Pesticide safety program workshops offered online

The pesticide safety education program at New Mexico State University is offering workshops two ways online.

Pesticide applicators may earn continuing education units by attending a webinar series or pre-recorded presentations.

“Because of the COVID-19 social distancing requirements, we have developed two ways for public and private pesticide applicators to earn their CEU requirements,” said Phillip Lujan, NMSU Extension pesticide safety education program manager. “They may attend weekly live two-hour webinars or view pre-recorded one-hour workshop sessions at their convenience.”

The five-part webinar series will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. each Wednesday, beginning Oct. 28. The session will be hosted by NMSU Cooperative Extension Service and presented by Extension specialists and New Mexico Department of Agriculture specialists.

To register, visit pesticide.nmsu.edu. Two CEUs per week are available for participation.

Session topics will be:

• Oct. 28: “Rangeland IPM and Rodent Control Part 1,” presented by Casey Sparkman, NMSU Extension range specialist, and Sam Smallidge, NMSU Extension wildlife specialist.

• Nov. 4: “Yard and Garden,” presented by Marisa Thompson, NMSU Extension urban horticulture specialist, and Carol Sutherland, NMSU Extension entomologist.

• Nov. 11: “Irrigated Pasture,” presented by Mark Marsalis, NMSU Extension forage specialist, and Jane Breen Pierce, NMSU Extension entomologist.

• Nov. 18: “IPM for Urban and Small Farms and Rodent Control, Part 2,” presented by Smallidge and Amanda Skidmore, NMSU Extension integrated pest management specialist.

• Dec. 2: “Pesticide Management,” presented by Steve Baca, NMDA pesticide compliance program manager, and Cary Hamilton, NMSU Extension IR-4 Program.

Eight pre-recorded presentations for one CEU credit each are available on the pesticide safety education website.

“A person can pick the sessions that are appropriate for their needs,” Lujan said. “They can access the training at their convenience up until November 15.”

To access the sessions, visit pesticide.nmsu.edu, click on upcoming workshops and follow the directions.

CEU credit courses for individuals already licensed include:

• “Weed Control in Alfalfa and Other Forage Crops,” presented by Mark Marsalis, NMSU Extension forage specialist.

• “Pesticides in Aquatic Systems: Best Management Practices for Protecting Water Quality,” presented by Rossana Sallenave, NMSU Extension aquatic ecology specialist.

• “Weed Updates for 2020 and Beyond,” presented by Leslie Beck, NMSU Extension weed specialist.

• “Disease and Disorder Management in Chile Pepper,” presented by Stephanie Walker, NMSU Extension vegetable specialist.

• “Tree Selection & Care: Avoiding Probable Pests and Disasters,” presented by Marisa Thompson, NMSU Extension urban horticulture specialist.

• “2020 Insect Update from NMSU,” presented by Carol Sutherland, NMSU Extension entomologist.

• “Introduction to Integrated Pest Management,” presented by Amanda Skidmore, NMSU Extension IPM specialist.

• “Assessment-Based Prevention, Control & Management of Vertebrate Pests in New Mexico,” presented by Sam Smallidge, NMSU Extension wildlife specialist.

Four sessions for pre-license training are also available through the pesticide education website. Topics of the sessions are:

• “Principles of Herbicides,” presented by Leslie Beck, NMSU Extension Weed specialist.

• “Basic Entomology, Ornamentals, and Turf, Category 3A, Part 1 and 2,” presented by Carol Sutherland, NMSU Extension entomologist.