Kentucky agriculture and natural resources and horticulture county Extension agents reported 70% to 85% of time was spent assisting homeowners. Inquiries from homeowners can vary greatly. Common questions require a knowledge of plant diseases, insects, abiotic issues, weed management, and wildlife damage, as well as the ability to differentiate between these issues. Extension professionals in the Department of Plant Pathology support agents by providing consultations through email exchanges, phone discussions, and the Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. As a result of the numerous agent interactions the Department of Plant Pathology Extension professionals, identified a need for a holistic agent training in the area of home garden problem solving.  

In 2016, two agent in-service workshops were conducted by Extension professionals in the Departments of Plant Pathology, Entomology, Horticulture, Forestry, and Plant and Soil Science. Workshops consisted of hands-on and field walks addressing identification and management of diseases, insects, abiotic conditions, weeds, and wildlife in fruit and vegetables. In addition, interactive presentations were provided on sample submission, steps for conducting a field visit, and digital diagnostics. Thirty of Kentucky’s agents, technicians, and Extension associates participated in the trainings. Attendees were provided bound and digital manuals, tools for assisting in site visits, and a newly printed publication for distribution to stakeholders.

Pre- and post-surveys indicated an increase in knowledge of diseases of fruit (43%), diseases of vegetables (41%), insects (27%), abiotic conditions (32%), weeds (21%), wildlife (29%), and water quality (38%). Participants reported a 15% increase in confidence in conducting site visits. As a result of the trainings, attendees expressed the intention to increase the quality of sample submissions by 59%, the quality and specificity of questions and inquires by 43%, utilization of UK resources for diagnostics or recommendations by 39%, and the distribution of UK resources and/or information by 32%. Agents indicated that the new knowledge and information would be utilized to provide presentations to the public, generate newsletters, and advise homeowners. Participants stated that this training was “a great workshop – I received more usable information at this workshop than any other I have attended” and that “this was a great training and I feel more confident when it comes to pathology”. One individual also stated, “this is the kind of trainings that we need to improve the Extension system.”