Right-of-Way Pest Management Exam Prep

 

Course Description

Pest management in right-of-way situations can be a challenge. The economic thresholds are different in right-of-way situations compared to either a landscape setting or an agricultural setting. The treatment areas can be more readily viewed by the public or may be too rough to reach using traditional equipment. While broadleaf and woody plant material is usually the major pests in right-of-way situations there can be insect and vertebrate pests that need management. This course provides an overview of pests common to rights-of-way, management solutions, a look at the equipment commonly used to treat rights-of-way, and a review of calibration steps for that equipment.

After completing this course participants will be able to:

  • Outline the principles of an IPM program in right-of-way situations
  • Identify weeds and other pests commonly found in rights-of-way
  • Identify and calibrate equipment commonly used in right-of-way applications
  • Demonstrate an understanding of professional conduct and how to interact with the public

       This Course Covers:

Pest Management Overview

Integrated Pest Management

  • Integrated Pest Management
  • Pest Management Techniques
  • Special Environmental Concerns

Common Right-of-Way Weeds

  • Plant Types
  • Developmental Stages
  • Weed Biology
  • Classification of Land Plants
  • Classification of Aquatic Plants
  • Considerations

Weed Identification

  • Nomenclature Review
  • Ash
  • Black Locust
  • Boxelder
  • Poison Ivy
  • Red Maple
  • Sassafras
  • Wild Black Cherry
  • Black Willow
  • American Elm
  • Trembling Aspen (Quaking Aspen, Poplar)
  • Cattail
  • Chicory
  • Goldenrod (Gray Golden Rod)
  • Wild Carrot (Queen Anne's Lace)
  • Canada Thistle
  • Musk Thistle
  • Purple Loosestrife
  • Phragmites

Herbicides and Weeds

  • Factors Affecting Herbicidal Action
  • Herbicidal Action Characteristics
  • Plant Characteristics
  • Climate Factors
  • Selective Herbicides
  • Non-Selective Herbicides
  • Other Chemicals for Control

Plant Growth Regulators

  • Gibberellin Inhibitors
  • Auxin Type Regulators
  • Tree Growth Regulation
  • Roadside Turf Regulation

Other Right-of-Way Pests

  • Insect Pests
  • Managing Insects
  • Disease Pest Management
  • Fungi and Insects in Wood Structures
  • Vertebrate Pest Management

Equipment and Calibration

  • Application Equipment Components
  • Sprayers for Right-of-Way Maintenance

Equipment and Calibration – cont.

  • Calibrating Boom Sprayers
  • Calibrating Granular Spreaders
  • Hand Application
  • Dosage-Regulated Applications

Public Relations

  • Differences in Perception
  • Safety Measures

Final Assessment