First Detector Tree Pest Training Program

November 13, 2012

News source: Stephanie Porter, 217-244-3254, satterle@illinois.edu

News writer: Susan Jongeneel, 217-333-3291, sjongene@illinois.edu

Plan to attend the (1st annual) Illinois First Detector Tree Pest Training Program

URBANA – University of Illinois Extension announced that a first-detector training program focusing on tree pests will be offered at five locations in Illinois in February and March 2013. These courses will provide in-depth training on current and emerging pathogens and insects affecting Illinois trees.

The target audience includes certified arborists, tree care professionals, master gardeners, master naturalists, forestry and natural resource professionals, conservationists, and others with an interest in trees. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available.

The objectives of the training include the following:

• Improve first detector training and invasive species awareness,
• Reduce potential risks from pathogens and pests,
• Increase rapid and affordable plant diagnostic support to local, state, and national agriculture and green industry programs and to end-users.

The 2013 program will focus on Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), thousand canker disease (TCD), and invasive plant species. Subjects to be covered in the course include:

• Identification /detection,
• Life cycle/biology,
• Hosts,
• Sampling,
• Management,
• Commonly confused look-alikes,
• Regulation

This Illinois First Detector Tree Pest Training Program will be held at the following locations:

• Springfield, U of I Extension conference room, February 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Quad Cities, Deere-Wiman Carriage House, February 26, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Mt. Vernon, U of I Extension conference room, March 7, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Collinsville, U of I Extension conference room, March 14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Champaign, U of I Extension conference room, March 21st, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Registration is $25; lunch is provided. This fee will help cover the program costs as well as provide funding to continue this program on an annual basis. Registration is not open at this time but will be held at the host U of I Extension office.

Each participant will receive a binder of EAB, TCD, and invasive plant information. A special feature will be key tree drawings (provided by Jean Burridge) to aid in identifying ash, walnut, or “look-alike” trees. Additional online training modules covering topics that will not be discussed during the 1-day program will be available to program participants prior to training.

All participants will receive a certificate stating that they are Illinois First Detectors.

This program is made possible by an Illinois IPM Grant and was developed by a special committee: Stephanie Porter, U of I plant clinic diagnostician and outreach coordinator, Kelly Estes, U of I agricultural pest survey coordinator, Travis Cleveland, U of I extension specialist in PSEP, Jay Hayek, U of I extension specialist in forestry, David Shiley, U of I extension educator, Andi Dierich, Morton Arboretum Forest Pest Outreach and Survey Project, Emily Hanson, SIU urban and community forester, and Jean Burridge, U of I Plant Clinic staff and certified arborist.