Best Management Classes

Get ready now for the fertilizer license that will be issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Certification in the Green Industry Best Management Practices will be required to obtain this new fertilizer license.

Everyone applying fertilizer must have this license by Jan. 2014. Beat the rush and get your certification now.

Class cost is only $15. You also get 4 CEUs: 2 core and 2 in the Lawn/turf/ornamental categories. These are also valid for FNGLA CEUs. Visit this link to register: https://pinellas.obsres.com/botanical/Info.aspx?EventID=%203001

There is a pre- and post-test for the BMP certification. Those passing the post-test with 75% correct will receive the BMP certification.

New Tick and Grub Product Approved

On June 26th, the FDACS approved three prducts from Novozyme Biologicals, Inc. (Tick-Ex) which contain Metarhizium anisopliae Strain F52 as a biological control agent for ticks and grubs in ornamental and landscape settings. (FDACS PREC agenda, 8/6/06).

Fabulous Field Day Coming Soon

Spend an exciting day (September 17th, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM) at the University of Florida’s Gulf Coast Research & Education Center (GCREC) to learn the latest about:


· New and under-utilized, pest resistant plants for the landscape
· Caladiums in the urban landscape,
· Bio-control of insect pests
· Weed and disease management, and
· The relationship between soil management and pests in the landscape

After a stimulating morning of presentations by specialists at the GCREC, tour the facility and see, first-hand, the current research taking place.

Stick around at the end of the day for a fabulous give-away of rare and unusual plants – a must for any plant enthusiast!

The $15 registration fee covers educational materials, lunch and refreshments. FDACS and FNGLA CEUs (3 total) provided for professionals.

On-line registration at: http://fieldday091709.eventbrite.com/

The GCREC is located at 14625 County Road 672, Wimauma, FL 33598. From I-75 north or south, take Exit 246 and merge onto Big Bend Road/CR 672 East towards US 301. Turn right onto US 301/CR 672 and travel approximately 1.4 miles. Turn left onto Balm Road/CR 672 and travel 7 miles. The center is located on the south side of Balm Road.

For more information about the day’s events, contact Ms. Christine Cooley, 813-634-0000 or ccooley@ufl.edu

Get Rid of Leftover Pesticides - Free

“How am I supposed to get rid of these *$%@ leftover pesticides”?

Operation Cleansweep’s purpose is to provide service for collection of unused pesticides and is a great disposal opportunity. Funding is in place for Operation Cleansweep to occur again, beginning December 1. Detailed information is available by going to: http://www.flaes.org/pdf/Cleansweep_Flyer_2009.pdf