Agricultural Pest Control Recertification | Mississippi Approved

Pest Identification: Corn, Soybean and Grain Sorghum

Corn Insect Pests. This course goes over in detail the many insects that threaten corn yield. Each species is identified according to various stages of maturity, the signs and symptoms exhibited, and the type of biological, cultural or chemical control recommended for each.

Soybean Insect Pests. This course details the various types of insects that affect soybeans, including early-season insect pests, stem and petiole feeders, and defoliators. Treatment and control strategies for specified insects within these groups are detailed throughout this lesson.

Grain Sorghum Insect Pests. Sorghum represents a large portion of the U.S. export industry. It is a versatile crop that is used as a grain, forage or sweet crop. It is subject to infestation by a variety of insect pests. Good production practices can help reduce infestation when sampled regularly from emergence to maturity. This course will outline how to manage for these pests in a timely and efficient way.

While working through this chapter attendants will learn specifics on:

• The major pests currently affecting corn crops in the United States today.
• How to develop strategies to manage and control corn insect pests.
• Early season insect pests: how to recognize, control and prevent
• Multiple soybean fruit and pod feeders, the extent of damage each causes, and prevention techniques
• Identify the different groups of grain sorghum pests and which insects within those groups are most harmful.
• Identify the vegetative and grain-filling stages of plant growth.

Pest Identification: Rice and Cotton

Insect Sampling Techniques for Row Crops.  An important concern in agriculture management is minimizing insecticide use and controlling costs. The frequency of sampling is critical to making appropriate insect management decisions. These decisions should be made based on established treatment thresholds.

Basics of Sampling for Plant Pathogens.  Pathogens are often the root cause of plant failure. Implementing an effective strategy using chemicals to target an identified pathogen is an essential element of agricultural stewardship. This section teaches the basics of sampling, and the different tools and techniques needed to accurately identify crop pathogens.

Rice Insect Pests. This section details the major and the minor pests commonly associated with rice crops. These include weevils, stink bugs, armyworms, aphids, borers, midges and more. Students will learn to identify insects at various stages of maturity and to recognize specific insects based on the damage done to the crop.

Cotton Insect Pest and Management Strategies. This section will demonstrate how to identify insect pests in cotton, and outline the most common management strategies. Major insect pests in cotton include thrips, plant bugs, stink bugs, bollworm, budworm, beet armyworm, fall armyworm, spider mites, and others.

After completing this chapter in its entirety, participants will be able to:

• Describe the various types of insect sampling available.
• Implement and perform insect sampling techniques.
• Implement and perform many insect sampling techniques.
• Tailor a management strategy that targets a specific, identified pathogen.
• Outline the most common insect pests of rice, the damage they cause, and prevention methods for each.
• Describe the impact these pests have on the yield and quality of rice grain.
• Identify various insect pests typically found in cotton.
• Develop management strategies to control these pests.

Pollinator Stewardship

Honey Bee Stewardship. The primary concern plaguing the bee keeping industry is the decline of honey bees around the world. Colony collapse disorder (CCD) is the leading cause behind this steady decline in honey bee numbers. There are a number of different factors affecting this decline. This course provides an outline of the best practices concerning honey bee stewardship.

Minimizing Pesticide Risk for Pollinators. Whether applying pesticides in the home garden or in a commercial setting, many of the chemical pesticides used to control insects, fungal disease, and even weeds can hurt non-target pollinating insects, such as bees and butterflies. This section will ensure your ability to affectively and efficiently apply pesticides without harming beneficial insects. 

Participants in this chapter will be able to:

• Gain an understanding of the factors that contribute to colony collapse disorder.
• Recognize the importance of beekeeper/grower communication.
• The importance of pollinators in agriculture and why protecting native pollinators is of great concern.
• The federal and state enforcement and compliance procedure as related to pollinator safety and alternatives to hard chemicals.