Upcoming Events

NORTHEASTERN
PENNSYLVANIA TURF
CONFERENCE

Thursday, January 18

The Woodlands Resort

Wilkes-Barre, PA

EDUCATION IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF A SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT. Penn State Turfgrass educators have put together another fantastic lineup of speakers and topics sure to help professionals grow their knowledge and their business. Check out the details below and make sure to plan to attend!

GOLF TRACK

8:30 – 9:30 am

USGA Year in Review

Brian Gietka, CGCS – Consulting Agronomist, USGA Green Section

This presentation will provide an overview of the 2023 season throughout the Northeast.

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9:30 – 10:00 am

Break

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10:00 – 11:00 am

Controlling Problematic Diseases
of Cool-Season Turfgrass

Brian A. Aynardi, Ph.D. –Northeast Research Scientist, PBI-Gordon Corporation

This presentation will cover principles of disease diagnosis and management of problematic diseases of cool-season turfgrass used in the golf course industry. Key diagnostic features, environmental conditions necessary for disease to develop, and common methods for controlling each disease will be discussed in-depth. Proper mixing of pesticides, importance of water quality, and the necessity for postapplication irrigation will also be presented.

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11:00 am – 12:00 pm

USGA Tools for Data Management

Brian Gietka, CGCS – Consulting Agronomist, USGA Green Section

This presentation will provide an overview of USGA tools such as DEACON platform, GS3 smart ball, Organic Matter Collection and GPS Golfer Tracking Service.

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12:00 – 1:30 pm

Break / Lunch

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1:30 – 2:30 pm

Turf Insect Management: Preparing for Your Most Problematic Pests

David Hillger, Ph.D. – Field Scientist, Corteva Agriscience

This presentation will provide management suggestions built on an Integrated Pest Management approach for supporting the development of sustainable control programs.

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2:30 – 3:30 pm

Are You Label Literate, or Are You Just Guessing

Ed Crow – Extension Educator, Penn State Extension –Pesticide Education Program

This presentation will cover the basic requirements and concepts regarding the pesticide label and types of labeling. This discussion addresses the specific information that is required by EPA to be on labels. The presentation will also address the issue of mandatory label language that is enforceable versus advisory language. Examples of specific use directions and restrictions associated with various herbicide products used by the ornamental and turf industries will be used as examples. This will help in illustrating these Core related concepts to the audience so they will be more relevant.

GENERAL TRACK

8:30 – 9:30 am

Biopesticides in the Landscape

Krystal Snyder – Extension Educator, Penn State Extension

This presentation will explore the use of biopesticides within the landscape industry and their role in integrated pest management practices. We’ll also talk about their efficacy in controlling pests while preserving the health of plants and the surrounding environment.

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9:30 – 10:00 am

Break

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10:00 – 11:00 am

Don’t Let Pesticides Get the Best of You – Why They May Fail and How They Can Get You in Trouble

Ed Crow – Extension Educator, Penn State Extension –Pesticide Education Program

This presentation focuses on two aspects of pesticides that can cause undesirable results when using them. The first part of the presentation looks at some of the key issues on why a pesticide application may not provide the desired results from an application standpoint. Some of these issues include pest identification, pesticide selection, not following label directions, improper timing, failure to reach the target, and pesticide resistance, among others. The second part of the presentation then transitions into ways that someone can get themselves in trouble when handling and applying pesticides. This will include topics such as failing to properly protect themselves, not making sure the appropriate application site or crop is on the label, improper mixing and loading practices, not properly managing spills, failing to follow label warnings and restrictions, improper container management, and failure to properly document applications or incidents.

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11:00 am – 12:00 pm

2023 PA Landscape Pest and Disease Review

Margaret Pickoff – Extension Educator, Penn State University

This presentation will provide a review of major insect pests and plant diseases observed in the Pennsylvania landscape in the 2023 season, including fungal tip blight in arborvitae, root rot in perennials and woody plants, scale, spotted lanternfly, and others. Pest biology, life cycle, and management strategies will be discussed. This talk will conclude with a discussion of emerging issues to look out for in 2024, including beech leaf disease and box tree moth.

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12:00 – 1:30 pm

Break / Lunch

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1:30 – 2:30 pm

Managing Water Quality

Krystal Snyder – Extension Educator, Penn State Extension

This presentation will cover the properties of irrigation water quality and what that means for fertilizer and pesticide applications.

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2:30 – 3:30 pm

Control of Common Weeds
and Diseases Found in

Brian A. Aynardi, Ph.D. – PBI-Gordon Corporation

This presentation will cover identification and control of annual and perennial grassy and broadleaf weeds, as well as sedges and diseases found in lawncare settings in eastern Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. In addition to weed and disease identification, optimal control methods for each will be shared. This presentation will also address carrier volume, considerations for tankmixing products, water quality concerns, and pertinent information on SDS sheets.