Michigan State University (MSU) has introduced a new self-paced online training course aimed at helping pesticide applicators strengthen their vegetable pest management skills while earning recertification credits.

The course, developed by the university’s Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP), is designed to support pesticide applicators seeking continuing education and exam preparation related to vegetable crop protection. According to MSU, the training responds to increasing demand for flexible learning formats that allow agricultural professionals to stay current with pest management practices while balancing work schedules.

The program provides training, certification exam preparation and continuing education opportunities for pesticide applicators across Michigan’s agricultural sector. The newly released course focuses on key aspects of pest management in vegetable production systems, covering integrated approaches to controlling insects, diseases and weeds.

The online training is structured into four core modules aligned with the Vegetable Pest Management Manual for Pesticide Applicators. The modules mirror major sections of the manual, allowing participants to complete lessons at their own pace and revisit specific topics relevant to their operations.

“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,” said Safa Alzohairy, pesticide safety education coordinator with MSU’s Pesticide Safety Education Program. “It covers the essentials for successful vegetable production.”

Upon completing the course, certified pesticide applicators in Michigan may request four Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) credits in either Private Core or Category 1B. The training can also serve as partial preparation for the Michigan Pesticide Applicator Category 1B certification exam, covering several sections of the official vegetable pest management manual.

The course forms part of MSU’s broader effort to expand digital learning options for agricultural professionals. In addition to the vegetable pest management program, the Pesticide Safety Education Program has also introduced a complementary self-paced course focused on fruit pest management.

By expanding its online training portfolio, the university aims to provide Michigan’s agricultural workforce with accessible tools to maintain certification requirements and stay updated on pest management practices.