Pest identification will be a major part of the integrated pest management training school set for next month at the University of Kentucky Research and Education Center.

Weed, insect and disease problems of corn, soybeans, small grains and alfalfa will be covered during the one-day school. An update of pest problems in Kentucky also will be discussed.

The training is designed to help people learn to identify their pests and problems and to help them understand when to time their chemical treatments to be the most effective and cost efficient, said Patty Lucas, Extension IPM specialist at Princeton.

Speakers include: Grayson Brown, UK entomologist, who will discuss the soybean aphid in Kentucky and his work with high oil corn production; UK Plant Pathologist Paul Vincelli who will address the biology of key diseases; and representatives of the UK soil testing labs who will discuss the new soil test computer program.

The 2002 IPM Training School is March 20, with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. The program begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. It is open to the public and free of charge. Advance registration is not needed.

The program has been approved for 5.5 continuing education credits for certified crop advisors.

For additional information contact Patty Lucas at (270) 365-7541 ext. 218 or plucas@uky.edu.