UF Extension Nursery Grower Update -- Time is running out!

It is not too late to register (but time is running out) for the University of Florida Extension Nursery Grower Update. Don't delay!

On November 12, 2026, UF/IFAS Extension will be holding a nursery grower meeting at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm, FL.  The meeting starts at 08:30 and will end at 14:00.  Lunch and CEUs will be provided.  This is a great time to catch up with what UF researchers and extension agents have been doing, what is happening in the pesticide industry, and what other growers are doing. Here is a tentative schedule of events.   You can register here for $20.00 + fees. Register Here  There is an online option also!

Meeting Agenda

8:30–9:00 – Registration /sign-in / refreshments
9:00–9:30 – Jeb Fields: Container Soil Stratification- How this improves plant growth 
9:30–10:00 – Chris Marble: Weeds/herbicides 
10:00–10:15 – Break 
10:15–10:45 – Three-location demonstration trial results, compost and stratification  
10:45–11:15 – Syngenta Chemical Pesticide Updates 
11:15–11:45 – BASF Pesticide Updates
11:45–12:30 – Lunch 
12:30–1:00 – Chemical rep 3 
1:00–1:30 – EPA's Bulletin Live 2- Mandatory web check before spraying  

1:30–2:00 – Discussion/wrap-up 

Regional Nursery Growers Meeting

On November 12, 2026, UF/IFAS Extension will be holding a regional nursery grower meeting at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm, FL.  The meeting starts at 08:30 and will end at 14:00.  Lunch and CEUs will be provided.  This is a great time to catch up with what UF researchers and extension agents have been doing, what is happening in the pesticide industry, and what other growers are doing. Here is a tentative schedule of events.   You can register here for $20.00 + fees.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nursery-grower-update-tickets-2002221630796

Meeting Agenda

8:30–9:00 – Registration 
9:00–9:30 – Jeb Fields: Container Soil Stratification- How this improves plant growth 
9:30–10:00 – Chris Marble: Weeds/herbicides 
10:00–10:15 – Break 
10:15–10:45 – Three-location demonstration trial results, compost and stratification  
10:45–11:15 – Syngenta Chemical Pesticide Updates 
11:15–11:45 – BASF Pesticide Updates
11:45–12:30 – Lunch 
12:30–1:00 – Chemical rep 3 
1:00–1:30 – EPA's Bulletin Live 2- Mandatory web check before spraying  

1:30–2:00 – Discussion/wrap-up

Core And Private/Ag Row Crop Pesticide License Preparation Class

 

UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County is hosting a Core and Private/Ag Row Pesticide Exam Training Course on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 9:00 am at the Extension Office Location in Seffner, FL.  The cost is $60.00 for the class.

The Core training is needed by all license types.  The Private Exam Prep portion of the class will help you review to pass the Private Applicator Exam or the Ag Row Crop Pesticide License.  With both tests passed, you will be able to apply restricted-use pesticides on your property or that of your employers.  This license also allows teaching ag employees the mandatory EPA Worker Protection Standards.

If you have a Private Applicator or Ag Row License, then this class gives you 2 Core CEUs and 2 Private/Ag Row CEUs for your license renewal.  Here is a link below to register and more information. Please call Shawn if you need any special accommodations at the Extension Office.  Here is the link to register: Pesticide Prep Class Link

West Central Florida Regional Pesticide Applicator Trainings and CEUs

If you are looking to take a Private, Core, Ag Row, Pesticide test to obtain a Commercial, Public or Private Applicator Pesticide License, or need CEUs for those licenses.  If you or your agricultural employer needs to obtain a Worker Protection Standard Training Certificate, we have some classes that you might be interested in taking a look at. 

Here is the summary of the upcoming license preparation classes we are offering in the Tampa Bay area.  For more information, click on the individual class links to get the specifics of each program. 

Type                Date            Extension Office        Class link

Core/PRVT    3/24/26        Manatee Co.              Manatee Class

WPS               6/23/26        Manatee Co.              Manatee WPS

Private            6/25/26        Polk County              Polk Private Class

WPS               9/15/26        Hillsborough             Hills WPS Class

Core/PRVT     9/17/26        Hillsborough             Hills Pest Class

FNGLA Lake Region Meeting in Bartow 2/3/26 Chili Cook Off and Pest Update CEUs

Make sure to drop in to our Annual Chilli Cook Off for some good cookin' and a pest update (A CEU if you need one of those also).

Core and Private/Ag Row Pesticide License Preparation Class or CEUS

 

UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County is hosting a Core and Private/Ag Row Pesticide Exam Training Course on Wednesday, September 16, 2025, at 9:00 am at the Extension Office Location in Seffner, FL.  The cost is $60.00 for the class.

The Core training is needed by all license types.  The Private Exam Prep portion of the class will help you review to pass the Private Applicator Exam.  With both tests passed, you will be able to apply restricted-use pesticides on your property or that of your employers.  This license also allows teaching ag employees the mandatory EPA Worker Protection Standards.

If you have a Private Applicator or Ag Row License, then this class gives you 2 Core CEUs and 2 Private/Ag Row CEUs for your license renewal.  Here is a link below to register and more information. Please call Shawn if you need any special accommodations at the Extension Office.  We will also have a special (one of the last) pesticide license testing days at the Extension Office the next day for those who want to take the exams.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ufifas-hillsborough-county-core-and-private-pesticide-test-preparation-tickets-1245357350359?aff=oddtdtcreator

Worker Protection Standard Train-the-Trainer Class July 22, 2025

 

Do you need to train agricultural workers to comply with the EPA's Worker Protection Standards (WPS) for their employment?  If so, you will either need to have a current Private Applicator License or a WPS Trainer Certificate to properly train them.  UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County is offering a WPS Train-the-Trainer Class so you can be compliant with the Florida Department of Ag and Consumer Services in training agriculture employees. The nice thing about the WPS TTT certificate is that it never requires renewal with CEUs.  Once you have it, it is good for life (or at least until the government changes the WPS). The class will be offered on July 22 at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm, FL.  If you are interested, just click on this link for more information and the registration forms.  WPS -TTT CLass Info Lunch will be included with the class. If you have further questions, please call Agent Caitlin Sollazzo in Manatee County Extension (941) 722-4524.   

Manatee County Pesticide Training and CEU Opportunity.

UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County is hosting a Core and Private Pesticide Exam Training Course on Wednesday, March 18, 2025, at 9:00 am at the Extension Office Location in Parrish, FL.  The cost is $60.00 for the class.

The Core training is needed by all license types and the Private Exam Prep portion of the class will help you review to pass the Private Applicator Exam.  With both tests passed you will be able to apply restricted use pesticides on your property or that of your employers as well as teach ag employees the mandatory EPA Worker Protection Standards.

If you already have a Private Applicator License, then this class will give you 2 Core CEUs and 2 Private CEUs for renewal of your license.  Here is a link to register. Private License Prep Class Link  

Here are a few more opportunities if you can't make this class.

Lake Region Chapter Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association Annual Chili Cookoff

The Lake Region Chapter of the FNGLA is hosting its Annual Chili Cookoff and CEU event on February 4, 2025 at the Polk County Extension Office in the Valencia Room.  The cost of the event is $10.00.  The event will start at 6:00 pm with social time and your best pot of chili tasting.  Dinner will be followed with a Core Pesticide CEU in conjunction with a talk on "Minimizing Environmental Impact of Pesticide Applications; Methods and New EPA Rules.  The talk will be given by Dr. Caitlin Sollazo- the new Ornamental Production Extension Agent in Manatee County and Shawn Steed, the Environmental Horticulture Extension Agent serving Hillsborough and Polk Counties. 

Prizes will be awarded to the best chili!

If you have any questions please call Karen at 863-644-6491.

FNGLA Manasota Chapter Meeting + CEUS

The FNGLA Manasota Chapter will be hosting a meeting at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center located in Balm, FL on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  We will receive a tour of the research center, get environmental horticulture research updates, obtain CEUs, and feast on a tasty dinner. Attendance fee is $20.00 for members/$30.00 for non-members, and $10.00 for students.  This meeting is open to anyone in the green industry.  Click this link to register 

Here is the agenda:

4:00 pm: Arrive

4:15 pm: Tour GCREC Diagnostic Clinic, Dr. Natalia Peres, Professor of plant pathology, UF/IFAS, Gulf Coast REC

4:40 pm: Mites and thrips, Dr. Sriyanka Lahiri, Assistant Professor of entomology and nematology, UF/IFAS, Gulf Coast REC

5:00 pm: Parasitic nematodes, Dr. Johan Desaeger, Associate Professor of entomology and nematology, UF/IFAS, Gulf Coast REC

5:20 pm: Urban water uses, management, and recycling, Dr. Mary Lusk, Assistant Professor of soil and water sciences, UF/IFAS, Gulf Coast REC

5:30 pm: Dinner

5:45 pm: Remarks, Dr. Jack Rechcigl, Professor and Center Director, and Dr. Nathan Boyd, Professor and Associate Center Director

6:00 – 8:00 pm: CEU program - Pest Management Tools and New Varieties for Production and Utilization of Ornamental and Nursery Plants (2 CEUs)

6:00 pm: Management of invasive pest insects in nursery crop production, Dr. Lance Osborne, Professor of entomology, UF/IFAS, Mid-Florida REC

6:25 pm: UV light, chemical control, and biocontrol for thrips and mite management in specialty crops, Dr. Sriyanka Lahiri

6:45 pm: Chemical alternative methods for disease control, Dr. Natalia Peres

7:05 pm: Notes from the field; a pest update, Mr. Shawn Steed, Extension Agent IV, UF/IFAS Hillsborough County Extension Services

7:40 pm: New caladium, lantana, and porterweed introductions for nursery production and landscape use, Dr. Zhanao Deng, Professor of environmental horticulture, UF/IFAS, Gulf Coast REC  

CEUS; 1 Core (487, 482) + 1 O&T, Private, Ag Row, Demo and Res., Commercial L&O.

Any questions please call Shawn Steed at the Hillsborough County Extension Office 813-744-5519.

Private Applicator and Core Test Prep and CEU Opportunity

UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County is hosting a Core and Private Pesticide Exam Training Course on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 9:00 am at the Extension Office Location in Seffner, FL.  The cost is $60.00 for the class.

The Core training is needed by all license types and the Private Exam Prep portion of the class will help you review to pass the Private Applicator Exam.  With both tests passed you will be able to apply restricted use pesticides on your property or that of your employers as well as teach ag employees the mandatory EPA Worker Protection Standards.

If you already have a Private Applicator License, then this class will give you 2 Core CEUs and 2 Private CEUs for renewal of your license.  Here is a link to register. Private License Prep Class Link  We will provide a private testing time for the next day for those who would like to take the exam quickly after the class.

Here is a glance at the agenda:

09:00 a.m. Welcome, coffee & snacks

09:15 a.m. General Standards/Core Exam Preparation Class

11:30 p.m. Lunch (to be provided)

12:15 p.m. Private/Ag Row Crop Applicator Exam Preparation Class

02:30 p.m. Review

04:30 p.m. Adjourn

If you have any questions please give Shawn a ring 813-744-5519.

Opportunities for CEUs or Private Applicator Licensure

If you are in need of CEUs for either Core Pesticide License or Private Applicator License UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County will be hosting an exam preparation class for Private Applicator/Ag Row Crop and Core Pesticide Licenses on June 6th at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm.  You can also obtain 2 Core CEUS and 2 Private, Ag Row, Ag Tree, Aerial, Soil & Fumigation., or Demo & Research CEUs for a total of 4 CEUS towards your licenses.  We will also host a private testing day for those wanting to pass the exams.  Please click on the flyer below for more information.  Here is the link if you are interested in registering.  https://June2023PesticideApplicatorHillsborough.eventbrite.com

Tampa Chapter of FNGLA Lunch, Learn, and Connect Event with Site One

Join the FNGLA Tampa Chapter for their Spring Social at various Site One locations on March 28-30, 2023.  Lunch will be served and educational CEUs are available.  See the flyer below for all the information.

Curriculum (Tampa & Largo Only) 

8-10 AM Spring Training for Turfgrass (2 L&O CEU's) IFAS 

10-12 AM 2 CORE CEU's IFAS

12-12:30 PM H2B 101: What Your Business Needs to Know | MasLabor 

NEW CEU Online Articles from UF/IFAS Extension

Looking for CEUs for your spray license?  Environmental Horticulture Production at UF/IFAS Extension in Hillsborough County has two new CEU articles available online for those seeking to renew your spray licenses with CEUs.  The first article is "An Integrated Approach for Controlling Ornamental Production Pests."  This article if you pass the quiz will give you one Core CEU for CH. 482 or 487 license.  The second article is "Controlling Viburnum Diseases in Florida During Nursery Production."  If you read the article and pass the online quiz you can get either one Private Applicator, an Ornamentals and Turf Pest Control, or an Ag Row Crop Pest Control CEU.

For either article, sign into Eventbrite to access the article (cost $10.00 + fees),  then read the article.  Next take the 10-question quiz that is linked at the bottom of the article and pass with a 70% and you will receive your CEUs via email.  An easy option for renewing your Florida FDACS spray license.

Here are the links to the articles:  Viburnum Disease Control  and  Integrated Pest Management

Private and Core Pesticide Applicator Exam Prep Class and CEUs

 

Greetings from UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County: Upon increasing requests, we are offering in-person pesticide training for those looking to obtain pesticide licenses (i.e., private applicator, and public or commercial applicator with Ag Row category). The training is designed to prepare those applying for General Standards/Core and Private/Ag Row exams. This is also an opportunity for those looking for a refresher training or to obtain CEUs. The training is scheduled for Tuesday the 9th of August with a special exam session for the class attendees on the 10th.   Please share this with anyone who may be interested in this opportunity! Click Here to Register!   Registration deadline - 9 a.m. on Monday, August 8th.    For questions, please contact Wael Elwakil at wael.elwakil@ufl.edu or 813-744-5519 Ext. 54134.

Pesticide Applicator Exam Preparation Classes /CEUs

UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County is teaching General Standards/Core and Private Applicator Exam Preparation Classes for those looking to pass either the Core section of the Pesticide Applicator License or the Private Applicator Exam or both for those who would like their Private Applicator License.  The Private Applicator license allows you to use restricted chemicals, or you can teach the Worker Protection Standards as a trainer for employees.  The upcoming class will be on May 11, 2022, at the Florida Strawberry Growers Association Headquarters (13138 Lweis Gallagher Rd., Dover, FL 33527.  Core class starts at 9:30, and Private starts at 13:00. If you would like to register for just one of the classes, they are $30.00 each; if you would like both classes, they are $50.00.  

Classes can also be taken for CEUs with the Core class offering 2 CEUs ((either 482 or 487) and the Private class offering 2 CEUs (either Private, Ag Row, Ag Tree, or Demonstration and Research).  If you would like to sign up or for more information please click on the flyer below.

An Integrated Approach to Controlling Ornamental Pests Online CEU

If you need one Core CEU for General Standards/Core 147 there is an online CEU now available for you to take at your leisure.  This article discusses aspects of integrated pest management in the nursery setting.  In order to receive the CEU, you will need to register for the class on Eventbrite, then read the article and take the brief quiz and score 70% to pass.  The CEU will then be emailed to you.  Here is a link to register to take the CEU.  

https://controllingornamentalproductionpests.eventbrite.com

CEUs2U

If you are in need of a few CEUs (both Core and Private)  here is an online class opportunity for you.  We have available four hours on different topics with a variety of CEUs available.  You can sign up for either the Ag track of the Landscape track.  Here is the registration link   https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ceus-2u-registration-156943112073  Please see program details below.

Time: Noon - 4:00pm  - Zoom webinar

CEUs Approved:

Core - 2 in Chapter 487 & 482 (pending)

Landscape Track - 2 in ROW, L&O, LLO, LCLM, O&T,  Nat Areas

Ag Track - 2 in Private, Ag Row, Ag Tree, Forest, Demo & Research 

CCA credits (IPM, crop management)

Total 4 CEUs

Agenda 

Core

Noon - 1:00pm - Modes of Action - Dr. Hugh Smith, UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research & Education Center, Dr. Hugh Smith carries out research on managing insect and mite pests of horticultural crops that affect Florida. Chemical, biological, and cultural approaches to pest suppression are evaluated in collaboration with growers and green industry members.

1:00 - 2:00pm - Preventing Heat Stress - Susan Haddock, UF/IFAS Hillsborough County Extension Service, Susan provides educational and diagnostic resources and training to Green Industry professionals regarding urban landscape horticulture, reducing non-point source pollution, integrated pest management (IPM), pesticide licensing and improving industry professionalism.

Landscape Track

2:00 - 3:00pm - Scouting in the Landscape - Michelle Atkinson, UF/IFAS Manatee County, Michelle is the Environmental Horticulture agent in Manatee County and has been serving landscape professionals teaching sustainable landscape practices for over seven years.

3:00 - 4:00pm - Nematodes in the Landscape - Dr. William Crowe, Dr. Crow is the Landscape Nematologist at the University of Florida, specializing in integrated pest management (IPM) of nematodes that damage turfgrasses and ornamental plants. The first stage in IPM is correctly identifying the pest(s) causing plant problems.

AG Track

2:00 - 3:00pm - Scouting - Dr. Lance Osborne, is a Professor of Entomology with University of Florida he specializes in IPM--biological control of insects and mites, and is located at Mid-Florida Research and Education Center, Apopka

3:00 - 4:00pm - IPM Strategies for Agriculture Crops - Lisa Hickey, UF/IFAS Manatee County, Lisa is the Sustainable Ag & Food Systems agent working with the Commercial Fruit and Vegetable Producers on Best Agricultural Practices.

You will receive a Zoom link to attend this event the day before the event starts. There will be a separate but quick Zoom registration after you receive the event link. 

Online Core and Private Applicator Exam Preparation Classes

If you need either Core or Private Applicator Exam Preparation Trainings before you sit for the exam, we now have them online and you can go at your own pace.  These are the classes you can take if you will be applying restricted use pesticides (RUPs). 

Both classes are designed to highlight exam prep material that you will probably encounter on the exam. 

These classes are also available if you need two CEUs for either the Core or Prvt. Appl. part of your pesticide license.  

Classes are $30.00 each and can be taken at any time.  Here are the links below.

Core Exam Prep Class

Private Applicator Prep Class

CEUs2U An online CEU delivery for Pesticide License Holders

If you would like to receive CEUs without leaving the comfort of your home or office.  We have just the perfect thing for you.  CEUs2U is an online class that will provide you with two Core and two Private Applicator CEUs for your license.  The cost is $20.00.  Our next class is March 11, 2021 at 9:00-13:00.  You pick which track you would like to follow Ag or Landscape.

Here are our topics for the class.

Core presentations

9:00 – 9:50 Reading the Label – Wael Elwakil

            10:00 – 10:50 Pesticide Safety – Steve Robinson

Break outs

Ag Track presentations

11:00 – 11:50 Dr. Chris Marble -  “Identification, Seasonality, and Control of Common Nursery Weeds”

Description: This presentation will cover easy ways to identify common, emerging, and sometimes unusual weed species that can be prevalent in nurseries in Florida. In addition to key identification characteristics, the weeds’ life cycles and biology will be discussed and how this affects which management method is most effective. The presentation will also cover when to expect each weed species throughout the year and how the seasonality of weeds will affect herbicide choices and application timing”

 

12:00 – 12:50 Dr. Johan Desaeger - “Dealing with Crop Nematodes”

 

Landscape Track presentations

11:00 – 11:50 Stephen Brown - Native Plant Problems

12:00 – 12:50  Dr. Chris Marble – “Getting More Mileage out of your Herbicide Applications”

Description: Regardless of whether you are managing pests in turf, planting beds, or other areas of the landscape, weeds are a continual nuisance throughout the year that require an constant integrated management approach. This presentation will cover new herbicides, rotations, application techniques and timings, non-chemical controls, and how weed species and landscape considerations will affect which control options are most effective and ultimately weed management success.

You can get your tickets to this event here