Success StoryEducating Beginning Master Gardeners on Plant Pathology through Hands-On Experiences



Educating Beginning Master Gardeners on Plant Pathology through Hands-On Experiences

Author: Kimberly Leonberger

Planning Unit: Plant Pathology

Major Program: Master Gardener

Outcome: Initial Outcome

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. 






Stories by Kimberly Leonberger


Empowering Agents to Assist Homeowners with Ornamental Disease and Pest Issues.

about 2 years ago by Kimberly Leonberger

Kentucky agriculture and natural resources and horticulture county Extension agents reported 74% of ... Read More


Educating Commercial Vegetable Growers through Virtual Methods

about 2 years ago by Kimberly Leonberger

Kentucky commercial vegetable growers produce a wide range of crops, which as of 2019 contributed $4... Read More


Stories by Plant Pathology


2021 Tornado

about 2 years ago by Kelsey Mehl

In December of 2021, UKREC was part of a devastating tornado, destroying most of our buildings. In t... Read More


Maintaining a successful applied plant pathology research program in the wake of a tornado

about 2 years ago by Carl Bradley

On December 10, 2021, an EF-4 tornado destroyed the University of Kentucky Research and Education Ce... Read More