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More pest control questions and answers
Last spring and summer, light webs covered all of my tomato plants.
They all died. This condition also affected the blackberries and that part
of the vines died off. My bell peppers were not affected. Any idea what the
problem is and how I can avoid it this spring?
I suspect you had a severe spider mite infestation. Spider mites are common in Missouri during the summer, especially during hot, dry weather and frequently attack blackberry and tomato plants. To be sure of the diagnosis in the future and to prevent further infestation, I would also suggest submitting a sample to a diagnostic lab or your local county extension office. You can find information on how to submit samples and fees at the MU Plant Diagnostic Clinic Web site. G7274, Aphids, Scales, and Mites on Garden and Landscape Plants can provide control measures.
Simeon Wright
Plant Diagnostic Clinic Coordinator
I am going to be starting a lawn care business and want to prepare. How do I get a license to apply fertilizer?
You do not have to be licensed to apply lawn fertilizer in Missouri. However, if you plan to use 'weed and feed' for your commercial customers, you will have to be licensed under Category 3: Ornamental and Turf Pest Control. I think this would be good training for a person planning to start a small lawn care business. Please refer to the 2007 Commercial Pesticide Applicator Training for the session nearest you.
The classes are only training; however they are very helpful in preparing for the test. The schedule for testing can be found on our MU IPM Web site.
Steven D. Kirk
Extension Associate
Pesticide Applicator Training
How can I get a commercial license to apply
herbicides and pesticides to lawns?
Information for next January's Commercial Pesticide Applicator Training is available online.
Steven D. Kirk
Extension Associate
Pesticide Applicator Training
I am having problems with a weed my mother calls rattlesnake weed,
but it is not the same as photos I find online. I'd like to know how to get
rid of it and where it came from. Is there a resource with pictures to identify
Missouri weeds?
Kevin Bradley and our weed science personnel have developed an online reference to Missouri weeds.
You can also submit digital photos or a sample of the weed to the MU Plant Diagnostic Clinic for identification. We can provide control measures.
Simeon Wright
Plant Diagnostic Clinic Coordinator
The pesticide license for our farms expires at the end of this month.
Can we be certified online or do we need to call our local MU extension center?
We do not have online pesticide applicator certification. If your license is for private application, call your local extension specialist for testing schedules. If it is for commercial application, please refer to our pesticide applicator training schedule for dates and locations.
Steven D. Kirk
Extension Associate
Pesticide Applicator Training
More pest control questions and answers
Updated 8/23/07
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Department of Horticulture.