Entomology & Integrated Pest Management
Entomology
Entomology includes the study of insects, mites, ticks, spiders and nematodes. More specifically, entomology is the study of insects and arthropods and their relationship to humans, the environment and other organisms. Insects are the most abundant group of animals in the world, with more than 1 million documented species to date. Entomology is crucial to our understanding of human disease, agriculture, ecology, biodiversity, and life.
At the MREC, Dr. Lance Osborne along with his team focus on insect pest management, specifically examining biological controls for common Florida landscape pests. Osborne is a pioneer in the development of biological control systems, where nurserymen or growers use banker “host” plants and predatory arthropods to manage pests.
Osborne’s Insect and Related Pests of Foliage Plants website serves as a resource for information on plant insect pests and their controls.
Integrated Pest Management
Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, is a holistic approach to managing insects, mites, pathogens, nematodes, weeds, and other pests in which multiple techniques, concepts, and practices are implemented throughout the entire production period of the crop.
Integrated is the key word: It means combining a variety of pest management techniques, concepts, and practices that can either prevent pest introduction, eradicate pests, or reduce pest populations to lessen their economic and environmental impact while maintaining plant quality.
MREC is proud to partner with UF/IFAS Pest Management University to offer courses year-round for Florida’s future pest management industry leaders.
Here are a few of our more recently updated entomological pages on Hibiscus Mealybug, Thrips parvispinus and Phantasma Scale.
MREC Entomologist
Dr. Lance Osborne
Professor of Entomology
407-410-6963
lsosborn@ufl.edu
MREC Integrated Pest Management Team
Dr. Liz Felter
Regional Specialized Agent, Food Systems and Ornamental Horticulture
407-410-6961
lfelter@ufl.edu
Dr. Lance Osborne
Professor of Entomology
407-410-6963
lsosborn@ufl.edu