December 7, 2010

Citrus Pest Management (PMA 5205, section no. 6110) will be offered for the Spring 2011 term at the University of Florida/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC) in Lake Alfred and via distance education at the Department of Entomology and Nematology in Gainesville (section 6224).  Additional distance education sites and sections will be established at UF-IFAS Research and Education Centers on request.

Citrus Pest Management is a graduate-level course (3.0 units) for students and citrus industry personnel working in the area of pest management.  The course reviews the latest tactics and strategies available to manage diseases and arthropod, nematode and weed pests of citrus.  Emphasis is given to techniques by which pest and disease organisms are monitored and how this information is used to effectively manage pests with the least risk to the environment. 

Course topics include:

• Identification and biology of citrus pests and diseases
• Pest and disease monitoring
• Ecological and economic principles as a basis for pest management
• Economic thresholds and pest management models
• Integrated pest management in citrus
• AND - The evolution of Citrus IPM in the era of citrus greening

The course is taught by experts in each area and is coordinated by Dr. Larry Duncan, University of Florida/IFAS, Professor of Nematology.

University credit (3.0) or audit credit.  CEU’s will be offered.

Dates/Time:    Wednesdays Jan. 5 – Apr. 27; 3 - 6 p.m. (8-10 period).

Locations:       University of Florida/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center, Ben Hill Griffin, Jr. Citrus Hall Teaching Laboratory, 700 Experiment Station Road, Lake Alfred, Florida.  Tel. (863) 956-1151.

                      University of Florida/IFAS Department of Entomology and Nematology, Bldg 970, Room 127, Natural Area Drive, Gainesville, Florida. Tel (352) 392-1901.

Textbook:       None.  Required readings will be provided by instructors.
Registration:   Registration cost for Citrus Pest Management (PMA 5205; Section no. 2563) is $1364.49 for Florida residents ($454.83 per credit hour).  Regular and non-degree registration is until Jan. 4 and students are strongly encouraged to register early.  Students must complete the registration procedures outline at http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/academics/dept_disted.shtml .  This site contains an option for non-degree students with step by step instructions and explanations.  Non-degree students are encouraged to visit the site in advance of registration.  For registration assistance, please contact Ms Debbie Hall (352-273-3912; dahall@ufl.edu).  For additional information about the class contact Dr. Larry Duncan (863-956-1151; lwduncan@ufl.edu).