What’s That? Major Pest Problems in Nursery Crops Webinar Series

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) inspects an abundance of plant material every year during their routine plant inspections to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. During this webinar series, Michigan State University Extension and its partners will discuss the top 35 pest problems seen in nurseries over the past four years. The webinars will be held Wednesdays, September 17, 24, and October 1 from 12:30-2 p.m. ET. 

This webinar series is intended for nursery growers, landscapers, and other commercial industry representatives. RUP Credits have been applied for.

Agenda: 

Sept. 17, 2025: “Major Insect and Mite Pests of Nursery Crops,” Dr. Raymond Cloyd, Kansas State University Extension

There are a number of sucking and chewing insect and mite pests that are common problems of nursery grown crops. The webinar will discuss the biology, behavior, and damage associated with insect and mite pests, such as aphids, thrips, spider mites, flea beetles, spongy moth, bronze birch borer, and pear leaf blister mite.

Sept. 24, 2025: “Top Disease Problems Deciduous and Coniferous in Trees,” – Max Ferguson, MDARD Inspector and Bill Lindberg, MSU Extension

As nurseries are inspected every year, common diseases and insect pests of deciduous and coniferous trees are found. This webinar will highlight: rust pathogens, apple scab, shothole leaf spot, fire blight, septoria leaf spot, adelgids, white pine weevil, and needlecast diseases. 

Oct. 1, 2025: “Common Diseases of Herbaceous Perennials and Woody Ornamentals,” – Dr. Jan Byrne, MSU Pest and Diagnostics Lab

Woody ornamentals and herbaceous perennials are vulnerable to a variety of plant diseases. This webinar will cover several diseases commonly diagnosed at MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics. Topics will include powdery and downy mildews, rusts, leaf spots, viruses, and several diseases that commonly affect boxwood.

Cost: FREE