Pest Management Research
The same reasons that make Florida a desirable place to live or visit, such as warm temperatures and the tropical environment, also bring some of the most troublesome turfgrass management concerns. Natural obstacles to the best production and maintenance of turf include Florida’s sandy soils and high average rainfall. Numerous insects, diseases, nematodes, and weeds result in additional management challenges.
The most common approach to getting control of these pests is to apply pesticides with little regard to environmental and ecological considerations. Integrated Pest Management (IPM), however, combines common-sense practices, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment, and reliable information on pest control methods and strategies. When used together, the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment is the result.
One of our objectives is to conduct pest management product performance and demonstration trials to provide data which can be used to develop science-based extension information and which can be used for the registration of environmentally friendly pest management products. These studies are conducted at the UF/IFAS WFREC and on golf courses, sod farms, athletic fields, and residential/ commercial landscapes.
The information obtained from our research is highlighted in various research reports, extension publications, and popular press articles.