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.” 






Stories by Courtney Jenkins


Master Haymaker Provides Education for Improving Hay Quality in the District

about 3 years ago by Courtney Jenkins

The District 1 ANR Agents hosted a seven-series virtual Master Haymaker program in winter of 2021. T... Read More


Agents Host Virtual Professional Conference

about 3 years ago by Courtney Jenkins

Professional improvement is a critical component of organizational development and retention. It is ... Read More


Stories by Agriculture and Natural Resources Programs


Extramural Funding for Beginning Farmers & Job Creation for Colleague

about 3 years ago by Ricky Yeargan

Senior Extension Associate led a team that submitted a Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Prog... Read More


Ag Water Quality- collaboration with Kentucky Water Resources Research Institute (KWRRI)

about 3 years ago by Tammy Brewster-Barnes

In collaboration with Steve Evans and others at the KWRRI, two projects have been started to improve... Read More