History of the ASU/College of Agriculture and UA/Division of Agriculture Herbicide Symptomology Training

 

The first workshop was held in June, 1997 and was specifically held for the training of the Inspectors for the Arkansas State Plant Board (ASPB).  It was designed to evaluate the symptomolgy from the various classes of herbicides as well as reviewing the terminology used to describe the symptoms.  This training was also an opportunity to introduce new products that were being introduced into the area.  Several years later, the training was expanded to a second day to allow for extension agents, consultants, and industry personnel to participate.  This was supported by the Arkansas Crop Protection Association.  During the last several years, we have welcomed inspectors from several other states including Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Missouri.

 

The early training was primarily on row crops and several vegetables in which the ASPB had received several complaints. As the training evolved, the number of garden crops was increased to cover the majority of plant types produced in the region.  An addition of yard evaluations included the major turf and some of the annual and perennial plants that were typical within the region.  The perennial plants were later expanded to include other species including trees, shrubs, and bulb plants.  All classes of herbicides are typically used for the training, but an emphasis is placed on the chemicals that had generated the most complaints in the previous year.

 

At present, the training is typically held in late June and on the designated Friday is open to all interested individuals.  At present there is no cost associated with the training.

 

 

 

 

Powerpoint about the history and design of the training.

The First Step in the Detection of Herbicide Drift: Plant Symptomology, 

Presented to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6, Quality

Assurance Conference, Dallas, TX, October 19, 2004.