Pesticides are important tools in production agriculture, enabling producers and commodity handlers to effectively manage insects, weeds, and diseases. However, when handled or applied improperly, pesticides have the potential to cause human health and environmental hazards. Therefore Federal and Illinois laws require individuals to become certified before using certain pesticides or before using any pesticides in certain situations. Since 1966, University of Illinois Extension has been providing training clinics and producing manuals and workbooks to help applicators prepare for certification exams.

This year, U of I Extension has gone one step further with the introduction of two new self-study CD-ROMs for pesticide applicators: "Private Applicator" and "Stored Grain Pest Management." The "Private Applicator Self-Study CD" was developed to prepare Illinois producers for the Private Pesticide Applicator certification exam. The "Stored Grain Pest Management Self-Study CD" was developed to serve two grain storage audiences: private applicators needing certification in the Grain Fumigation category, and commercial not-for-hire applicators needing certification in the Grain Facility category. The CDs contain movies with narration, photos and text. They are easy to install and use on a personal computer and provide a convenient way for producers and grain handlers to learn at their own pace, at home or at the office.

Bruce Paulsrud, U of I Extension specialist in pesticide applicator training and plant pathology, coordinated the production of the CDs and thinks the busy professionals he works with will find them to be a great resource. "Many applicators have expressed interest in preparing for the certification exams on their own. Even with a large number of face-to-face training sessions, we simply can not reach everyone with a convenient training time or location. With the CDs, applicators can review anytime, before taking a pesticide applicator certification exam or whenever necessary as a refresher," explained Paulsrud.

The "Private Applicator" CD provides information on the effective, economic and environmentally sound use of pesticides and will teach the user how to identify sensitive areas and situations and how to manage applications to avoid environmental and legal problems.

The "Stored Grain Pest Management" CD contains information on bin cleaning, temperature and moisture management, and pest detection. Users will learn how to properly apply fumigants and protect themselves during application. They will be able to identify major pests such as insects, molds and rodents and understand their biology. The CD also covers Integrated Pest Management techniques to successfully control insects and slow resistance development.

"Application technology, pesticide labels, and legal issues have changed considerably over the past 5 to 7 years and we will experience more changes. An ever-changing working environment and the need to improve public perception make training and certification crucial steps in helping to ensure the continued use of, and benefits from, pesticides as an option in pest management," said Paulsrud.

In terms of available technology, there were several ways that Paulsrud and his colleagues could have addressed the need for a self-study option. However, after considering accessibility, cost and ease of updating, they chose to deliver the programs via CD-ROM. System requirements for the new CDs include a Pentium -based (or equivalent) computer equipped with at least 32 MB of RAM, CD-ROM drive, sound card and speakers, Windows 98 or newer, and Internet Explorer or Netscape version 4.0 or newer.

The "Private Applicator" CD (SP39-7-CD) is available for $20.00, plus shipping. The "Stored Grain Pest Management" CD (SP39-8-CD) costs $30.00, plus shipping. However, both CDs may be purchased as a set (SET160-CD) for only $45.00. To order, call 1-800-345-6087. MasterCard and VISA accepted.

To order: contact Cyndi Moore, 1-800-345-6087 or 217-333-2007 For marketing information: contact Toni Oplt, 217-244-8073

Bruce Paulsrud (11/02)
University of Illinois Extension