Ringling College of Art and Design
OP-9: Integrated Pest Management

Ringling College's approach in designing an effective IPM program begins at the design phase itself and we utilize the following criteria in planning for healthy landscapes: a. The Initial Design/Maintenance Interface b. Cultural Component - plant selection and planting design c. The Biological Component - natural enemies and other beneficials d. The Genetic Component - plant or turf grass selections - chemical controls - use of least toxic and selective alternatives Our goals are to maintain the final landscaped product with long-term, effective cost measures in place while promoting environmentally sound practices including: a. Identify and monitor known pests and diseases using phenology checklists, landscape reports from Institute of Food Agricultural Sciences - University of Florida (IFAS) and visual inspection. b. Identify beneficial insects reptiles and amphibians and encourage habitat through planting or native and host plant species in addition to timely plant cleanup. c. Physical removal of pests through manual and mechanical means to maintain an acceptable threshold of damage. d. Removal of plants that cannot be maintained at acceptable levels and replanting with a more disease resistant type. e. Use of insecticidal soaps and other sanctioned plant health additions while utilizing strategies that include the use of Neem oil and proper watering schedules that avoid over-watering. All fertilization applications are done within strict compliance of Florida laws. If pesticides are deemed necessary, the use of the least toxic chemical is preferable and spot treatments are recommended over the traditional wide spectrum application.