New Pests of Shrubs and Trees

Many new invasive exotic pests are becoming established in Florida. What do they look like? What do they attack? How can I control them? For answers to your questions, please see the presentation link: http://pinellas.ifas.ufl.edu/blog_commercial_connection/20090319ISA.pdf

I presented this information at the ISA seminar on March 10, 2009 at PTEC.

Aquatic CEU Update

Pesticide Mode of Action and Chemical Families
Jason Ferrell, Assistant Professor, Extension Weed Specialist, University of Florida, Gainesville.Herbicide toxicity to plants and people will be addressed. Proper handling and pesticide safety will also be discussed.

New Weeds to Watch For
Ken Langeland, Professor; and Collette Jacono, Aquatic and Invasive Plants, University of Florida, Gainesville. Identification, biology, and management of emerging and potential aquatic plant pests will be discussed

Ponds: Careful of the Fish
Charles Cichra, Professor, Fish Ecology and Management, University of Florida, Gainesville.This presentation will discuss factors affecting aquatic macrophyte and algal growth, with an emphasis on nutrients; the role of aquatic plants as habitat; the relationship between aquatic plants and fish abundance; the source, dynamics, and management of dissolved oxygen in aquatic systems; and how aquatic plants and their control can affect fish populations.

New Herbicides on the Horizon
William Haller, Professor, Invasive Weed Control, University of Florida, Gainesville. Herbicide resistance and herbicides that we have historically used in aquatic weed control will be discussed as well as best application techniques. Characteristics of the perfect aquatic herbicide which will include selectivity, non-target effects, downstream concerns and particularly irrigation issues will be discussed. Experimental Use Permits, rules and regulations and limitations of use, and data requirements will also be discussed. New modes of action of possible new products and current registration status will be covered.

• Aquatic Herbicide Application Techniques
• Aquatic Weed Control
• New Aquatic Herbicides

Integrated Pest Management Update

Integrated Pest Management Update
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Below are the handouts from the presentations

How to Make Bio-Control Work in the Landscape – Steven Arthurs, Ph.D., UF/IFAS
Methods to encourage natural pest control on ornamentals through conservation of indigenous beneficial arthropods and also how to use commercially purchased insect biological control agents on ornamentals

Scouting and Problem Diagnosis for Landscapes - Geoff Denny, Ph.D, UF/IFAS
This talk will cover the basics of IPM scouting in a landscape, including determining the cause of landscape problems

Diseases – Phil Harmon, Ph.D., UF/IFAS
“Fungicide products for landscape disease management.”
10 min on current disease issues and 10 min on utilizing new fungicides effectively and efficiently.

Insects – Eileen Buss, Ph.D. , UF/IFAS
The biology and current management options for several new invasive ornamental plant pests (e.g., fig whitefly, red palm mite, etc.).

Nematodes - Eric Luc, M.S., UF/IFAS
"Current and new diagnosis and management strategies for plant-parasitic nematodes in Florida's landscapes." 10 minutes on diagnosis and sampling, and 10 minutes on current and upcoming nematode management strategies.

Weeds – Robert Stamps, Ph.D., UF/IFAS
Information about two “new” invasive and noxious weeds in Central Florida. Characteristics of three new herbicides for use in Florida landscapes.

Palm Diseases - Monica Elliot, Ph.D., UF/IFAS
Characteristics of the new disease Texas Phoenix palm decline and the phytoplasma that causes this disease.Useful Palm Books and Websites

Soil Health - Amy Shober, Ph.D., UF/IFAS
Identify urban soil issues that may impact soil biology and the maintenance of ornamentals and turf in the landscape. Strategies to overcome these problems will also be discussed.