The Master Gardener program is a CAFE featured program and a major initiative for participating counties. The plant disease chapter of this program can be difficult for many agents to present due to the complex nature of the topic. In addition, many participants find the subject overwhelming, complex, and discouraging. Thus, a program was developed to increase understanding through hands-on experiences with plant disease samples and equipment which introduce participants to the microscopic organisms that cause disease. 

From July 2018 through June 2019, this three-hour Master Gardener Plant Pathology lesson was provided in 9 counties with a total of 174 attendees. Surveys showed an increase in understanding of plant pathogen groups (114%), diagnostics (102%), and management (86%), as well as 95% of participants indicated that they were interested in learning more on the topic of plant diseases after attending the program. The program was well received with participants stating, “Excellent presentation. Could have listened to more for hours!!” and “I learned simple and easy ways to help not spread plant diseases! Awesome!” Additional classes will be conducted as requested by county Extension agents.