‘I Have No Fogging Clue!’ Registration is open for MSU Extension’s workshop on using ULV applications and biorationals in the greenhouse
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EmailDiscover practical strategies for using foggers, ultra-low volume equipment and biorational products more effectively in commercial greenhouse production.
Commercial greenhouse growers are invited to join Michigan State University Extension on Oct. 1 for a hands-on workshop exploring ultra-low volume (ULV) application technologies, fogging systems, worker safety considerations, and strategies for effectively using biorational pest and disease management products in greenhouse production.
Many greenhouse operations own foggers or ULV equipment but use them infrequently due to concerns about efficacy, worker safety requirements, re-entry intervals, or uncertainty about how these technologies fit into existing pest management programs. This workshop is designed to address those questions through research-based presentations, industry expertise, and practical greenhouse demonstrations.
Hosted by MSU Extension in partnership with Deneweth's Garden Center and several industry collaborators, the one-day program will provide commercial greenhouse growers, managers, employees, and technical advisors with practical information they can apply immediately in their operations. Attendees will learn about application methods, personal protective equipment, respirator requirements, worker protection regulations, and the role of ULV technologies in modern greenhouse pest management programs.
Event details
Date: Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Deneweth's Garden Center, 16125 22 Mile Rd., Macomb, MI 48044
RUP Credits: 6 credits for the day, Private and Commercial Core, Category 1B, 3B and FUM
What participants will learn
As more greenhouse operations adopt biorational pesticides and biological control programs, application methods have become increasingly important. Many biorational products require thorough coverage and preventative applications to achieve optimal results. Understanding when and how to use foggers, ULV equipment and conventional sprayers can make a significant difference in product performance.
Sessions throughout the day will explore:
- Fundamentals of greenhouse fogging and ULV application technologies
- Worker safety considerations and respirator requirements
- Medical fitness, fit testing, and respiratory protection programs
- Integrating biorational products into greenhouse pest management programs
- Effective application techniques for maximizing product efficacy
- Re-entry intervals, air exchange considerations, and greenhouse worker protection requirements
- A practical comparison between ULV and conventional spray applications
A highlight of the workshop will be a greenhouse demonstration comparing ULV and traditional spray applications. Using dye-based applications documented in advance, participants will observe differences in coverage and application performance while discussing the strengths and limitations of each approach. Additional presentations will cover electrostatic sprayers, fogging technologies, and current research related to applying biorational products in greenhouse environments.
Learn from university and industry experts
The workshop will feature speakers from MSU Extension, industry partners, occupational health professionals, and regulatory agencies beginning with an overview on spraying and fogging in enclosed spaces presented by Ben Phillips, an MSU Extension educator specializing in commercial field and greenhouse vegetable production. Drawing from his experience working directly with commercial growers across Michigan, Phillips will provide an overview of the fogging and ULV application systems commonly used in greenhouse production. Participants will learn how these technologies compare with conventional spray equipment and how application method selection can influence efficacy, efficiency and overall pest management outcomes.
Worker safety is a critical component of every pesticide application program. Ed Parsons is a certified safety professional and investigator with the Michigan Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation program in MSU's Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. His work focuses on helping employers understand and implement practical safety programs that protect workers while meeting regulatory requirements. During this session, Parsons will discuss respirator selection, medical evaluations, fit testing, training requirements and recordkeeping, helping growers navigate respiratory protection requirements with confidence.
Michael Brownbridge, Ph.D., brings more than 30 years of experience in biological control, integrated pest management and production systems research. As senior technical services manager with BioWorks, Brownbridge works to accelerate the adoption of biological products while providing technical guidance to growers and industry partners. He has previously held research and leadership positions with organizations including Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, AgResearch Ltd., and the University of Vermont. Through two presentations, he will discuss how biorational products fit within modern greenhouse pest management programs and share current knowledge on application strategies that maximize product efficacy, particularly when using low-volume and fogging technologies.
Following lunch, attendees will participate in a greenhouse demonstration led by Jason Grimmett, Southeastern U.S. technical representative for Dramm. With more than 20 years of experience as both a grower and horticultural sales professional, Grimmett has worked closely with greenhouse operations to evaluate application equipment and production technologies. During the demonstration, he will showcase differences in coverage between conventional spray and ULV applications using dye tracer examples, helping attendees visualize how equipment choice can impact coverage, efficiency and pest management success.
The workshop concludes with Antonio Escobar, worker protection specialist with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Escobar works directly with growers, agricultural employers and pesticide applicators to support compliance with federal Worker Protection Standards, which is designed to reduce the risk of pesticide exposure among agricultural workers and handlers. His presentation will focus on re-entry intervals, air exchange considerations, pesticide safety requirements and employer responsibilities related to worker protection in greenhouse environments. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how to maintain compliance while safeguarding employee health and safety.
Throughout the day, participants will have opportunities to network with other greenhouse professionals and industry representatives during lunch and breaks. Greenhouse growers interested in improving pesticide application efficiency, evaluating fogging technologies, or learning more about effective biorational product use are encouraged to attend. Whether your operation currently uses ULV equipment or is considering adopting these technologies, the workshop will provide practical information to help guide decision-making.
Cost and registration
This workshop is free to attend, however advance registration is required. Participants may register for themselves or as a group through a single online registration process.
Register for “I Have No Fogging Clue!” Greenhouse Workshop
Coffee, lunch and snacks will be provided at this event. Attendance is limited, so be sure to sign up early!
