MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Challenges in urban landscapes will be the focus of an upcoming Integrated Pest Management workshop in Raymond on March 22.

Mississippi State University's Extension Service is sponsoring the General Pest Management Workshop at the Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center. Registration is $10 and begins at 8 a.m. for the full-day event to be held in the auditorium.

"The workshop will provide homeowners and agriculture professionals with current information related to pest management in a variety of urban landscape situations," said David Ingram, Extension plant pathologist and research professor based in Raymond.

"Some of the topics will address plant diseases, weed control and insect pests in the urban landscape. Other topics include shade tree maintenance, Sudden Oak Death, fruit tree cultivation and general urban Integrated Pest Management," Ingram said. "Participants also will learn about regulatory issues involving pesticides."

The program will serve as training and re-certification for agricultural consultants as well as in-service training for county directors and area agents in Extension. The program has also been approved to provide four hours of continuing education units in pest management under the Certified Crop Advisors Program.

For more information on the six-hour workshop, contact local Extension offices or Ingram at (601) 857-2284 or davidi@ext.msstate.edu.