GREEN UNIVERSITY: LEARNING PESTICIDE BASICS AND CATEGORY 24 TOPICS THROUGH LECTURE AND LABS
Extension Education
Brooklyne Wassel
County Extension Agent
University of Georgia
Zebulon
Abstract
Georgia’s green turf and ornamental industry is an important economic contributor across the state, valued at over $1.37 billion dollars annually. This agricultural commodity is more complex than other production systems due to its clientele diversity, widespread impact, and increased need for certified pesticide applicators and pesticide safety education. Extension personnel sought to assist green industry professionals preparing for their commercial pesticide applicators exam as well as those needing recertification hours by offering a two-day program with a novel format combining experiential labs and traditional lectures. Green University was offered as a dual-language program in both English and Spanish running concurrently to serve a diverse audience in collaboration with 13 Extension agents and specialists. One day focused on the National Pesticide Applicator General Standards, and the following day focused on Georgia’s Category 24: Turf and Ornamental Pest Control curriculum. The program offered traditional lectures in the morning coupled with hands-on laboratory sessions in the afternoon which aimed to integrate experiential and traditional teaching principles to educate participants about pesticide stewardship, increase understanding of integrated pest management (IPM) principles in urban landscapes, and prepare participants for the Georgia Commercial Pesticide Applicators Core and Category 24 Exam. Thirty-four participants were engaged in 12 hours of programming across two days earning 165 recertification credit hours. Feedback indicated participants were more confident understanding the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE), aware that they are responsible for the environmental impacts of pesticide applications, and 72% strongly agreed information from these classes would help them in the future. Eighty percent of post-program respondents agreed they understood and could make an IPM for the pest they have identified, while also stating they will use UGA Extension for resources moving forward. Implementing IPM plans in green industry production systems can increase the efficacy and decrease the quantity of pesticides applied in urban landscapes. This can reduce operation costs and potential off-target pesticide movement. Contributors will continue to host Green University programming annually to meet the needs of Georgia’s turf and ornamental pest control operators.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Brooklyne Wassel, Allison Johnson, Rolando Orellana
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Wassel, B. County Extension Agent, University of Georgia , Georgia, 30295
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Johnson, A. Pesticide Safety Education Program Coordinator, University of Georgia, Georgia, 30602
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Orellana, R. Urban Water Management Agent, University of Georgia, Georgia, 30223