University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and UK Research and Education Center at Princeton extension specialists, will share the latest on integrated pest management (IPM) during the annual 2025 IPM Virtual Training School. 

Continuing a tradition spanning more than 25 years, this annual one-day virtual workshop takes place Mar. 12 beginning at 8 a.m. CST via Zoom. 

“Agents, consultants, industry professionals and producers will learn the latest on pest management and nutrient research for agronomic and specialty crops,” said Ric Bessin, UK extension entomologist. “The goal is to provide producers from all over with valuable multidisciplinary information to grow crops maximizing economic return and environmental sustainability. Every year in agriculture is different with weather, new technology and more, and this school brings all that together.” 

The morning field crop sessions will include presentations on updating nitrogen, phosphate and potash rate recommendations (AGR-1) for Kentucky grain growers, fertilization methods for organic crop production, improving return on investment for corn fungicide applications and foliar disease soybean management. Other topics include emergent soybean pests, insect pest response to climate change and weed control. 

An additional presentation on slug observations and implications, led by University of Delaware extension specialist David Owens, is an emerging topic that impacts many farmers. 

“Slugs are the most important pest of no-till full season soybean,” Owens said. “Slug problems have caused farmers to increasingly abandon no-till production, which creates other agronomic and environmental problems. There are no easy answers for slugs. Proper planting conditions to promote rapid stand establishment and growth will be discussed, along with long-term practices that can help promote natural enemies like ground beetles.”

The afternoon horticulture sessions will include presentations on weed management strategies, managing common invasive plants, soil solarization, nursey IPM best practices, spotted lanternfly and fruit crops cold damage and prevention. 

After each session, attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions. The training also offers continuing education units for commercial pesticide applicators and Certified Crop Advisers. 

Online registration is required and will be accepted through Mar. 11. Registration can also be found on the UK Research and Education Center website at https://wkrec.ca.uky.edu under events. 

For questions or more information, contact Zenaida Viloria at zenaida.viloria@uky.edu or 859-562-1336.

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The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is an Equal Opportunity Organization with respect to education and employment and authorization to provide research, education information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.