Core, Private, and WPS Class Available

On March 29, 2016, UF/IFAS Extension will be conducting classes for those who would like to become certified Private Pesticide Applicators or for those who need a few more CEUs towards their license.  The class will be divided into two segments: Core 8:30am-10:30am, Private 10:45am-12:50pm.  Exams will be offered immediately following the classes. However, you do not have to take the exams the same day.  You may schedule a time to take the exams at your convenience.  You may take one class without the other, if needed.
       
If you are already a license holder, 2 CEUs in Core and 2 Private are offered for both classes, respectively. Light snacks will be offered.  Walk-ins will be welcomed.  The class fee is $15 per class. Here are the links to register.
Core-  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/commercial-core-pesticide-training-balm-tickets-20921442598?ref=ecal

Private- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/commercial-private-applicator-pesticide-training-balm-tickets-20921490742?ref=ecal

WPS- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/commercial-wps-train-the-trainer-workshop-balm-tickets-20921542898?ref=ecal


We will also be conducting a Worker Protection Standard Train the Trainer Class so that you can train agricultural workers to comply with the federal WPS.  If you have a private applicator license you do not need this class. This class starts at 9:30 and you can register at the same link.  The fee for this class is $20.00.

All classes will be held at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center 14625 CR 672
Wimauma, FL 33598.  For more information call Veronica at (941)722-4524 or E-mail: veronica1303@ufl.edu

Need CEUs?

Manatee County will be helping you get your needed CEUs.  Come join  UF/IFAS Extension in Manatee County (1303 17^th St. West, Palmetto) for our next biannual “Git’ em Done CEU Day” on March 24 from 8:00 to 3:30.  The cost is $25.00 which includes lunch.   We are scheduling some really great presenters that will surely keep our interest.   You will be able to receive up to 6 CEUs (FNGLA - 4 CEUs) including Core, Private Applicator, Aquatic, Natural Areas, Right of Way, Demo & Research, Ornamental & Turf, Limited Lawn & Ornamental, Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance, Commercial Lawn & Ornamental, Limited Urban Fertilizer, and FNGLA.

Register now before all the spaces are full at   http://git-em-done.eventbrite.com

If you have any questions, please call or email Martha at mglenn7@ufl.edu

New Whiteflies

We have two whiteflies in Florida attacking common hedge plants.

The newest whitefly has no common name and is called Asiothrixus antidesmae.  This species is attacking Ixora sp. in the St. Petersburg area.  The Department of Plant Industry has issued a Pest Alert which you can find here.  This species has been reported from a number of hosts including
Anthurium andraeanum, Gardenia jasminoides, Ocimum sp. and Calophyllum inophyllum.  There are a number of photos posted at the link given below.

The other species, Aleurotrachelus trachoides (Back), has been in Florida for a number of years and only recently has it been reported to be causing significant problems. This species has a large host range but seems to prefer such hosts as tomato, pepper and other members of the Solanaceae. In a greenhouse in Apopka, we have seen this whitefly kill it's hosts.  Duranta erecta, which is in the verbena family, seems to be hit particularly hard in the landscape.  Some people have reported this whitefly killing their hedges.

Link to photos of both species:
http://mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/lso/WHITEFLIES/new%20whitefly/index.html

If you see any plant infested with what you think my be either of the whiteflies please let Dr. Lance Osborne know. lsosborn@ufl.edu