Past Workshop Topics

2023-2024

Invasive Species of Concern – Updates on emerging, potential, and existing invasive pests of concern in gardens and landscapes. Presented by MacKenzie Patton, UC Statewide IPM Program. 
 
 
Controlling Pests in the Home – Many retail nurseries and garden centers get questions on household pests. Learn how to identify and control pests in and around homes using IPM tools. Presented by Karey Windbiel-Rojas, UC Statewide IPM Program.
 
 
Good Bugs in Gardens & Landscapes – Learn about common good bugs or “natural enemies”, their biology, how they can improve pest control, and how you can teach customers about them. Presented by Karey Windbiel-Rojas, UC Statewide IPM Program.
 
 
Diagnosing Plant Problems – Customers often need help diagnosing plant problems and rely on nursery and garden center staff for assistance. Learn how to differentiate between abiotic (nonliving) and biotic (living) pests and common look-alike pests or problems. Presented by Karey Windbiel-Rojas, UC Statewide IPM Program.
 
 
Understanding Pesticides – Pesticides are commonly sold in nurseries and garden centers, and are often used by customers to control pest problems. Learn what pesticides are, how to choose the right one, where and how you can safely apply them, and basic pesticide toxicology. Presented by Lauren Fordyce, UC Statewide IPM Prorgam.  
 
 

2019-2020

Vegetable Insect Pests – Diagnosis and identification of common insect pests found in vegetable gardens and recommended IPM solutions. Presented by Dr. Andrew Sutherland, Bay Area IPM Advisor.
 
 
Vertebrate Pests – Diagnosis of damage and solutions for vertebrate pests of vegetable gardens. Presented by Karey Windbiel-Rojas, UC Statewide IPM Program.
 
 
Abiotic Disorders and Vegetable Diseases – Diagnosis and identification of common abiotic disorders of vegetable crops, vegetable diseases, and recommendations for sound integrated pest management solutions. Presented by Dr. Kamyar Aram, East Bay Specialty Crops Advisor.
 
 
Retail2023