This series will focus on common pests and diseases in Colorado. All webinars are free, but registration is required. Webinars will be held on Fridays at Noon in April and May. To register, click on the specific webinar you would like to sign up for.
Protecting Native Seeds by Understanding Insect Communities in Western Colorado
September 2, 2026, 12-1pm
Speaker: Melissa Schreiner
Over the past two growing seasons, collaborative surveys with private native seed producers and the Upper Colorado Environmental Plant Materials Center have resulted in the first comprehensive taxonomic checklist of insects and spiders associated with native seed production in Western Colorado. By documenting pests alongside pollinators and natural enemies, this effort provides an important foundation for making informed management decisions that protect both crop production and beneficial biodiversity. This presentation will explore the remarkable diversity of arthropods found in native seed fields producing species such as yarrow, penstemons, scarlet globemallow, and Utah sweetvetch. From specialist pollinators and predatory insects to seed-feeding pests and other herbivores, attendees will discover how each group contributes to, or challenges, the success of native seed production. Along the way, you’ll learn how these insect communities differ among plant species and why accurate identification is the cornerstone of effective IPM. Whether you’re a native seed producer, land manager, gardener, or simply fascinated by Colorado’s natural history, this talk offers a behind-the-scenes look at the hidden biodiversity thriving in native seed fields. Come discover the insects that help, hinder, and ultimately shape the production of the native plants that support Western Colorado’s landscapes.
Greenhouse IPM
September 16, 2026, 12-1pm
Speaker: Karim Gharbi
Controlled environments entail their own suit of pests that are different, yet comparably difficult to manage, compared to outdoor cropping systems. Join us as we describe those various pests, ranging from insects to mites to diseases, and the latest techniques in how to suppress them.
The Uninvited Guests: Insects and Arthropods Found in Your Home
September 22, 2026, 12-1pm
Speaker: Lisa Mason
As temperatures cool down, both six-legged and eight-legged critters will look for warm places to overwinter including people’s homes. On the day of the autumn equinox, September 22nd at noon, we will cover common insects and arthropods that may wander from your garden into your home, their life cycle, role, and management solutions.
Beet Curly Top Virus: What Vegetable Growers Need to Know
September 30, 2026
Speaker: Melissa Schreiner
Beet Curly Top Virus (BCTV) is devastating disease that can impact sugar beets, tomatoes, spinach, and peppers. While the virus isn’t found every year in Colorado, it was prevalent on the West Slope of Colorado and confirmed in Larimer County this year. Join this webinar to learn about how to spot symptoms of the disease, the biology including how it is spread via beet leafhoppers, current research, and management options. Vegetable growers should be vigilant in monitoring for this virus to mitigate losses.
The High-Altitude Hit List: Colorado’s Emerging Pests and Pathogens
Recording Coming Soon
Colorado’s landscape is changing, and so are the threats to our gardens, farms, and forests. As we move into 2026, we are seeing a significant shift in pest populations. We will discuss new arrivals like rose rosette disease and Asian jumping worm, and also cover pests not new to Colorado, but making a strong appearance in 2026, like the mountain pine beetle. We will also discuss resources for plant health and how you can be a first detector for pests and pathogens.
Leaps and Bounds: Managing Grasshoppers in Colorado
Recording Coming Soon
Have you noticed an uptick of grasshoppers in the landscape? If so, you’re not alone! With a warm, dry winter, we can anticipate another high population year of hoppers From home gardening to farming, grasshoppers can cause considerable damage to a wide variety of plants. Join us to learn more about grasshopper management options in your landscape.
Emerald Ash Borer on the Move: Making a Plan for Your Ash Trees
Recording Coming Soon
Emerald ash borer (EAB) has been confirmed in over 20 Front Range municipalities now. EAB is an invasive beetle deadly to all ash trees, is spreading throughout Colorado. Join us to learn about management options for your ash tree and where EAB has been confirmed in Colorado.
Battle of the Beetles: Strategies to Manage Japanese Beetles in the Landscape
Recording Coming Soon
Japanese beetles has become one of most frustrating pests for Colorado gardeners. They feed on over 300 types of plants favored by gardeners from roses to turf grass roots. Join us to learn management strategies for these invasive, persistent pests.
Colorado Vegetable Insects: Pests and Predators
Recording Coming Soon
This presentation explores the hidden interactions shaping Colorado vegetable gardens and farms, focusing on both the pests that challenge crops and the natural enemies working behind the scenes to keep them in balance. Topics include the identification, biology, damage, and management of common pests such as corn earworm, squash bugs, earwigs, aphids, and spider mites, along with discussion of how Colorado’s dry climate, heat, and environmental stress can influence our populations of local insects that too call Colorado home. The talk also highlights some of the unsung heroes of the garden and farm: lady beetles, lacewings, parasitoid wasps, predatory bugs, spiders, and other beneficial organisms that provide natural biological control every day. Participants will learn how to recognize key pests and beneficials, better understand integrated pest management (IPM), and gain practical strategies for supporting healthier, more resilient vegetable systems without relying solely on pesticides.
Squishing the Squash Bug: All about the pest, organic control, and current Colorado-based research.
Recording Coming Soon
This presentation explores the hidden interactions shaping Colorado vegetable gardens and farms, focusing on both the pests that challenge crops and the natural enemies working behind the scenes to keep them in balance. Topics include the identification, biology, damage, and management of common pests such as corn earworm, squash bugs, earwigs, aphids, and spider mites, along with discussion of how Colorado’s dry climate, heat, and environmental stress can influence our populations of local insects that too call Colorado home. The talk also highlights some of the unsung heroes of the garden and farm: lady beetles, lacewings, parasitoid wasps, predatory bugs, spiders, and other beneficial organisms that provide natural biological control every day. Participants will learn how to recognize key pests and beneficials, better understand integrated pest management (IPM), and gain practical strategies for supporting healthier, more resilient vegetable systems without relying solely on pesticides.
2025 WHAT’S KILLING YOUR PLANTS WEBINAR SERIES RECORDINGS
What’s Killing your Plants? – Grasshoppers
Have you noticed an uptick of grasshoppers in the landscape? If so, you’re not alone! From home gardening to farming, grasshoppers can cause considerable damage to a wide variety of plants. Join us to learn more about grasshopper management options in your landscape.
Recording
Tell us what you think about the webinar: Evaluation
What’s Killing your Plants? – Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald ash borer (EAB), an invasive beetle deadly to all ash trees, is spreading throughout Colorado. Join us to learn about management options for your ash tree and where EAB has been confirmed in Colorado.
Recording
Tell us what you think about the webinar: Evaluation
What’s Killing your Plants? – Japanese Beetles
Japanese beetles feed on over 300 types of plants. They cause damage to many plants favored by gardeners. Join us to learn some management strategies for these invasive pests.
Recording
Tell us what you think about the webinar: Evaluation
What’s Killing your Plants? – Pest Management in the Western Slope
There are several pests affecting the western part of our state from Japanese beetles to corn ear worm. Join us to learn what CSU Extension researchers are doing to manage some of these pests.
Recording
Tell us what you think about the webinar: Evaluation
What’s Killing your Plants? – Vegetable Diseases and Pests
Join us to learn about the most common diseases and pests affecting vegetables in Colorado. What can we do to mitigate their effects? how can we ensure we have our specific vegetables at the end of the season? Can I eat vegetables infected with plant diseases?. We will tackle all these questions!
Recording
Tell us what you think about the webinar: Evaluation
What’s Killing your Plants? – Pesticide Basics for the Backyard Gardener
May 9th, 2025 @ 12:00PM
If you’ve ever wondered about using pesticides in your garden, this webinar is for you! We’ll dive into what pesticides are, talk about the risks of common home remedies, and share some easy-to-follow tips for using pesticides safely. Plus, we’ll point you to helpful resources so you can make informed decisions about when it might be necessary to use a pesticide.
Recording
Tell us what you think about the webinar: Evaluation
What’s Killing your Plants? – Squash Bugs and Organic Control
May 16th, 2025 @ 12:00PM
Squash bugs are a very common Colorado garden pest. Brad Tonnessen, scientist at the Western Colorado Research Center – Rogers Mesa, will discuss all things squash bugs and upcoming projects to address them. For producers and gardeners alike! Topics will cover insect biology and life cycle, history, monitoring methods, local issues, and of course, the many options for organic control.
Recording
Tell us what you think about the webinar: Evaluation
What’s Killing your Plants? – Tree Borers
May 23rd, 2025 @ 12:00PM
Have you ever noticed insect holes in your trees? This webinar will cover some common tree-boring insects you are likely to see in your own landscape and management strategies for overall tree health.
Recording
Tell us what you think about the webinar: Evaluation
Extension Programs are available to all without discrimination. If you have a need for which you seek an accommodation, please notify us at greenschool@colostate.edu and allow at least 14 days to provide the accommodations.
