Last week the Society of American Florists presented the 2009 Alex Laurie Award to Lance Osborne, entomology/nematology professor at the University of Florida. He has worked on methods to avoid pest chemical resistance, biological controls and use of banker plants as a source for insect predators. Osborne has co-chaired technical committees for national task forces established in response to two new invasive insects: Bemisia Q-biotype whitefly and chilli thrips. The Alex Laurie Award is presented annually to an individual who has made significant contributions to research and education in the floriculture industry. It is named for Ohio State University professor Alex Laurie, who, during his career of more than 60 years, laid the groundwork for research that revolutionized the floriculture industry.
Photo courtesy of Society of American Florists