Project Description

Lawn and Ornamental (L&O) Foundations Course

This course is designed to be an introduction to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Lawn and Ornamental Pests (L&O) in residential and commercial settings. Emphasis is on getting students capable of performing IPM safely and effectively.  Topics covered include: Safety & PPE, Proper Measuring, Plant Health Care, Equipment Use & Calibration, Weeds, Turfgrass Anatomy & Maintenance Requirements, Turf Diseases, Product Rotation, Ornamental Diseases, and Ornamental Pests.
  • Learn the biology of common L&O pests
  • Review the labels of commonly used L&O products and learn about label updates
  • Learn the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
  • Understanding the requirements of FS 482 and 5E-14 as it relates to L&O
  • Practice pest scouting and inspections and develop treatment strategies focused on IPM
  • Do a vehicle inspection and spill drill with Paul Mitola from FDACS

Lawn and Ornamental Pests (L&O) Foundations Course

  • Course is Wednesday 8AM to 5PM, Thursday 8AM to 5PM, and Friday 8AM to noon.
  • Cost is $395.00 for the course.
  • Lunch is provided Wednesday and Thursday (no extra charge).
  • All courses are taught at the UF MREC campus in Apopka, FL.

Lawn and Ornamental (L&O) Foundations Course

There are no prerequisites for this course.
Anyone with interest in the pest management industry can take this course.

Planning on becoming a Certified Pest Control Operator (CO) in Florida?

You can now take the state exam here at Pest Management University.  Friday afternoon (immediately following any of our Master’s courses) the Florida Department of Agriculture (FDACS) will come in and offer a special session of the state certified operator exam to those that qualify.  We cover all the key points at Pest Management University that the state of Florida bases their certified operator exam on.  PMU students have a 99% pass rate on the state Lawn & Ornamental exam.  There are no additional fees charged by us at PMU.  You only pay the FDACS exam fee.

To qualify to take the exam at PMU, you must:

  • Take the related Masters course
  • Meet the state requirements (3 years of experience and completed 45 jobs)
  • Apply and be pre-approved by FDACS to take your state exam (you must still pay the FDACS exam fee)
  • Contact us if you have questions

Register for Upcoming Classes

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COURSE INSTRUCTORS

Research focuses on the biology and management of weeds and invasive plant species in ornamental crop production and in landscapes. The primary goal of my research program is to improve upon current weed control practices and develop new methods of weed control using an integrated approach that combines both chemical and non-chemical management strategies. My extension program involves working with extension faculty and staff, growers, landscapers, homeowners, and other stakeholders to deliver the latest information on weed pests and provide the most effective, economical, and environmentally friendly methods of weed control in and around ornamental plants.

CHRIS MARBLE, Ph.D, Instructor

As the turf and ornamental entomologist, I am responsible for researching economically important pests of turfgrass and ornamental plants, and disseminating the results through management recommendations to extension faculty across the state. The ultimate goal of my lab is to generate more sustainable, ecologically based management strategies that benefit the environment as well as the turf and ornamental industries.

ADAM DALE, Ph.D, Instructor
JOE JONOVICH
JOE JONOVICHCourse Instructor
Has a M.S degree from the University of Florida, Entomology and Nematology Department. Joe has been in industry for over 25 years. He has owned his own pest management company, worked for a large manufacturer, worked as a technical director for a Top-20 company, and currently offers training and consulting for the pest management industry and related fields.
FAITH OI
FAITH OICourse Instructor
Dr. Oi is the director for Pest Management University and Florida’s Statewide School IPM program. She also directs graduate students and works closely with industry on research designed to solve pest problems important to Florida. Dr. Oi earned her Ph.D from the University of Florida (Gainesville), Entomology and Nematology Department., where she studied termite-foraging dynamics. She received her M.S. from the University of Hawai’i, Mānoa, Department of Entomology, where she worked in agriculture.
PAUL MITOLA
PAUL MITOLACourse Instructor
Paul is an Environmental Consultant with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in the Bureau of Scientific Evaluation and Technical Assistance, Entomology and Pest Control Section. He began his career in the pest control industry in 1979 as a technician and worked throughout his career as a service manager, distributor, and owner of various pest control companies. Paul was an IPM technician at the University of Florida for several years before his employment with FDACS, first as an inspector, then as their Environmental Consultant. He is certified in all categories and his major role involves covering regulations, the label and hands-on activities to enforce classroom learning.

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