Extension Online Learning Events

Extension Learning Events are pre-recorded learning modules which can be viewed from any PC 24 hours a day using Windows Media Player. To view a training module, download Window Media Player and then click on the event name.

Users on a slow connection may experience difficulty viewing an archive because of the large file size. If you would like a CD of an archived session, contact Sonja Jo Serna at (505) 646-5659 or sserna@nmsu.edu for more information.

Supplemental learning materials are available as PDF files. To use files in PDF format, you will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader. Download Acrobat Reader from the Adobe web site by clicking on the "Get Acrobat!" icon.

Crop Management

Organic Farm Crop Production

George Dickerson, Horticulture Specialist
Upon review of this module you should be able to:

  • Identify approved chemicals and fertilizers for organic farming practices
  • Describe the regulations for marketing organic produce
  • Define what management practices must be present to qualify as an organic farm

Crop Adaptation

Bob Bevacqua, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Upon review of this module you should be able to:

  • List the relative water requirements of major NM crops
  • List the relative nutrient requirements for major NM crops
  • Describe methods to improve plant growth on highly alkaline soils
  • Describe methods to improve plant growth on saline soils
  • Define the effects of temperature extremes on growth and development of crops
  • Describe when crops are usually most susceptible to water stress

Cropping Systems Module

Denise McWilliams, Extension Agronomist
Upon review of this module you should be able to:

  • Describe how crops are adapted for rotational systems
  • Describe how water use and tillage systems affect crops
  • ID cover, trap and rotational system selection in crops
  • List crop aspects that make a system sustainable

Cropping Systems - Supplemental

Crop Management Module

Denise McWilliams, Extension Agronomist
Upon review of this module you should be able to:

  • Assess seed needs and general factors affecting planting
  • List seeding date, rate, depth and patterns in crops
  • List factors that optimize crop planting and limit replanting needs
  • Evaluate agronomic and economic information to improve crops

Crop Management - Supplemental

Crop Growth Management Module

Denise McWilliams, Extension Agronomist
Upon review of this module you should be able to:

  • List the external and internal factors that affect crop growth
  • Describe some of the theories on limiting crop factors
  • List how crop geometry, even under changing environmental conditions, is influenced
  • Describe how crop growth dynamics over the season influences plants and how plant parameters can indicate whether optimum yield conditions exist

Crop Growth - Supplemental

Crop Harvest and Storage Module

Denise McWilliams, Extension Agronomist
Upon review of this module you should be able to:

  • Decide when to harvest and the methods of harvesting specific crops
  • Describe the difference between physiological maturity and harvest maturity in crops
  • Describe the importance of seed or forage moisture content in the storage of crops
  • Explain the role and use of growth regulators, desiccants and defoliants to improve crop quality
  • Apply harvest information within whole farm management planning

Crop Harvest - Supplemental

Integrated Pest Management

Plant Pathology (Part I): Plant Disease Control

Natalie Goldberg, Extension Plant Pathologist
Upon review of this module you should be able to:

  • Describe the difference between a plant disorder and a plant disease
  • List environmental factors affecting disease development
  • Identify and describe abiotic and biotic disease causal agents

Plant Pathology (Part II): Diagnosing Plant Disorders

Natalie Goldberg, Extension Plant Pathologist
Upon review of this module you should be able to:

  • Describe the elements and pitfalls of accurate plant disorder diagnosis
  • Categorize causes of plant disorders and plant disease
    • abiotic vs biotic
    • single vs multiple problems
    • disease complexes
    • organism succession
  • Describe common symptoms of plant disorders and plant diseases

Plant Pathology (Part III): Plant Disease Management

Natalie Goldberg, Extension Plant Pathologist
Upon review of this module you should be able to:

  • Describe the basic principle of:
  • Genetic resistance
  • Cultural management
  • Biological management
  • Chemical management

Insect Identification - I: Getting Started

Carol Sutherland, Extension Entomologist
Upon review of this module you should be able to:

  • Describe insect identification as it pertains to:
  • Role in crop production (pest vs. beneficial)
  • Metamorphosis
  • Mouthparts and feeding habits
  • Sight identification
  • Life cycle: host crops and type of damage

Insect Identification - II: Simple Metamorphosis

Carol Sutherland, Extension Entomologist
Upon review of this module you should be able to:

  • Describe simple metamorphosis
  • Identify common NM crop pests with simple metamorphosis

Insect Identification - III: Complete Metamorphosis

Carol Sutherland, Extension Entomologist
Upon review of this module you should be able to:

  • Describe complete metamorphosis
  • Discuss key features of site identification to determine populations
  • ID life cycles
  • Identify types of metamorphosis
  • Identify mouthparts and describe feeding habits
  • Identify host crops and crop damage

Integrated Pest Management - I: Some Concepts

Carol Sutherland, Extension Entomologist
Upon review of this module you should be able to:

  • Describe basic concepts of IPM

Integrated Pest Management - II: Tools of IPM Programs

Carol Sutherland, Extension Entomologist
Upon review of this module you should be able to:

  • List the important characteristics of each of the following IPM tools:
    • Cultural control
    • Biological control
    • Pesticides
    • Host plant resistance
    • Physical/Mechanical control
    • Regulatory control

Nutrient Management

Nutrient Management Module

Denise McWilliams, Extension Agronomist
Upon review of this module you should be able to:

  • Explain the function of soil as a medium for plant growth and yield
  • Define how soils impact plant growth and nutrient uptake
  • Describe nutrient requirements for plants
  • Identify deficiency and toxicity symptoms in plants and corrective steps in improving plant growth
  • Describe how cropping systems and rotations can affect nutrient availability

Nutrient Management - Supplemental

Nutrient Sources and Applications

Denise McWilliams, Extension Agronomist
Upon review of this module you should be able to:

  • Describe how nutrients, soil and geological factors play into fertilizer use decisions
  • Evaluate why you should carefully weigh decisions to use fertilizers
  • List the environmental constraints when using certain nutrient sources
  • List different ways nutrients can be applied to crop land
  • Describe the application technologies available for fertilizer use

Nutrient Sources - Supplemental

Manure/Wastewater Characteristics & Volume Calculations

Robert Flynn, Extension Agronomist
Participants should be able to:

  • Calculate manure production based on dry matter intake and digestibility
  • Describe proper sampling techniques for manure piles
  • Describe manure and wastewater characteristics
  • Describe sample variability and ways to improve lab confidence

Soil and Water Management

Mechanical Irrigation

Robert Flynn, Extension Agronomist
Participants in this module should be able to describe the following:

  • Symptoms of poor efficiency in pivots and side-roll systems
  • Plant performance as affected by water distribution
  • Effect of wind on water distribution
  • Methods of achieving high application efficiency
  • In-season maintenance practices

Salinity Basics

Robert Flynn, Extension Agronomist
Participants should be able to:

  • Define salinity
  • Define sodium affected soil
  • Define saline/sodium affected soil
  • Define crop response to salinity
  • Describe best management practices to control salinity
  • Describe when gypsum is used