Fourth National IPM Symposium


Fourth National IPM
Symposium/Workshop
2003



 Session: University of Florida's Plant Medicine Program
Thursday 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Organizer(s):
Norm Leppla (ncl@ifas.ufl.edu )
Robert J. McGovern


The following presentations are in this session:

8:00 AM - 8:10 AM Overview of the University of Florida's Plant Medicine Program Robert J. McGovern and Norman C. Leppla [Download Presentation/Summary ]
    In response to the increasing need for plant health practitioners, in 1999 the University of Florida established a unique interdisciplinary graduate program that confers a Doctor of Plant Medicine (D.P.M.). Students master all aspects of plant medicine through completion of 120 graduate credits in the Plant Sciences, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Nematology, and Pest Management. During multiple internships, students exchange ideas with academic and industry professionals, and apply their skills to practical situations. Information will be presented on the nature of the program including required courses and internships, supervisory committees, and the interests and career plans of current students.



8:10 AM - 8:30 AM Giving Urban Homeowners an "IPM Toolbox": An Internship in Extension Esther Dunn
    The Doctor of Plant Medicine (DPM) degree is ideally suited to prepare candidate for careers in IPM extension. Through a unique extension internship with the Florida IPM program and the Alachua County, Florida, Master Gardener Program, Esther has created tools for training urban homeowners to utilize IPM in the urban landscape. The internship has resulted in an “IPM Toolbox” program, which has also been shared with master gardeners in neighboring counties. In 2003 other counties around the state will be invited to utilize the “toolbox” as well. Program participants learn concepts of beneficial organisms, pest/disease thresholds, prevention, and pesticide alternatives.



8:30 AM - 8:50 AM Golf Course Internship: Integrated Turf Management Stephanie M. Dickerson
    The Doctor of Plant Medicine program emphasizes practical training. Stephanie gained experience in daily golf course maintenance through this internship. Duties included preparing the turf for daily play, fertilization, aerification, and mowing. Many turfgrass problems result from improperly performed maintenance practices. A working knowledge of these practices is a necessity for any professional consultant to be able to distinguish these symptoms from ones caused by biological agents (pathogens, insects, and wildlife) in integrated turf management. Stephanie will present this internship as an example of the hands-on experience that is key to the well-rounded education of the DPM program.



8:50 AM - 9:10 AM A Summer Internship in Sonoma County, CA: Managing Vineyard Pests Monica L. Cooper
    Doctor of Plant Medicine students, while working to complete the 30 internship credits required of the degree, have the opportunity to apply their knowledge to field situations. An internship with an extension specialist in biological control at the University of California gave me the opportunity to design and perform field experiments, and to learn the details of vineyard management. Data collected in these experiments will be used to develop integrated management strategies for grape mealybug (Pseudococcus maritimus) and Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) in vineyards in Sonoma County and the Northern Central Coast. The invaluable experience also provided me with employment opportunities.