The Cotton and Soybean Insect Scouting Workshop was held on July 28th for Sumter, Clarendon, Williamsburg, and Florence counties. This day-long training was one of several held across the state. Speakers included; Jeremy Greene, Cotton and Soybean Entomologist from EREC, Francis Reay-Jones, Corn and Small Grain Entomologist for the PDREC, Hannah Mikell, Agronomy Agent, and Heath Benjamin, Agronomy Agent. The agenda included a field portion and classroom training. Private pesticide applicator training credits were available for all pesticide license holders. We received many positive comments from new and seasoned scouts pertaining to insect threshold numbers and identifying growth stages of crops. By identifying the correct insect and growth stage of crops applicators can make a more timely pesticide application to ensure a successful harvest. A BBQ plate lunch was enjoyed by all. Lastly, Dr. Greene and Dr. Jones gave participants a hat, sweep net, and a hand lens. Special thank you to the McArthur Family for the use of their cotton and soybean fields for the field demonstration.
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