Sierra Biological is hosting an IPM Workshop at their facility in western NY on January 24. On the agenda are topics like nematodes, pest identification and new developments in biological controls. The event is sponsored by Sierra Biological, Beneficial Insectary, and IPM Labs
2024 Biocontrol Workshop
8:15-9:00 AM Registration
9:00-9:45 AM "Properly Applying Entomopathogenic Nematodes"
Casey Decker, Sierra Biological
Far too often, growers improperly apply EPNs, leading to subpar results. This talk will cover various application methods to ensure the successful deployment of these important biocontrol agents.
9:45-10:15 AM "Identifying Greenhouse Pests"
Greg Bryant, Sierra Biological
10:15-10:45 AM "Sample Submission for Pest Identification"
Tessa Grasswitz, Sierra Biological
Improper pest identification can lead to worse outbreaks if the wrong biocontrol agents or chemical pesticides are applied. The first part of the presentation will give examples of this and how to ID greenhouse pests in the field or with a microscope. Part two will cover how to submit pest samples to Sierra if an ID cannot be made at your facility.
10:45-11:15 AM "Six Years of New Developments in Biological Controls for Greenhouses & High Tunnels"
Carol Glenister, IPM Labs
The IOBC Western Palearctic Regional Section Working Group on Protected Crops usually meets every 3 years somewhere in Europe or Canada, but COVID delayed the meeting set for 2020 until last year. Carol will give an overview of what she learned in 4 days of meetings, plus some pictures from the all-day tour.
11:15-12:00 PM "Box Tree Moth In New York"
Cody LaDuke, NY State Dept of Ag
Cody will cover the basic life cycle of the moth, what NY regulations are like for the pest, what to look for when scouting, and treatment options.
12:00-1:00 PM Lunch Break
1:00-1:45 PM "Tools of the trade: High-tech IPM and Monitoring Technologies"
Cody Seals, Beneficial Insectary
Technology is rapidly evolving within agriculture, and biological control agent (BCA) delivery and monitoring is no different. Various methods for delivering BCAs to their intended destination and monitoring them once they're applied are expanding with the goal of reducing labor, increasing accuracy, and improving logistics. This presentation will cover various technologies available, such as drone technology and the equipment they're using, ground delivery advances, and monitoring technologies that are being utilized for both pests and BCAs.
1:45-2:30 PM "NYSDEC Regulatory Update"
Justin Schoff, NY State Dept of Environmental Conservation
Update and review of NYSDEC Regulations
2:30-3:00 PM Break
3:00-3:45 PM "IPM Strategies"
Greg Bryant, Sierra Biological
Various IPM techniques will be discussed, including some advanced and underutilized strategies
3:45-4:30 PM Open Discussion
4:30-5:00 PM Paperwork for continuing education credits. Please have all your applicator information ready.
January 24, 2024, Continuing Education Classes
Sierra Biological Inc. 2833 Swett Rd. Lyndonville, NY 14098
NYSDEC Pesticide Applicator Credits To Be Offered
Attendees will be required to sign in prior to instruction beginning. Anyone who arrives late will be encouraged to stay for the instruction but will be informed that DEC Recertification credits will not be awarded. Only those who stay for the entire course will receive a Recertification Course Certificate upon completion of the course.
The event is free, but growers must register in advance by emailing.