston. This training is aimed at commercial applicators, dealers and consultants involved in ornamental and turf management.

The sessions will be conducted March 25 in Dickinson, ND at the Travelodge Hotel, March 26 in Devils Lake, ND at the Ramsey County Courthouse Meeting Room and March 27 in Williston, ND at the NDSU Williston Research and Extension Center. All sessions will begin with registration at 8 a.m. Training will start at 8:30 am and conclude at 4 pm. Training is not required for certification but is helpful in passing the exam.

The program includes sessions presented by NDSU specialists and agents on plant diseases, weed and insect and control. NDSU Pesticide Program personnel will outline national and state pesticide issues, pesticide application principles and techniques and background on pesticide labels. A representative from the North Dakota Department of Agriculture will review pesticide laws. Additional information will be provided on pesticide use and safety. Pre-registration is not required but can be completed at http://ndsupesticide.org.

A pesticide law enacted by the North Dakota Legislature in 2001 requires all people who apply pesticides commercially to become certified regardless of the class of pesticides used (restricted or general use). This includes people who apply pesticides in urban situations such as grounds keepers, city employees and lawn care companies. Once certification is completed in the appropriate category it is valid for three years.

For more information contact your local NDSU county extension office, Andrew Thostenson at (701) 231-7180 or athosten@ndsuext.nodak.edu or the NDSU Extension Pesticide Program web page at http://ndsupesticide.org.

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Source: Andrew Thostenson, (701) 231_7180, athosten@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Writer: Deana Oe, (701) 231_8371, deana.oe@ndsu.nodak.edu
Editor: Tom Jirik, (701) 231_9629, tjirik@ndsuext.nodak.edu