 As regulatory uncertainty surrounds the future registration of the widely used fungicide Thiram, crop production in Florida and throughout the Southeastern U.S. faces a critical need for alternative disease management tools. Nowhere is this need greater than with strawberries, where Thiram is relied upon heavily for management of Neopestalotiopsis. Thiram has also been an important fungicide and resistance management component across many other Southeastern crops, including tomatoes, cucurbits, peppers, eggplant, and ornamentals—all of which require proactive research in light of this regulatory change.
Our integrated program emphasizes:
Leveraging over 45 years of plant pathology expertise, Florida Ag Research and the Ag Metrics Group companies combine proven field protocols with precise laboratory bioassays to deliver statistically validated efficacy data. This ensures product developers can confidently assess performance, spectrum of activity, and potential integration into Florida’s commercial and export-driven systems. We welcome inquiries from product developers interested in advancing next-generation disease management solutions across multiple Southeastern specialty crops. Connect with our team: https://www.agmetricsgroup.com/contact.html?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=strawberryneopesta #FloridaAgResearch #StrawberryResearch #FungicideTrials #DiseaseManagement #PlantPathology #CropProtection #AgInnovation #SpecialtyCrops #AgResearch #SustainableAg  Florida Ag Research is expanding the research portfolio with dedicated field trials evaluating ripener programs in sugarcane. These studies are designed to quantify the effects on sugar content at harvest, reductions in lodging and improve plant size and stem girth.
Ripener evaluation protocols will measure:
Trials incorporate standardized sampling and laboratory analysis to accurately estimate the production value. Florida Ag Research has the capability to apply ripeners with precision while capturing detailed physiological and yield response. Our team utilizes both field-based ratings and laboratory quality analyses to provide comprehensive insights for product developers.  Florida Ag Research is launching a dedicated research program evaluating the efficacy of biostimulants in Central Florida strawberry production. Candidate products will be field assessed in small plot trials and larger demo plots for marketing support in the heart of the Southeast strawberry growing region. Biostimulant evaluation protocols will measure improvements in:
These investigations will detail effects of application rate, phenological timing, soil or foliar treatment, and almost any other specific product usage scenario for the manufacturer.
Using your protocol or ours, these studies begin at planting in October and continue through the fruiting season ending in March 2026. Plant growth rates, root development, flowering, and fruiting parameters are recorded on populations of treated plants compared to untreated ones. Complete materials and methods, statistical and graphical presentation of data, and interpretation of results are provided in the final report. Florida Ag Research has the capability to apply biostimulant products as a soil amendment, chemigation application, or foliar spray. To capture physiological responses, our trials incorporate advanced measurement tools including the LI-COR® LI-600 Chlorophyll Content Index sensor, NDVI/NDRE sensors, WinRHIZO™ root scanner, and experienced field technicians familiar with strawberry quality standards and measurement. These technologies and staff allow us to quantify crop growth patterns, stress response, and canopy health with repeatable precision. We welcome inquiries from product developers and invite you to connect with our team for more information on our biostimulant program.  Florida Ag Research announced a new insecticide screening program for testing ovicidal efficacy against Chilli Thrips for the Florida strawberry industry. Candidate active ingredients include currently registered and new insecticides, acaricides, or other products that can disrupt the pest early in its life cycle. This Fall and continuing through Spring 2026, our Florida entomology team will be conducting focused laboratory and field bioassays that can provide manufacturers with confidential data of a product’s potential utility as a thrips ovicide.
As with other thrips species, Chilli Thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis) inserts its eggs into leaf tissue where they are protected against most insecticide sprays and biological controls. In this scenario, new larvae continually hatch unchecked, infesting plant canopies and causing direct damage to the harvested crop. In contrast, ovicides strengthen commercial control programs by eliminating a critical pest life stage, which may lead to a reduction in the number of thrips sprays needed, conservation of biological controls, and improvement in resistance management (longevity) of products now in use. In addition to Chilli Thrips, ovicidal efficacy testing is also available for Western Flower Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) and several other key insect pests. Florida Ag Research combines state-of-the-art facilities with decades of expertise in entomology, greenhouse and field research, and custom bioassay designs. Our mission is to deliver independent, science-driven insights that manufacturers of ag products can use to refine their portfolios and ultimately contribute to commercial IPM strategies worldwide. Chilli Thrips Control in Strawberry: Comparison of Conventional and Organic Treatment Efficacy5/13/2025
Justification: Chilli thrips are increasing in severity and distribution in Florida’s strawberry industry every year, and reports of severe crop injury are commonplace in all strawberry production districts statewide. In warm fall years, Chilli thrips can become established in strawberry plantings during plant setting periods of overhead irrigations when foliar insecticide spray applications are not possible. Within the first trimester of the crop, most strawberry plantings are infested with rapidly increasing populations of these pests, with injury to foliage, blossoms and fruit evident by mid-season. This occurs despite repeated insecticide sprays or inundative releases of hundreds of thousands of predatory mites and/or beneficial insects. One strategy proposed is to apply insecticides (conventional or organically approved) as early as possible before plant canopies are established and spray coverage limits control. If insecticide materials could be used during the first month of crop establishment, thrips populations could be delayed, and plant damage minimized later in the season. This project seeks to test insecticide application methodologies during the critical crop establishment period under actual field conditions at the Dover lab.  Photo 1. Close up of Chilli Thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis) on strawberry leaf (left) and the feeding damage on infested strawberries rated a 5 on a 0-5 scale (right) Methodology: Three experiments were carried out on naturally infested Brilliance strawberries transplanted in October 2024 at the Dover research station. All three experiments include untreated check plots and a grower standard foliar insecticide rotation.
Treatments: Conventional systemic insecticides
Organic products (1-2 applications)
Data Collection: Thrips counts on ten blossoms per plot were reported weekly. Feeding damage on fruit was rated on a 0-5 scale, where 5 is severely damaged (see photo 1). Early Season Chilli Thrips Counts* on FlowersPre-Plant dips for Cyantranilprole and Imidacloprid had the fewest thrips on flowers in the pre-plant conventional program.
Post-plant Conventional treated strawberries saw the fewest Chilli thrips on standard tank mix program.
Strawberry blossoms treated with experimental organic programs saw higher average Chilli Thrips than the standard and untreated plants.
*Time weighted average count, six week total pressure. Larvae, adult and combined counts analyzed separately Average Fruit Damage % Control
Pre-Plant: Imidacloprid as a Preplant Dip controls fruit damage better than standard, statistically (p<0.05)
Post-Plant: Night sprays were significantly less effective than sprinkler or drip applications for experimental treatments (p<0.05)
Organic: No significant differences for standard rotation or experimentals  Results: The abnormally cool temps in November and December delayed Chilli thrips establishment until mid-January at Dover. As a result, foliar populations remained very low for the first 5 weeks of the season and comparison of insecticide efficacy during crop establishment was not possible on leaves alone. However, beginning weekly in December, blooms were sampled along with foliage and Chilli thrips were recovered in low but quantifiable densities to compare treatments after plants had set and irrigations stopped. Conclusions: Chilli Thrips populations were low in 2024, limiting the conclusiveness of insecticide efficacy data. However, evaluations based on Chilli thrips presence in blooms and fruit damage indicated that the systemic insecticides Imidacloprid and Cyantraniliprole demonstrated efficacy against both nymphs and adults. Although efficacy was demonstrated rates used for dip and drench treatments negatively impacted plant growth and delayed crop development. The use of insecticide plant dips and drip chemigation methods is not recommended currently due to potential phytotoxicity effects. None of the organic insecticides tested provided observable control under the conditions of this study. Further research is planned for Fall 2025 to determine safe and effective rates for soil-applied insecticides and to reassess efficacy under higher pest pressure.
Want to find out more, download the full PowerPoint Presentation.
Explosive Two-spotted Spider Mite Outbreaks – Central Florida. Pest Update: February 20252/12/2025
 Extremely high populations of Two-spotted Spider Mites are occurring in Central Florida as a result of unusually warm February temperatures. Populations are spreading in plant canopies, including flowers and fruit, causing significant economic losses to growers on many farms. Two-spotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus urticae) is a persistent threat to the strawberry industry nationwide. Their hidden colonization of plant canopies, rapid reproduction, and ability to develop resistance to chemical treatments make them especially difficult to control. Strawberry growers face significant risks because spider mites damage plants by reducing photosynthesis, stunting growth, and feeding directly on fruit causing significant crop losses annually.  With higher than normal temperatures this past month, damaging populations have broken out across Central Florida strawberry plantings and growers are in need of effective solutions to mitigate this escalating threat.
Published data developed by Dr. Frank Sances of Ag Metrics Group has shown that an average of 10-15 mites per leaf can cause measurable plant damage and yield loss. The plants shown above have had 100 or more mites per leaf for weeks at a time. Spider Mite Trials: Secure A Spot in Our Spring "Add-On" Program Currently, we are planning the Spring 2025 program at our Dover, FL strawberry research station. If you have a conventional or alternative acaricide in development, our “add on” trial program has openings for additional entries. Foliar sprays, root drench application and drip irrigation methods are possible. Your product will be compared with industry standards for efficacy against eggs, nymphs and adult stages. At this time of year, 2-3 applications are normally made to manage this pest. Join Our Spring Strawberry Program Today
The industry is searching for products that can help growers manage the area-wide outbreak and prevent further losses economically important crop. If your product has potential efficacy against spider mites, please give us a call while we are filling slots in our field trial program in Central Florida. The industry is searching for products that can help manage the area-wide outbreak and prevent losses to this economically important crop. Two-Spotted Spider Mite is extremely difficult to control on strawberries and there are few effective control measures available to growers. Field trialing your potential solution in these real-world conditions could benefit everyone involved. Please call Florida Ag Research Director, Dr. Balaji Aglave, directly at (813) 892-1104. You can also email him at [email protected] or Erin Downey at [email protected] to discuss these Florida trials now starting at our Strawberry Research Center in Dover, FL. For questions regarding field trials at any of our other stations nationwide including the California Strawberry research program also with lab and field two spotted spider mite trials please contact Brad Booker at [email protected] Highlighting Insights from the FSGA Field Day Presentation - Chilli Thrip Control on Strawberry1/15/2025
Today, at the Florida Strawberry Growers Association Field Day in Dover, FL, Dr. Frank Sances of Florida Ag Research (an Ag Metrics Group Comapny) shared key findings on Chilli Thrips Control in Strawberry: Comparison of Conventional and Organic Treatment Efficacy. The presentation offered a deep dive into:
Explore the findings of the presentation here (Click image below to view file):  Florida Ag Research's first day back in the fields was Monday, October 15, planting strawberries at our Dover facility for the Florida fall research program. After Hurricane Milton's landfall the week before, it’s been a relief to see clear skies and beautiful plant material, allowing our team to get back to the work. Our crew is working to ensure this season’s research stays on track. While our neighbors continue to recover we’re moving forward with optimism and care. Florida Ag Research thanks all of its clients, partners, vendors, friends and family for their continued support. Greenhouse (Controlled Environment Agriculture – CEA) trial research is essential for advancing agricultural practices, improving crop yields, and enhancing sustainability. Our greenhouse trials allow researchers to test new varieties, growing techniques, pest control methods, and nutrient management strategies in a controlled environment. Ag Metrics Group has over 70,000 sq. ft. of greenhouses within its nationwide network of 12 stations serving five major growing regions in the U.S. and Canada. Florida Ag Research Capabilities
Agronomy & Biostimulants
Common Studies:
Plant Pathogens
Common Pathogens:
Entomology
Common Arthropods:
Nematology
Common Nematodes:
Genetics & Plant Breeding
Pacific Ag Research (California) Capabilities
Agronomy & Biostimulants
Common Studies:
Plant Pathogens
Common Pathogens:
Entomology
Common Arthropods:
Nematology
Michigan Ag Research CapabilitiesMichigan Ag Research has 2,000 sq. ft. of greenhouse space. The most common studies are related to:
This is an abbreviated list of our greenhouse capabilities. Most commonly grown crops are possible. If you have a specific need for other CRO services, contact us directly for more information.
Ag Metrics Group provides comprehensive hydroponic testing services. Our expertise in advanced agricultural technologies allows us to offer a wide range of hydroponic systems and trials tailored to your specific needs.  Our Hydroponic Testing Techniques We specialize in various hydroponic systems, including: Water Culture (Deep and Shallow / Raft), Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), Ebb & Flow Systems and Aeroponic Systems. Substrate-Based Hydroponic Trials In addition to the above techniques, we conduct hydroponic trials using drip or wick systems with a variety of substrates: Coir, Perlite, Rockwool, Expanded Clay Pebbles, Oasis, and Peat.  Controlled Greenhouse Environment Our greenhouse facilities allow us to meticulously control various environmental factors to ensure accurate and reliable results: Nutrient Solutions, pH and Electrical Conductivity (EC) Levels, Lighting Conditions, Temperature and Humidity.  What We Can Test For Ag Metrics Group can investigate mode of action, product activity, or efficacy in a highly controlled setting. Our trials are designed to test claims such as: Improved Resistance to Abiotic Stress: Including Drought Tolerance, Nutrient Uptake Efficiency, Salinity Resistance, etc. (Biostimulants), Enhanced Root Growth, Increased Vegetative Growth, Higher Plant/Crop Size and Yield, Improved Crop Quality, Better Flower or Fruit Retention and Enhanced Photosynthetic Activity. Why Choose Ag Metrics Group for Your Hydroponic Trials Conducting your hydroponic trial with us offers several key advantages:
Let's Connect and Talk About Your Hydroponic Trial Needs
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