Pathology and entomological problems are a daunting challenge for many green industry professionals.  Reasons include the small size of these biological problems and the variety of different symptoms expressed at different life stages and on different plant species.  The prevalence of these problems also varies from one year to the next due to weather variations and as new pests and diseases are introduced into the region.

About 60 to 70 green industry professionals from southern Ohio and northern and central Kentucky meet monthly at different locations throughout the growing season to learn field recognition of biotic and abiotic problems currently present in landscapes.  This program is hosted by Joe Boggs, Hamilton County Extension and co-hosted by Bill Fountain, Kentucky Extension Professor.  This is the 26th year of this program.

These leaders in landscape maintenance extend the effectiveness of extension professionals by scouting for invasive species (e.g. plants, insects, diseases) threatening the area and by monitoring their movement.  The training also allows the landscape professionals to provide their clients with the most current and environmentally friendly recommendations for their landscapes.