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


Bridging the Generational Gap through Arts Engagement

Bridging the Generational Gap through Arts Engagement

about 2 years ago by Courtney Jenkins

Engaging in the arts has been purported to offer many social and personal benefits. According to a r... Read More


New Program Allows Agent to "Meat" New Extension Users

New Program Allows Agent to "Meat" New Extension Users

about 2 years ago by Courtney Jenkins

As consumers continue to become more conscious and interested in where their food comes from, and ho... Read More


Stories by Agriculture and Natural Resources Programs


Mentoring new catfish farmer

about 2 years ago by Forrest Wynne

A new channel catfish farmer in Hickman Co. has been mentored for the past 14 months. His fingerling... Read More


Empowering clientele to propagate and produce their own fruit trees

about 2 years ago by Sheri Crabtree

Empowering clientele to propagate and produce their own fruit treesWith supply chain issues causing ... Read More