Category: Pests & Disease

Papaya banker plant system strengthens biological control of whiteflies

by Stella Canfield
March 24, 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, UF/IFAS Research
Tags: Banker Plants, Biological Control, Cindy McKenzie, Lance Osborne, Papaya, Pests, Poinsettias, Whiteflies, Whitefly
A collage of five scenes: underwater view, palm trees with skyscrapers, a manatee underwater, a coastal scene, and a natural spring.

New to Florida? Join Water Wednesday for Practical Guidance on Florida’s Environment

by Yilin
January 22, 2026

Florida is home to unique weather patterns, water resources, landscapes, and ecosystems. For many new residents, adjusting to these conditions can raise practical questions about everyday life, from lawn care and home maintenance to storm preparedness ... READ MORE

Category: Disaster Preparation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Management, Lawn, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife
Tags: Climate, Environment, Landscaping, Nature, New Residents, Water, Water Wednesday, Wildlife
Close up microscope photo of thrips parvispinus

Scientists warn of invasive plant pest; say early detection, reporting key

by Tory Moore
March 29, 2023

An invasive thrips species has started to wreak havoc in Florida. The insect was first detected in Florida in 2020 but has since spread significantly across the state. What once was isolated to greenhouses now has begun to harm a wide range ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, HOME LANDSCAPES, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research
Tags: Agricultural Pests, Gardening, Invasive, Invasive Pests, Mid-Florida Research And Education Center, Ornamental Plant Industry, Ornamental Plants, Ornamentals, Pest, Pest Control, Pest Management, Pests, Thrips, UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research And Education Center, UF/IFAS Tropical Research And Education Center

Banker plants effective for managing thrips on roses

by Tory Moore
November 22, 2022

Chilli thrips are a nuisance to rose growers, as their feeding causes foliar and flower damage. For the first time, UF/IFAS researchers investigated the utility of a banker plant system for managing chilli thrips on roses. Recently published ... READ MORE

Category: Agribusiness, Agriculture, Crops, HOME LANDSCAPES, Horticulture, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Research
Tags: Banker Plants, Biological Control, Chilli Thrips, Department Of Entomology And Nematology, Entomology, Entomology And Nematology, Mid-Florida Research And Education Center, Predatory Mites, Thrips, UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research And Education Center
Pink purslane, portulaca pilosa, bright pink flower and fleshy leaves. Details star shape center.

Plant Pest Species Spotlight: Portulaca pilosa

by Caroline Warwick
September 28, 2021

Portulaca pilosa, or pink purslane, is a wildflower native to Florida. This species is a member of the succulent family and forms thick mats covering the ground. This plant is toxic to pets and horses, so be sure to remove it if you find ... READ MORE

Category: Horticulture, Pests & Disease
Tags: Chris Marble, Landscape Weed, Marble, Pink Purslane, Pink Weed, Portulaca Pilosa, Weed Identification, Weed Science
Two hands holding a pesticide bottle with the the safety and instruction labels facing upward.

Consumer Preferences for Labels Disclosing the Use of Neonicotinoid Pesticides

by Caroline Warwick
October 20, 2020

Neonicotinoid pesticide use in the U.S. ornamental horticulture industry continues to be in the spotlight due to potential health risks to pollinator insects, with several large retailers requiring disclose of use on plant labels. In Consumer ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease
Tags: Agricultural Economics, Agriculture, Archive, Auction, Consumer Perceptions, Experimental Auction, Horticulture, Horticulture Economics, Khachatryan, Labels, Neonicotinoid, Pesticides, Rihn, Wei

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