Topics and Speakers:
What Nursery and Landscapers Need to Know About the Spotted Lanternfly
Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula, SLF) is an invasive plant hopper that threatens Ontario’s agricultural and forestry sectors and is also considered a major nuisance pest in residential landscapes. First detected in Pennsylvania in 2014, SLF has spread to at least 18 states, including those bordering Ontario, and recent sightings and interceptions in Ontario tell us it’s on its way here! This talk will cover basic biology of the pest, current distribution, what is being done to manage SLF in the US and what IPM tools are available here in Canada. Most importantly, we will cover how to reduce the risk of spread, and what to do if you think you’ve spotted this unwelcome invader.
Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula, SLF) is an invasive plant hopper that threatens Ontario’s agricultural and forestry sectors and is also considered a major nuisance pest in residential landscapes. First detected in Pennsylvania in 2014, SLF has spread to at least 18 states, including those bordering Ontario, and recent sightings and interceptions in Ontario tell us it’s on its way here! This talk will cover basic biology of the pest, current distribution, what is being done to manage SLF in the US and what IPM tools are available here in Canada. Most importantly, we will cover how to reduce the risk of spread, and what to do if you think you’ve spotted this unwelcome invader.
Cassie Russell MSc. | Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA)
Cassie Russell is the Nursery and Landscape specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Food, Agribusiness (OMAFA). Cassie has a BSc. and MSc. both from the University of Guelph where her studies focused on entomology and integrated pest management. Previously, she worked with OMAFA as a vegetable and apple specialist and with a crop protection company as the technical specialist for Ontario. As the nursery and landscape specialist, she helps to provide the sector with technical information on invasive species, integrated pest management, emerging production techniques and best management practices for nurseries and funding opportunities. She also runs the ONnurserycrops blog where she posts timely updates and articles throughout the growing season.
Cassie Russell is the Nursery and Landscape specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Food, Agribusiness (OMAFA). Cassie has a BSc. and MSc. both from the University of Guelph where her studies focused on entomology and integrated pest management. Previously, she worked with OMAFA as a vegetable and apple specialist and with a crop protection company as the technical specialist for Ontario. As the nursery and landscape specialist, she helps to provide the sector with technical information on invasive species, integrated pest management, emerging production techniques and best management practices for nurseries and funding opportunities. She also runs the ONnurserycrops blog where she posts timely updates and articles throughout the growing season.
Update from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks This presentation will provide an overview of MECP’s pesticide program along with inspection and compliance updates. This session will discuss the do’s and don’ts of pesticide use in Ontario along with any upcoming program changes. In addition, Scott will outline a typical MECP inspection and provide answers to common questions received over the past year.
Scott Olan, B.Sc. (Agri) | Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
Scott joined the Ministry of the Environment Conservation and Parks as the Pesticides Specialist for the Eastern Region in 2015. He is currently a Divisional Program Specialist in the Ministry’s Program Services Unit. Scott has been a licensed exterminator for over 30 years and holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Degree from the University of Guelph. Prior to joining the Ministry, Scott spent many years working in grounds maintenance, landscaping, and snow removal.
Scott joined the Ministry of the Environment Conservation and Parks as the Pesticides Specialist for the Eastern Region in 2015. He is currently a Divisional Program Specialist in the Ministry’s Program Services Unit. Scott has been a licensed exterminator for over 30 years and holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Degree from the University of Guelph. Prior to joining the Ministry, Scott spent many years working in grounds maintenance, landscaping, and snow removal.
Leaving Us Out to Dry: Emerging Water Policy for Landscapes
When it comes to the design and maintenance of landscapes, doing more with less is nothing new. But now we’re contemplating using less water, and it’s not just a matter of shutting off the irrigation controller. Policy makers across the country are looking at mandating water-conserving irrigation equipment, requiring certification of irrigation installation and maintenance contractors, so-called “non-functional turf” restrictions, water quality issues related to fertilizer and pesticides use and storm water management.
When it comes to the design and maintenance of landscapes, doing more with less is nothing new. But now we’re contemplating using less water, and it’s not just a matter of shutting off the irrigation controller. Policy makers across the country are looking at mandating water-conserving irrigation equipment, requiring certification of irrigation installation and maintenance contractors, so-called “non-functional turf” restrictions, water quality issues related to fertilizer and pesticides use and storm water management.
Bob Mann | National Association of Landscape Professionals
Bob Mann is the Senior Director of Technical and Regulatory Affairs for the National Association of Landscape Professionals. Bob is a proud graduate of both the Stockbridge School of Agriculture and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. In addition to his work at NALP, Bob has been privileged to represent the landscape industry in many public forums including the Pesticide Board Advisory Council in Massachusetts, the Northeast IPM Advisory Council, the Board of Directors of The Pesticide Stewardship Alliance (TPSA), EPA’s Pesticide Program Dialog Committee, as well as Chair of the Pesticide Policy Coalition.
Bob Mann is the Senior Director of Technical and Regulatory Affairs for the National Association of Landscape Professionals. Bob is a proud graduate of both the Stockbridge School of Agriculture and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. In addition to his work at NALP, Bob has been privileged to represent the landscape industry in many public forums including the Pesticide Board Advisory Council in Massachusetts, the Northeast IPM Advisory Council, the Board of Directors of The Pesticide Stewardship Alliance (TPSA), EPA’s Pesticide Program Dialog Committee, as well as Chair of the Pesticide Policy Coalition.
