Landscaping IPM Training Project

Tampa Bay Horticulture Agents Green Team members have identified the lack of a statewide training program in landscape IPM, particularly for landscape maintenance PCOs. According to this group, there is a critical need for landscape IPM training and perhaps certification. Without having adequate training, PCOs who advertise and practice landscape IPM services ineffectively could be extremely damaging to the future success of IPM in the landscape.

The landscape maintenance IPM training program under consideration would provide current information on multiple tactics, emphasizing prevention and reduced-risk practices in a multidisciplinary format. Standardized evaluations would measure impact and success of the program. The training program would not be accompanied by formal certification, although participants would receive a certificate of completion, as well as CEU credits.

In March 2003, IPM Florida conducted an on-line survey, inviting extension agents and researchers throughout UF/IFAS to respond. That survey resulted in a group of extension agents, specialists and researchers interested in helping to plan a landscape IPM training program for agents. The group includes faculty members from several disciplines. The survey also produced a group of agents who expressed an interest in providing such training to their clientele after receiving appropriate in-service training. Additional potential cooperators have been identified through the School IPM program. We have also had discussions with the Florida Nurserymen and Growers’ Association (FNGA) about potential connections with their horticulture certification and training program.

Survey results indicated that a short course format (1-2 days or several half-day sessions once a week) with practical field exercises would be most effective and convenient for participants. In order to facilitate regular offerings of the course, IPM Florida has requested external funding to develop an in-service training short course for horticulture extension agents. After receiving training on conducting a short course on landscape IPM, those agents would then offer the course to the public, with the target audience being landscape maintenance firms.

We are still seeking funding and therefore have not yet finalized the course format or content. If you are an extension agent or state specialist or manage a landscape maintenance company in Florida and would like to offer suggestions or become involved in planning the training program, please complete the on-line survey if you have not already done so.

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