Agriculture and Natural Resources and Horticulture Extension agents throughout Kentucky assist growers and homeowners with a wide range if plant problems on an array of specialty crops. A survey of agents indicated that in an average month, agents assist an average of 18 stakeholders with issues related to plant diseases, disorders, and unknown plant problems. Identification of plant disease can be difficult, and a survey found that agents spent an average of 24 hours per month (15% of total working time) dealing with plant diseases. Thus, as a way to improve agent knowledge, increase confidence in addressing stakeholder plant disease issues, and increase agent efficiency in this area, the Practical Approaches to Disease Identification: Agent in-service and certificate program was developed.

The certificate program was divided into two parts, with the first being a series of 8 webinars. To qualify for the certificate program, agents were required to complete 7 webinars. These webinars aimed to provide an understanding of the microorganisms responsible for disease, as well as information on field and office tools that can be used for sample collection and disease identification. Each one hour webinar utilized a webcam that allowed for participants to view demonstrations of tools, as well as disease symptoms and signs of pathogens. At the conclusion of each webinar, each participant completed a quiz. All sessions were recorded, so agents were able to access the program within a week of the training date. These recordings also allowed for this information to be maintained as a resource for agents. All webinars were facilitated by a specialist and associate in the Department of Plant Pathology.  

Between 46 and 57 agents participated in each session. Surveys found that agents gave mean ratings of 9.24, 8.29, 8.59, and 9.53 out of 10.00 for convenience, visual and clarity of samples, time allotted for each topic/pathogen group, and video playback for make-up options respectively. Knowledge of all webinar topics increased an average of 63% as a result of participation. The survey also indicated that 89% of agents had already put into practice skills gained from the webinar series. Ninety-two percent of participants indicated that they would recommend this webinar series to all agents at all experience levels. Feedback from agents was positive with one commenting, “I have learned important ways of how to approach a homeowner who knows there is a problem but has no idea of what it is or how to help control the issue. From this class I have much more confidence in my ability to be the person for a resident to call on when they have a plant in decline.” Due to the complex nature of this program, we anticipate repeating it every 3-4 years.