Success StoryEmpowering Community Vegetable Gardeners to Reduce Diseases through Education on Seed Treatment
Empowering Community Vegetable Gardeners to Reduce Diseases through Education on Seed Treatment
Author: Courtney Jenkins
Planning Unit: Agriculture and Natural Resources Programs
Major Program: Home & Consumer Horticulture
Plan of Work: Promoting Sustainable, Healthy Lifestyles and Communities
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
Saving seeds from the previous season is common practice in Kentucky. However, these seed can harbor numerous pathogens that are harmful to plants and limit grower success and yield. Magoffin County Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources Education, Courtney Jenkins, identified a need for stakeholder education on seed treatment as a way to reduce seed-borne diseases. Surveys indicated that 61% of individuals were saving seed, but only 16% were treating seed prior to planting. As a result, UK Plant Pathology Extension Specialists conducted a program, consisting of a presentation and hands-on demo, where attendees could treat seed brought with them to the program. Topics covered included seed-borne diseases and various types of seed treatments. 17 individuals attended the program. Pre- and post-surveys were used to collect feedback. 73% of attendees expressed increases in understanding of seed-borne diseases, and 71% in types of seed treatments. After the program, 80% of participants indicated that they would likely treat seeds at home, the extension office, or at an annual seed treatment program. 13 attendees stated they would refer the program to a friend and 91% indicated they would attend a program on an annual basis. Attendees recorded that learning how to treat seeds properly to reduce pathogens and disease on the seeds was the most valuable part of the program. The program was well received with one individual stating, “I didn’t realize that proper seed saving was so important. I’ve been saving seeds for years, but never heat treated to help reduce pathogens and disease, so I’m excited to add this practice to my operation.”
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