3A Pesticide Applicator Training
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The four basic principles for managing pests in turfgrass.
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The five steps of Integrated Pest Management – IPM.
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Economic Injury Level and Action Threshold.
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Turfgrass pest monitoring techniques.
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Choice of cultural methods, or
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Choice of pesticide
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Biological Control
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Turfgrass pesticide modes of action
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The various types of grasses grown for Michigan turf and their categories.
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Requirements for healthy turfgrass.
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Nutrients important to turfgrass health.
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Determining which turfgrass types are best for a specific site.
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Identify mistakes in turfgrass management that could contribute to poor turf stands and pest problems.
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The Federal and State laws relevant to turfgrass applications.
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Applicator responsibilities in the laws.
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Posting and notifications for 3A Commercial Certified applicators
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The various types of pesticide application equipment.
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The basic components of sprayers.
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Describe how to properly apply a pesticide using granular or spray equipment.
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Explain how to maintain equipment in good working order to prevent failure.
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How to calculate the area size where a pesticide will be applied.
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Calibration is knowing how much the sprayer is putting out.
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Adjustments to application equipment that are possible to get the right application rate.
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Pre calibration equipment check.
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When, where and how often to calibrate.
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The 1/128 or Ounces to Gallons calibration method.
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The difference in biology between monocots and dicots.
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The 4 stages of weed development.
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Life cycles of annual, biennial and perennial weeds.
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Identify the major turfgrass weeds found in Michigan.
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Management strategies to manage turfgrass weeds.
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How to use herbicides and dealing with hard-to-control weeds.
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Weather and herbicide applications.
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How to correct herbicide application mistakes.
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What is a turf disease and what is a turf disorder.
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The disease pyramid and how it helps you manage turf diseases.
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Symptoms of common turf disease.
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Signs of common turf disease.
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Fungicide modes of action –protectant, contact and systemic.
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Insect pests relevant to turfgrass in Michigan.
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Recognize damage symptoms caused by insect pests.
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Know when certain pests may be active during the growing season.
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Pest management methods to prevent loss.
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Most common vertebrate turf pests in Michigan.
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How to minimize mole damage to turfgrass.
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MDARD test format
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Question types
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Making the best choice