Forest Pest Management | Maryland Approval #MDAInt746

Maryland pest managers who take this course will learn how to manage tree diseases and pests within forest environments. The course is approved by the Maryland Department of Agriculture, and all material is online and accessible from any device.

The lessons within the course cover a wide variety of topics that are designed to make you a better pesticide applicator. The beginning of the course examines integrated pest management strategies that help protect non-target organisms, minimize the impact of pesticides on water sources, and overcome pesticide resistance.

Next, there are lessons dedicated to pesticide sprayer equipment and application methods. Learn about sprayer components, types, operation, and maintenance. Banding and broadcast calibration methods are also covered.

The course then reviews ways to manage tree diseases and pests within forest environments. Explore how to use natural, chemical, and applied insect management techniques. Weed control is also described in conjunction with pest control herbicides.

The end of the course discusses vertebrate pests, their associated problems, and damage control methods. The final lesson explains laws and regulations related to forest pest management.

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe key features of forest disease management and characteristics of common tree diseases.
• State the types of equipment necessary for pesticide application and various application methods.
• Explain what integrated pest management is and various management strategies.
• Describe the importance of keeping pesticides out of water sources and methods to minimize the impacts of pesticide use.
• Identify key variables in properly calibrating pesticide application equipment.
• Identify types of forest vertebrate populations and problems and how to choose the best control method.
• Relate types of forests and specific pest threats.
• Explain types of calibration methods and techniques.
• Discuss types of management methods and controls for insects within different tree environments.
• Relate control methods for weed control, including pesticides and herbicides.