Integrated Pest Management
Research on the development of tactics used in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs has been underway for more than 25 years at the North Florida Research & Education Center. Crops impacted by this research include soybeans, peanuts, small grains, tomatoes, peppers, pecans and woody ornamentals.
 |
 |
During this time research projects have focused on breeding crops for pest resistance, conservation and utilization of natural enemies, selective use of chemicals, use of cultural practices such as reflective mulches in tomato and pepper production to suppress pest infestations and development of a variety of pest monitoring techniques and treatment thresholds.
For approximately the past 20 years, training sessions for pest management technicians (Field Scouts) have been conducted by NFREC personnel throughout north Florida. Crops for which training has been provided include cotton, forages, grain sorghum, peanuts, soybeans, tobacco and woody ornamentals.
Integrated Pest Management of Arthropod Pests
Insect and mites are very important pests of most nursery-grown plants, and as a result nursery growers incur significant expenses to manage them. Pest management programs in research
and extension are aimed at developing the necessary biology, ecology and management information to support "green" industry needs.
We have developed a primary source of nursery IPM information that is available through the Woody Bug online database. Current projects are aimed at developing alternative pests management tools and include, improved monitoring methods and controls for the Asiatic granulate ambrosia beetle, the evaluation of sycamore cultivars for sycamore lace bug resistance and the augmentation of biological control through behavioral manipulations of natural enemies.
More Information
For more information on Integrated Pest Management, the UF/IFAS Web site for Insect Traps, Sampling, Etc. or contact Russ Mizell.