2026 UF/IFAS Extension Lake County: Florida First Detector Workshop

The FL First Detector Program equips participants with the tools and knowledge to detect and report invasive pests and plant diseases early.
About this Event

The Florida First Detector Program is an educational initiative by the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) that aims to equip stakeholders—including nursery and landscape professionals, Extension agents, Master Gardeners, and the public—with the tools and knowledge to detect and report invasive pests and plant diseases early. Through workshops, the program supports the early detection and rapid response efforts critical to protecting Florida’s diverse agricultural and natural ecosystems.

Featured Topics:

• Introduction to Invasive Pests and Pathways
• Yellow-Legged Hornet
• Turfgrass Pests and Diseases
• Orange Spiny Whitefly
• Spotted Lantern Fly
• Ralstonia solancearum (blueberries, vegetables)
• Woodboring and Bark Beetles
• Coniella javanica (Hibiscus/roselle/sorrel)
• Sample Submission and DDIS
• Documentation Photo Tips

Pesticide applicator CEUs are pending for 1 CORE CEU and 3 CEUs in each of the following categories:

• Agricultural Row Crop Pest Control
• Private Applicator Agricultural Pest Control
• Large Tree Crop Pest Control
• Commercial Lawn and Ornamental
• Limited Certification Lawn and Ornamental (487)
• Limited Certification Commercial Landscape Maintenance
• Natural Areas W**d Management
• Forest Pest Control
• Ornamental and Turf Pest Control