top of page

3A Pesticide Applicator Training

Module 2 – Turfgrass Pest Management

  • The four basic principles for managing pests in turfgrass.

  • The five steps of Integrated Pest Management – IPM.

  • Economic Injury Level and Action Threshold.

  • Turfgrass pest monitoring techniques.

    • Choice of cultural methods, or

    • Choice of pesticide

  • Biological Control

  • Turfgrass pesticide modes of action

Module 3 – Cultural Management of Turfgrass

  • The various types of grasses grown for Michigan turf and their categories.

  • Requirements for healthy turfgrass.

  • Nutrients important to turfgrass health.

  • Determining which turfgrass types are best for a specific site.

  • Identify mistakes in turfgrass management that could contribute to poor turf stands and pest problems.

Module 4 – Federal and State Pesticide Laws

  • The Federal and State laws relevant to turfgrass applications.

  • Applicator responsibilities in the laws.

  • Posting and notifications for 3A Commercial Certified applicators

Module 5 – Pesticide Application Equipment

  • The various types of pesticide application equipment.

  • The basic components of sprayers.

  • Describe how to properly apply a pesticide using granular or spray equipment.

  • Explain how to maintain equipment in good working order to prevent failure.

Module 6 – Application Calculations and Calibration of Equipment

  • How to calculate the area size where a pesticide will be applied.

  • Calibration is knowing how much the sprayer is putting out.

  • Adjustments to application equipment that are possible to get the right application rate.

  • Pre calibration equipment check.

  • When, where and how often to calibrate.

  • The 1/128 or Ounces to Gallons calibration method.

Module 7 – Weeds of Turfgrass

  • The difference in biology between monocots and dicots.

  • The 4 stages of weed development.

  • Life cycles of annual, biennial and perennial weeds.

  • Identify the major turfgrass weeds found in Michigan.

  • Management strategies to manage turfgrass weeds.

  • How to use herbicides and dealing with hard-to-control weeds.

  • Weather and herbicide applications.

  • How to correct herbicide application mistakes.

Module 8 – Dieseases and Disorders of Turfgrass

  • What is a turf disease and what is a turf disorder.

  • The disease pyramid and how it helps you manage turf diseases.

  • Symptoms of common turf disease.

  • Signs of common turf disease.

  • Fungicide modes of action –protectant, contact and systemic.

Module 9 – Animal Pests of Turfgrass – Insects and Vertebrates

  • Insect pests relevant to turfgrass in Michigan.

  • Recognize damage symptoms caused by insect pests.

  • Know when certain pests may be active during the growing season.

  • Pest management methods to prevent loss.

  • Most common vertebrate turf pests in Michigan.

  • How to minimize mole damage to turfgrass.

Module 10 – Tips for Success

  • MDARD test format

  • Question types

  • Making the best choice

bottom of page