Last Updated on September 27, 2019 by Angela Colonna

Chris Marble, an assistant professor of ornamental and landscape weed management in the Department of Environmental Horticulture, was recently recognized by the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and awarded Outstanding Extension Research Specialist at the Extension Professional Association of Florida meeting.

“I really enjoy conducting outreach and helping both growers and professional pesticide applicators learn how to manage weeds more effectively,” Marble said. “I appreciate my fellow Extension faculty for nominating me for this award.”

In 2018, Marble conducted 41 extension presentations or seminars to over 1,100 participants throughout the state in addition to taking more than 500 calls, e-mails and texts about weed management.

“Dr. Marble is an invaluable resource to Extension in Florida,” said Grantly Ricketts, a commercial horticulture agent from Osceola County. “By working with Dr. Marble, Florida growers have been able to reduce weed management costs, saving some up to $52,000.”

Marble’s extension program, inspired by more than 100 site visits throughout Florida, led to the creation of custom weed management protocols which can help growers reduce pesticide over-application and overall weed management costs by over 30 percent.

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