Organic Pest Management
Available Languages:
English
Publications
Introduction to Soil Solarization
Robert McSorley and Harsimran K. Gill
ENY062 describes this practice of covering soil surface with plastic to harness the sun’s heat to manage soil weeds, nematodes, diseases, and insects in soil. The authors answer frequently asked questions and outline steps for conducting soil solarization. Includes references.
Yellowmargined Leaf Beetle: A Pest of Cole Crops
Elena M. Rhodes and Oscar E. Liburd
A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID for Commercial audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management
Invertebrates as Biological Control Agents of Agricultural Pests
Xavier Martini andHugh A. Smith
This publication aims to help readers identify the most common beneficial insects and invertebrates found in Florida gardens and promote their populations to minimize the use of insecticides. Written by Xavier Martini and Hugh A. Smith, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Entomology and Nematology, revised June 2025.
Weeds as Reservoirs of Plant Pathogens Affecting Economically Important Crops
Morgan Byron, Danielle Treadwell, and Peter Dittmar
Weeds are a major contributor to yield loss and reduction in yield quality in an agricultural setting, competing with the crop for resources like light, water, and nutrients. This competition along with the cost of weed management strategies like tillage and herbicides, are responsible for the economic impact of weeds, which can reach into the billions. In addition to the damage caused by direct competition, weeds can also harm crop plants by acting as reservoirs for destructive plant pathogens, the insect vectors that move these pathogens from plant to plant, or both. The objective of this publication is to summarize previously published weed-pathogen associations to help growers scout and monitor pathogens in weeds near production areas.
Nematode Management in Organic Agriculture
Romy Krueger, Robert McSorley, andZane J. Grabau
The objectives of this publication are to provide information on plant-parasitic nematodes causing damage in organic agriculture and to introduce methods for their management. The intended audience is agricultural professionals and anyone producing agricultural products organically.
Yellowmargined Leaf Beetle, Microtheca ochroloma Stål (Insecta: Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
T. R. Fasulo
The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.
“Push-pull” Technology and Companion Planting: A Dual Strategy for Insect Pest Management in High Tunnel Vegetable Production and Organic Systems
Jesusa C. Legaspi, Alejandro Bolques, Fanny E. Ospina, Shufang Tian, Juan Carlos Díaz-Pérez, Amanda C. Hodges, Adam J. Pitcher, and Xin Zhao
This publication is aimed to introduce “push-pull” technology and companion planting for pest management to high tunnel vegetable growers. It is also of interest to other crop producers wishing to improve their IPM practices.