The Biosecurity, Research and Extension (BRE) lab at the Department of Entomology and Nematology is conducting a survey related to cruciferous crops in order to better understand the current practices used for the scouting and management of agronomic pests and invasive species in Alachua County and beyond. The data from the survey will help to identify current problems of growers in our area and how we can change our current IPM practices to help them. We are also raising awareness about a potential invasive species, Bagrada hilaris, which is currently found in California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and Texas. This insect can cause major damage because of its preference to feed during the early stages of plant development, which can cause the seedling to die, or cause damage to the apical meristem which will lead to unmarketable crops. The BRE lab is currently working with this insect pest in quarantine to better understand its ability to establish in Florida. To read more about this potentially invasive pest, Click here.
If you are a grower of crucifers and would like to be a part of the survey process, please fill out the survey at this link. It should not take longer than 10 minutes of your time. Grower Survey, Cole Crops