MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Chemical usage, disaster issues and wildlife are among the topics that will be discussed in the upcoming Integrated Pest Management workshop in Raymond on Feb. 21.

Mississippi State University’s Extension Service is sponsoring the General Pest Management Workshop at the Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center. Registration is $10 and begins at 8 a.m. for the full-day event to be held in the auditorium.

“The workshop will provide agriculture professionals with current information related to pest management in a variety of situations,” said David Ingram, Extension plant pathologist and research professor based in Raymond. “Homeowners are welcome to attend, but the program is designed primarily for ag consultants and Extension personnel.”

Sessions will cover fungicide chemistry, organic farming, pesticide regulations and worker protection standards. Other subjects include the Mississippi Animal Response Team, avian influenza and wildlife consulting opportunities. Participants will hear a report on Hurricane Katrina’s impact on the coastal nursery industry.

The program will serve as training and re-certification for agricultural consultants as well as in-service training for county directors and area agents in Extension.

For more information on the six-hour workshop, contact local Extension offices or Ingram at (601) 857-2284 or davidi@ext.msstate.edu.