–by Dr. Raymond Cloyd
Enrollment is Now Open!
This 4-hour class consists of pre-recorded lectures and video demonstrations and is intended for greenhouse and ornamental plant growers and others interested in learning about the fundamental concepts of insect biological control methods. It provides introductory content to those growers new to biological control and introduces more advanced methods, including banker plants.
The course is instructed Michigan State University’s online course learning management system, Desire 2 Learn by Heidi Lindberg, Greenhouse and Nursery Extension Educator with MSU Extension. Dr. Raymond Cloyd (Kansas State University Extension) co-authored the content. Participants enrolled in this self-paced course will take a pre-test and a final exam to gauge their learning of the topics. Self-assessment quizzes will engage students with the material throughout the course. The course also provides links to additional resources on pertinent biological control topics.
Course Content
The 4-hours of pre-recorded lecture and video demonstrations are divided into six units:
Unit 1: Introduction to Greenhouse Biological Control
Unit 2: Commercially Available Biological Control Agents
Unit 3: Using Banker Plants in Biological Control Programs
Unit 4: Implementing a Biological Control Program
Unit 5: Interactions of Pesticides and Biological Control Programs
Unit 6: Greenhouse Examples of Biological Control Systems: Application Strategy and Costs
The first unit is an overview of the challenges and opportunities of biological control, how biological control systems work, factors to consider when developing your program, and the importance and methodology of scouting in the greenhouse. The second unit of the course covers the commercially available biological control agents sold in the United States and provides benchmark release rates and facts useful to those releasing biological control agents in the greenhouse. Unit three discusses the four most common banker plant systems for green peach and melon aphids, greenhouse whitefly, and western flower thrips. The fourth unit covers important issues, such as, quality control of biological control agents. Unit five addresses integrating pesticides (including fungicides) with biological control agents. Unit 6 presents examples of biological control programs implemented by growers for wholesale spring bedding plants and greenhouse vegetable operations.
Below is the website to access information associated with the course:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/online-college-of-knowledge/biological-control
Cost: The cost is $129 per person.
Course offerings: This course is offered twice a year (summer and winter).
Summer Course:
Registration period: May
Course available to students: June-August
Winter Course:
Registration period: November
Course available to students: December-February
Win a $75 gift card: Individuals who paid for the course and completed the pre-test, final exam, and post-course evaluation will be entered into a raffle for one of three $75 gift cards!
Financial Need Scholarships:
There are three scholarships available for those that are interested in the course but do not currently have the financial means to take it. Greenhouse growers interested in the scholarship will be able to apply for it upon registering by writing a short paragraph about why you feel you should be awarded this scholarship and how you plan to use the information you learn in your business or professional endeavors. The applicants and winners will be kept confidential. The cost of the course will be $39.99 for scholarship winners. Scholarship winners will be notified after the enrollment period has passed.
Registration Instructions
To register for this course you will need to create an account, sign in with your email/password, and complete the registration process. Step-by-step instructions are below.
Create your MSU Guest Account/Community ID and Password: Create Your Account
Login to the registration system with your Community ID and Password: Biological Control for Greenhouse Growers
Follow the instructions to register for the course. Upon registration, you will receive a receipt and instructions for accessing the course.
Logging Into the Online Course
Once you have registered, follow the instructions below to login – you will use the same login credentials that you set during registration (your NetID is your email address used during registration and use the same password set during registration).
Go to the Michigan State University’s Online Course System (known as Desire2Learn or D2L): https://d2l.msu.edu/.
Click on the Login button. In the MSU NETID field enter your email address (enter the same email used during registration).
Enter the password you set during registration.
You will be logged into D2L – click on the View All Courses link and you will see the course listed.
*Note: If you need to reset your password go to: https://community.idm.msu.edu/ and select the option for Forgot Password.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
If you need technical assistance, please contact Michigan State University Discovery Services. They are available at reachout@msu.edu or 517-353-8700. Tell them you are logging into an MSU Extension online course with an MSU Community ID.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
What is my username/NETID?
Your username (or NET ID) is the email address you used to create your account during registration (you use the same email address/password for registering and for taking the course).
What URL do I go to for logging into the course?
Go to: https://d2l.msu.edu/. You will see the Michigan State University at the top of the page.
I received a “not authenticated” response when trying to login – what do I do?
A “not authenticated” message is typically an issue with a password not being entered correctly. To reset your password at any time go to: https://community.idm.msu.edu/ and select the option for Forgot Password. You will receive an email from a sender called “Community ID” with a link to reset your password.
I forgot my password – where can I reset it?
To reset your password at any time go to: https://community.idm.msu.edu/ and select the option for Forgot Password. You will receive an email from a sender called “Community ID” with a link to reset your password.
Who can I call for technical support?
If you need technical assistance, please contact Michigan State University Discovery Services. They are available at reachout@msu.edu or 517-353-8700. Tell them you are logging into an MSU Extension online course with an MSU Community ID.