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 in an average 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 second being a full-day hands-on field practicum. The practicum built upon the previous online trainings that were completed in the months prior.  This program was offered in four locations across the state, and to qualify for the certificate program, agents were required to attend one session. The practicum consisted of a field walk to educate participants on the most effective approaches to a field visit. During a different part of the practicum, participants worked in groups to practice various diagnostic methods and later to work through case studies that required agents to utilize skills in plant disease identification and sample preparation and processing. All sessions of the practicum were facilitated by a specialist and associate in the Department of Plant Pathology.  

A total of 50 agents completed the field practicum sessions. A survey found that knowledge increased in the following areas: how to make a field visit (28%), techniques and skills on analyzing a sample (29%), disease management recommendations (32%), and making a diagnosis (37%). An increase in confidence when making a field visit, gathering data, and colleting appropriate samples (23%); evaluating a sample and applying new skills (29%); making disease management recommendations (26%); and making a diagnosis, knowing limits, and preparing a proper PDDL submission (31%) was recorded. Agents also indicated a high level of anticipated ability to implement skills in the areas of making a field visit, techniques and skills for analyzing a sample, making disease management recommendations, and making a diagnosis with mean rating of 8.78, 8.17, 7.96, and 8.15 (out of 10.00) respectively. Of those agents that completed the practicum, 94% would recommend the program to all agents at all experience levels. Feedback from this program was positive with one agent commenting, “Wonderful program toady. I really enjoyed the hands-on learning. It all came together so well for me, and I feel much more comfortable to approach disease calls.” Due to the complex nature of this program, we anticipate repeating it every 3-4 years.