Invasive Forest and Agricultural Insects in MA: Current and Future, continued: Day 4 of Invasive Insect Certification Program for Landscape, Nursery, and Urban Forest Pests

This six-day webinar series looks at the characteristics of invasive insects, the impacts and costs they have regionally and nationwide, and highlights the biology, ecology, and identification of some of the most destructive insects. This includes (but is not limited to) the Asian longhorned beetle, emerald ash borer, Lymantria dispar (formerly gypsy moth), hemlock woolly adelgid, winter moth, and more. State and federal regulations pertaining to invasive insect management will be discussed, as well as invasive forest and agricultural insects in Massachusetts along with warnings about potential newcomers. Management of invasive insects as a part of landscapes will be presented along with strategies to prevent human assisted movement of these organisms. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) will be the focus, highlighting cultural and mechanical management options along with the use of biological control.

Participants may receive a certificate in INVASIVE INSECT MANAGEMENT upon the successful completion of all six webinars (must attend in each webinar in full and answer intermittent poll questions during each) and earn a passing score on associated online quizzes following each class. Participants not interested in a certificate may also attend all the webinars, or individually, without taking the associated quizzes. Attendees are encouraged to take all six sessions in one season to get the most out of the information. This certification series is only offered every other year - the next opportunity will be the fall of 2025.

Download printable agenda for the complete 2023 Invasive Insect Certification Program

AGENDA
Invasive Forest and Agricultural Insects in MA: Current and Future, continued (DAY 4)

9:30 AM   Introductions and explanations of quizzes, certificates, and pesticide and association credits. 

9:45 AM   Spotted Lanternfly is Here: Updates from Massachusetts

Dr. Elizabeth Barnes, MA Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR)

Learn to recognize the life stages of the spotted lanternfly (eggs, nymphs, adults), life cycle, and hosts. Updates about the Massachusetts infestations as well as the MA Department of Agricultural Resources efforts to manage this invasive insect.

10:45 AM  Break

11:00 AM  Not an Insect, But Invasive Earthworms: What's the Latest with Jumping Worms?

Dr. Olga Kostromytska, Extension Assistant Professor and Turf Entomologist, UMass Stockbridge School of Agriculture  

Technically, earthworms are not insects, but they have garnered a lot of interest from the public in recent years. In this presentation, we will discuss the identification and biology of invasive earthworms in MA. This will include information about the "crazy/jumping worm" species (Amynthas) that have many homeowners in MA and New England concerned. Dr. Kostromytska will also share updates about current research. 

12:00 PM  Closing remarks, credit explanations, quiz reminders/instructions for the quiz assessments for those attending all 6-days of the training and seeking a certificate of completion, and instructions for pesticide CEU’s and association credits.