Success StoryEmpowering Community Vegetable Gardeners to Reduce Diseases through Education on Seed Treatment
Empowering Community Vegetable Gardeners to Reduce Diseases through Education on Seed Treatment
Author: Kimberly Leonberger
Planning Unit: Plant Pathology
Major Program: Home & Consumer Horticulture
Outcome: Initial Outcome
Saving seeds from the previous season is common practice in Kentucky. However, these seed can harbor numerous pathogens that are harmful to plants and limit grower success and yield. The Taylor County Agent for Horticulture, Kara Back, identified a need for stakeholder education on seed treatment as a way to reduce seed-borne diseases. Surveys indicated that 80% of individuals were saving seed, but none of the participants were treating seed prior to planting. As a result, a UK Plant Pathology Extension Specialist conducted a program, consisting of a presentation and hands-on demo, where attendees could treat seed brought with them to the program. Topics covered included seed-borne diseases and various types of seed treatments. Six individuals attended the program. Pre- and post-surveys were used to collect feedback. Attendees expressed increases in understanding of seed-borne diseases (129%) and types of seed treatments (143%). After the program, some participants indicated that they would likely treat seeds at home (40%), the extension office (80%), or at an annual seed treatment program (60%). All attendees stated they would refer the program to a friend and 60% indicated they would attend a program on an annual basis. Attendees recorded the education about the heat treatment method as the most valuable part of the program. The program was well received with individuals stating, “Excellent program - learned a lot.”
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