Even though all plants and pests have a relationship with ants and spiders, these important creatures are commonly feared and misunderstood by humans. But if they want to increase the effective biological control of pests, reduce the use of pesticides and create healthy ecosystems, farmers need to understand the roles of ants and spiders in the ecology of crop growing. Our speakers have decades of experience studying the identification, management and ecological significance of these critters. Devin Carroll, a biologically oriented pest control adviser, will discuss common and uncommon species of spiders, how to identify them, their role in crop production, and management to encourage or inhibit their populations. Integrated pest management specialist Kris Tollerup will detail the ecology and biology of ants — the good and bad ones, their role in agricultural systems, their impacts on biological control of pests, and their integrated management.
This workshop is approved for 1.5 Integrated Pest Management CEUs for Certified Crop Advisors and 1.5 CEUs for Pest Control Advisors.
