Michigan State University’s Pesticide Safety Education Program has released a new self-paced online course designed to help pesticide applicators strengthen their vegetable pest management skills and earn Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) recertification credits.
The MSU Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) supports Michigan pesticide applicators by providing training, certification exam preparation and continuing education opportunities. The new course responds to growing demand for flexible training options that help applicators stay current with best practices.
The course was developed by MSU PSEP specialists using materials directly aligned with the Vegetable Pest Management Manual for Pesticide Applicators. It includes four core modules covering integrated pest, disease, and weed management. Instruction is organized into four modules that mirror key chapters in the manual, allowing learners to work at their own pace and review specific topics relevant to their operations.
Upon successful completion of the course, certified pesticide applicators in Michigan may request four RUP credits in Private Core or Category 1B. The course also serves as partial exam preparation for those preparing for the Michigan Pesticide Applicator Category 1B Certification Exam, covering several key sections of the Vegetable Pest Management Manual.
“This self-paced vegetable pest management course gives pesticide applicators the flexibility to build their pest control knowledge on their own schedule while earning valuable RUP recertification credits,” Safa Alzohairy, the program’s pesticide safety education coordinator, said. “It covers the essentials for successful vegetable production.”
MSU PSEP will continue expanding its online, self-paced offerings to support Michigan’s agricultural workforce. In addition to the vegetable course, a complementary fruit pest management course is also available for applicators seeking additional training opportunities.
