Participants will learn how to apply crop protectants using backpack sprayers safely and efficiently. UMaine Extension Plant Pathologist Alicyn Smart will introduce participants to the biology and management of Phytophthora root rot disease of true fir. Extension Ornamental Horticulture Specialist Manjot Sidhu will introduce integrated strategies for both broadleaf and grass weeds that commonly impact Christmas tree production, as well as report findings from recent weed management research in ornamental horticulture production systems. Participants can earn 3 pesticide credits.
Agenda:
12:00 – 12:10: Welcome and Registration
12:10 – 1:20: Safe and Efficient Application of Crop Protectants
Speaker: Brett Johnson, UMaine Extension
- Backpack sprayer calibration demonstration.
- An overview of pesticide safety including product labels and personal protective equipment.
1:30 – 2:20: Disease IPM
Speaker Dr. Alicyn Smart, UMaine Extension
- Introduction to the biology and management of Phytophthora root rot disease of true fir.
2:30 – 3:20: Weed IPM
Speaker Dr. Manjot Sidhu, UMaine Extension
- Non-chemical and chemical weed control strategies for ornamental horticulture production.
- Overview of some research projects on weed management in ornamentals and Christmas tree production from Michigan State University
About the Speakers:
Brett Johnson is an Assistant Extension Professor, Sustainable Agriculture and Farm Business Management Educator with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Brett’s current work focuses on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices in Christmas tree production as well as identifying market opportunities for Maine’s specialty potato producers. Brett also assists producers with farm enterprise analysis and coordinates Extension’s state-wide farm business planning course, Business Planning for Producers.
Dr. Alicyn Smart is UMaine Extension Plant Pathologist and Associate Extension Professor. Alicyn directs the Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab, the Regional Center for the Northeast Diagnostic Network (NPDN), and is the Executive Director of the National Plant Diagnostic Network. Alicyn carries out research to enhance the success of Maine’s agricultural industries by reducing losses to plant diseases and minimizing disease management costs by providing early and accurate disease identification.
Dr Manjot Sidhu is an Assistant Extension Professor of Horticulture and Ornamental Horticulture Specialist at University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Manjot works on developing educational programs, providing specialized support, and conducting applied research programs that will cater to the state-wide needs of ornamental crop production in Maine. She focuses on the needs of Maine’s green industry that includes floriculture, nurseries, greenhouse production and clients involved in consumer horticulture.
For special requests, please contact Billiejo Pendleton at 207.342.5971 or email billiejo.pendleton@maine.edu by June 25, 2025. If requests are received after this date, we may not have sufficient time to make necessary arrangements; however, all requests will be considered.
