ProHort Lawn & Landscape Update
February 19 - Focus on Turf
9:00 a.m. Welcome
9:15 – 10:15 a.m. Weathering the Storms of Turfgrass Diseases | Recording - Turfgrass diseases are not always actively damaging the plant and require supportive environmental conditions and a susceptible host to inflict damage. Dr. Miller will present research based information to explain the interaction and swing it in the favor of a healthy plant. Speaker: Lee Miller, Associate Professor, University of Missouri
Dr. Miller is a turfgrass pathologist and leads the MU Plant Diagnostic Clinic. Current research interests include Pythium species causing root diseases in creeping bentgrass, and integrated management practices for spring dead spot on bermudagrass and large patch of zoysia.
10:30 a.m. Turf Pests & Problems Quiz | Recording - Hone your skills and compete to win!
11:10 – 12:10 a.m. Is Your Turf Another Animal’s “Home Turf”? | Recording - The basics of determining, preventing and resolving wildlife – turf grass complications in the landscape. Learn how to recognize the most common wildlife inhabitants of turf grass habitats. How to minimalize destruction and resolve conflicts from native wildlife will be discussed. What are the safest, most effective and economically feasible solutions? Speaker: Dennis Ferraro, Extension Educator, University of Nebraska – Lincoln School of Natural Resources
Dennis Ferraro is a professor with UNL School of Natural Resources. Originally from Connecticut, Dennis grew up fascinated with the creatures in forest and ponds near his childhood home. After earning degrees from Iowa State University and the University of Nebraska, Dennis first worked in the commercial Pest Management field as an operation manager and trainer for eight years. In 1990, he took a position as an UNL Extension professional for Integrated Pest Management regarding urban insect and wildlife pest. In 2002, Ferraro transitioned to teaching as a Conservation Biologist and Herpetologist for the university. While primary teaching and working on conservation of native at-risk species; he continues to teach a course regarding wildlife damage management and is a regular on the “Backyard Farmer” TV show.
February 26 - Focus on Trees
9:00 a.m. Welcome | ISA and NAA CEU credits available for registered participants
9:15 – 10:15 a.m. It’s Not Easy Being Green: Trees in a Changing Environment | Recording - As long-lived urban denizens, trees endure and are often viewed as unchanging components of our communities. With changes in climate, development, and new pests our community forests are facing increased pressure to do more with less. Learn about some of the challenges for our community trees and how you can address those challenges. Speaker: Eric North, Assistant Professor of Urban & Community Forestry, University of Minnesota
Dr. North’s primary responsibility is preparing students for successful careers in urban forestry, arboriculture, and natural resource management in the built environment. In his classes, students learn the complexity of tree biology, how to complete site assessments, manage pests and think strategically about urban forestry management – or aesthetics, community benefits, and for long-term health of urban tree populations. North also serves in numerous capacities for professional organizations and on community boards, including the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Arboriculture Education and Research Academy, and the Minnesota Shade Tree Advisory Committee. Eric is an ISA Certified Arborist.
10:30 a.m. Tree Pests & Problems Quiz | Recording - Hone your skills and compete to win!
11:10 – 12:10 a.m. Countering Emerald Ash Borer (EAB): An In-depth Look at Common Systemic Insecticides | Recording - Learn about the three main insecticides used to treat EAB and other tree borers – imidacloprid, dinotefuran and emamectin benzoate – including the pros and cons of each, as well as modes of action, applications, and history. We will also cover potential risks and limitations of each product. Speaker: Dave Olson, Forest Health Specialist, Nebraska Forest Service
David Olson is a Forest Health Specialist with the Nebraska Forest Service, focusing on insects, diseases, and abiotic conditions impacting trees. He has a Masters in Entomology from the University of Kentucky, concentrating on EAB treatments and parasitoids, and is an ISA certified arborist. He has also worked as a forest health specialist for the State of New York.
EAB program handout - available for printing, if you would like a copy of the presentation.