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Published on January 16, 2025
Shawnee Hosts Free Pecan Pest Management Workshop to Boost Grower Expertise and Continuing Education CreditsSource: Oklahoma State University Extension

For those with an interest in the meticulous art of pecan cultivation, an upcoming workshop in Shawnee aims to arm both the seasoned and the greenhorn growers with the knowledge to combat the small yet mighty adversaries that threaten their crops. The Oklahoma Pecan Management Program is hosting a no-cost 2025 Pecan Pest Management Workshop on Feb. 20, from sunrise's tail end at 8:30 a.m. to the late afternoon's approach at 4:30 p.m., at the Gordon Cooper Technology Center, according to the Oklahoma State University Extension.

Reserve your spot by Feb. 17, as the site emphasizes; this isn't just a chance to learn—it's an opportunity to earn. Private pesticide applicators wielding categories 1A and 10 licenses can rack up five continuing education units to add to whichever certificates bedazzle their walls and in so doing key knowledge will be imparted that demonstrates not just the importance but the necessity of managing pests to the nuances of pesticide regulation. Becky Carroll, a senior specialist with the Oklahoma State University Extension, has been quoted stressing the critical nature of pest management in pecan production, "Learning to manage pests by trapping and monitoring can reduce growers' costs and allows for more timely and effective pest management,” as this can be the linchpin in safeguarding a season's yield from the ravages of disease or insects.

The workshop isn't skimping on expertise either; the roster is replete with specialists ready to impart their wisdom. Mustafa Jibrin, an assistant professor with OSU, will expound on the ins and outs of pecan disease management, especially under the strain of prolonged summers and drought—a concern at the forefront of local grower’s minds. Drones, those modern mechanical marvels, present opportunities and challenges in pecan cultivation that Kelly Seuhs from OSU’s entomology and plant pathology will discuss.

Those absorbed in the ever-changing landscape of regulations will likely find solace in the updates provided by Charles Luper from Oklahoma State University Extension, who will hash out the latest on pesticide registration changes and the implication of amendments to the Endangered Species Act on the same, crucial details will be shared like how sometimes Roundup doesn't actually mean glyphosate anymore—and then there's the nuts and bolts, Kenneth Watkins, a seasoned superintendent, will break down the best practices for successful spray applications. Pecan Pest Management wouldn’t be complete without the calendar by Becky Carroll, that plots out the year's ebb and flow of pest battles.

No one need fear the gnawing of hunger though snacks are on hand to bridge the gap between knowledge sessions, but lunch, that meal in the day’s heart, is a solo venture. For the inquiring mind, beckon to Becky Carroll, reachable at 405-744-6139, to unravel any lingering questions or simply secure your place at this convocation of the pecan minded.