by STELLA CANFIELD, UF/IFAS
Lance Osborne at the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center has been inducted into the 2026 Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Hall of Fame by the Southern IPM Center. As one of three selected for the honor, the award recognizes Osborne’s decades-long contributions to IPM research, biological control and Extension education for Florida’s horticulture industry. Osborne was inducted at the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association’s annual convention in Coral Gables, Florida, on June 27.
“This is really an honor. The fact that several of my colleagues participated by writing letters to support my nomination is very humbling,” Osborne says. “Without my wife’s support and sacrifice as well as the sacrifice of our children, I would not have been able to pursue my goals.” He also expressed deep gratitude for his lab members, Katherine Houben and Irma Herrera, noting that their support and work have been instrumental in his success.
Osborne, an entomologist with over 45 years of experience, has developed several pest management strategies to help growers rely less on pesticides. Among his most notable contributions is pioneering the use of banker plant systems in greenhouse production, an approach that uses non-crop plants to rear beneficial insects.
Alongside colleague Cindy McKenzie, a USDA-ARS entomologist, Osborne has advanced the use of predatory thrips, mites and beetles to control some of the industry’s most damaging pests, including whiteflies, thrips and mealybugs.
Throughout his career, Osborne has earned national and international recognition in the IPM community. He has authored more than 100 publications as well as numerous fact sheets, manuals and educational resources, and has presented at countless meetings, field days, workshops, and professional conferences, translating his research into practical applications for Florida growers and beyond.
Osborne has also mentored many graduate students, postdoctoral researchers and scientists in the early stages of their careers, helping to shape the next generation of entomologists and IPM experts.
As a lifelong leader in IPM, Osborne’s work has shaped how the ornamental horticulture industry approaches pest management. His dedication to research, education and growers’ success has left a lasting impact on Florida’s agriculture and horticulture industries and continues to influence the broader IPM community.
Provided by UF/IFAS