Decades of a successful industry/academia partnership at UF/IFAS FLREC

Urban entomology research is inextricably intertwined with the pest management industry, and it is crucial for academia to provide support in industry training and applied research efforts. Florida, in particular, is highly at risk for the introduction and establishment of numerous invasive pest species, and the industry must continue to adapt to this dynamic pest pressure. Urban entomologists at the University of Florida/IFAS have been supporting the pest industry through cooperative programs at the Mid-Florida and Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Centers (MREC, FLREC) has been supporting the pest industry through cooperative programs for more than three decades, providing solutions to unique insect pest problems of Florida. At MREC, Pest Management University has offered coursework that balances the latest in research with hands-on experience since 2007. At FLREC, programs include the mapping of the spread of termite species across the state, through an ID service program available to all industry partners, and the School of Structural Fumigation (aka ‘Fume School’), which has been offered for 35 years, and continues to train fumigators from around the world. Finally, direct extension of applied research is provided through unique training programs to a wide group of stakeholders. Such training programs and services, as offered by UF urban entomologists, underscore this partnership in supporting PMP growth and the quality of services provided to Florida residents. The ongoing UF/IFAS Entomology-Industry collaboration represents a unique successful partnership as they focus on providing solutions to challenging pest problems in South Florida, across the Southeastern US, and internationally.