URI offers insect identification course

KINGSTON, R.I.-- October 22, 1998 -- Attention all landscapers, garden center employees, nurserymen, horticultural professionals and serious backyard garden enthusiasts. You can learn to identify common insects in the landscape and to distinguish the beneficial bug from the potential pests.

URI is offering a five-session short course "Insect IPM For Landscape Management" in which you will study the life cycles of insects and learn how to apply Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques to effectively address insect problems in the landscape. The course will run on Nov. 17, 19, Dec. 1, 3 & 8 (Tuesday & Thursday evenings) 7 to 9 p.m. at the Kingston Campus. The cost of the course is $150.

You also will learn to identify insects that keep pests in check naturally and what you can do to enhance populations of beneficial insects.

Session 1: Introduction to Landscape IPM & Insect Fundamentals

Session 2: Insect Pests of Ornamentals - Life Cycles & Management

Session 3: Insect Pests of Turf - Life Cycles & Management

Session 4: Beneficial Insects - From Bees to Butterflies

Session 5: Hands-On Insect Identification Lab

The course will be taught by nationally-known faculty and staff from URI's Cooperative Extension/College of the Environment and Life Sciences. The instructors include turf entomologist Dr. Steve Alm, biological control and IPM specialist Dr. Richard Casagrande, medical entomologist Dr. Roger Lebrun, plant protection specialist, David Wallace.

To guarantee your seat in the course, payment must be received prior to the start of the program. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information or to register, contact Marion Gold at 874-5705.

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For More Information: Jan Sawyer, 874-2116