This year’s University of Kentucky College of Agriculture’s integrated pest management school will begin with a special first detector's program to train people to recognize and respond to exotic pest problems such as soybean rust.

Those who complete this session will be eligible for certification as a First Detector and placed on a registry as part of a National Plant Diagnostic Network. This network can provide information as well as receive updates on exotic or threatening plant related problems. The training will be conducted by Paul Vincelli, plant pathologist with the UK College of Agriculture and a member of the national network.

The IPM school will be Wednesday, March 16, at the UK Research and Education Center in Princeton.  Registration will open at 8:30 a.m. with the meeting starting at 9 a.m. and ending at 4:30 p.m. The program is free and lunch will be provided. To guarantee a lunch, register by March 11 by calling 270-365-7541, ext. 218 or e-mail plucas@uky.edu.

Pest identification will be a major part of the training school. Weed, insect and disease problems of corn, soybeans, and small grains will be covered. Information on soybean rust and soybean aphids will be a part of the program.

Presenters in addition to Vincelli include UK plant pathologist Don Hershman, entomologist Doug Johnson, agronomists Lloyd Murdock and Mike Marshall, and plant diagnostician Paul Bachi

The program has been approved for 5.5 hours of continuing education units for certified crop advisers – 3 in pest management, 2 in crop management, and 0.5 in nutrient management.

For Kentucky pesticide applicator training the program will offer 4 general hours and 2 specific hours for categories 1A - plant and animal pest control, 4 - seed treatment, 10 - demonstration and research, 12 - retail pesticide sales agent (dealer) and 14 - pest-control consultant.

For more information on the IPM school contact your county Cooperative Extension Service office.