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Residential Landscape

Fall armyworm larvae are pests in many grassesDemonstration and Evaluation of an IPM Program for Residential Landscapes

What is it and what did we do?

Most Pest Control Operators and landscape maintenance professionals are unfamiliar with the principles and practices of landscape IPM, as well its benefits to them, their clients and the environment. They need to develop an understanding of the principles and their practical application in order to incorporate IPM into their services. The following program was planned and implemented to begin this process:

  1. Mole crickets tunneling in dirtCoordinated and presented a 12-hour pilot Landscape Integrated Pest Management Short Course for Landscape and Pest Management Professionals.
  2. Presented an additional shortened IPM Short Course, featuring pest identification, for landscape maintenance professionals.
  3. Presented Basic Principles of Landscape IPM to Master Gardeners.
  4. Developed a Landscape IPM Scouting Form that was used and evaluated by pest control professionals, landscape maintenance professional, and Master Gardeners, who had attended short courses, to scout residential landscapes over the warm season.

Frond of Cycas rumphii infested with the cycad aulacaspis scale, Aulacaspis yasumatsui TakagiWhat was the outcome?

  1. As a result of the pilot short course, 20 professionals were trained in landscape IPM for weed, insect, disease and nematode management. All indicated that they would apply knowledge gained and adopt IPM practices.
  2. As a result of the short course, 14 landscape professionals indicated that they could better identify pest problems and would apply IPM principles.
  3. As a result of the presentation to Master Gardeners, 47 better understood principles and practices and would implement practices on their own property, as well as recommend to clientele.
  4. Two pest control professionals, one landscape-maintenance professional and 3 Master Gardeners scouted residential landscapes every two weeks to evaluate the scouting procedure and form. All indicated that the form, with instruction, was useful and effective for scouting, monitoring and managing pest problems.

The people that made this happen include:

  • Gary Brinen, Extension Agent IV Commercial Horticulture, Alachua Co.
    Wendy Wilber, Extension Agt I Residential Horticulture, Alachua Co. 

 

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