Tag: Lance Osborne

Papaya plants reduce the need for pesticides on tomatoes in Florida, new UF study finds

by BLOGS.IFAS
May 15, 2026

Cutline at bottom. Click here for a high-resolution image. GAINESVILLE, Fla. --- Whiteflies can be biologically controlled in Florida greenhouse tomatoes, according to a new University of Florida study, which helps reduce the need for pesticide ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Crops, Invasive Species, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS
Tags: Biological Control, Entomology And Nematology, Florida, Greenhouse Tomatoes, Lance Osborne, Papaya, Wasp, Whitefly, Yingfang Xiao
Close-up of a green plant stem with a scale insect on a fuzzy white and brown cluster.

UF/IFAS researchers work to protect against Lebbeck mealybug

by Brad Buck
May 15, 2026

By Robin Koestoyo FORT PIERCE, Fla.--- Florida citrus and nursery growers need to develop proactive management plans for Lebbeck mealybug, an invasive pest that can cost the fruit and ornamental industry thousands of dollars in damages to fruit ... READ MORE

Category: UF/IFAS
Tags: Citrus Research And Education Center, Diagnostic Kit, Fruit Trees, Indian River Research And Education Center, Lance Osborne, Landscaping Plants, Lauren Diepenbrock, Lebbeck Mealybug, Mid-Florida Research And Education Center, Nicole Quinn, Ornamentals, Ronald D. Cave

Papaya banker plant system strengthens biological control of whiteflies

by Stella Canfield
March 25, 2026

A new study finds that papaya banker plants can strengthen control of the sweet potato whitefly, one of the most damaging pests in ornamental crop production. Published in the journal “Biological Control,” the research highlights a promising ... READ MORE

Category: Horticulture, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS Research
Tags: Banker Plants, Biological Control, Cindy McKenzie, Lance Osborne, Papaya, Pests, Poinsettias, Whiteflies, Whitefly
Carved pumpkin in a forest.

Halloween with a Horticultural Twist: Spider Mites and Poison Ivy

by Stella Canfield
November 20, 2025

Halloween is a time for ghosts, ghouls and goblins, but the real fright might be lurking right under your nose. From destructive pests to dangerous weeds, these formidable foes can transform your greenery into a gruesome graveyard.   Fangs ... READ MORE

Category: Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Pests & Disease
Tags: Chris Marble, Entomology, Halloween, Herbicide, Horticulture, Lance Osborne, Landscape Weeds, Pests, Poison Ivy, Spider Mites, Weed Identification, Weeds
Collage featuring MREC faculty cards, visitors watching a monitor, and screens projecting live insects and OrangeTV clips.

MREC Exhibits at 2024 Landscape Show, Sharing Research and Resources

by Stella Canfield
October 7, 2025

The Mid-Florida Research and Education Center (MREC) connected with industry professionals at the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA)’s 2024 Landscape Show, a three-day event that brings in over 7,000 industry professionals ... READ MORE

Category: Events, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Research, Water
Tags: David Norman, FNGLA, Lance Osborne, Liz Felter, The Landscape Show, Yilin Zhuang
Yellow Bromeliads.

Foliage, Florals and Tropics Galore: MREC at 2025 TPIE

by Stella Canfield
February 5, 2025

The Mid-Florida Research and Education Center (MREC) connected with industry professionals at the Florida Nursery, Growers, and Landscape Association (FNGLA)’s 2025 Tropical Plant International Expo (TPIE) – a premier trade event showcasing ... READ MORE

Category: Events, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research
Tags: Alfred Huo, David Norman, FNGLA, Lance Osborne, TPIE, Tropical Plant International Expo

Invasive Species Workshop: Thrips parvispinus and Lebeck mealybug

by Caroline Warwick
June 2, 2023

Have you heard of Thrips parvispinus and Lebeck mealybug, two of the newest invasive pest species to impact horticulture in Central Florida, and are interested in learning more? The Mid-Florida Research and Education Center will be hosting ... READ MORE

Category: Horticulture
Tags: Biological Control, Central Florida, CEU, Horticulture, Invasive Species, Lance Osborne, Lebeck Mealybug, Pest, Thrips Parvispinus

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