Author: Kiersten Wise
Planning Unit: Plant Pathology
Major Program: Integrated Pest Management
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
The Plant Pathology Extension Team, led by Dr. Kiersten Wise, conducted a survey to assess the Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (PDDL) client needs and determine impact. The survey was available electronically for two months in early 2021. A link to the survey was provided to past PDDL clientele. The link was publicly available and advertised through the Kentucky Pest News newsletter. A total of 247 people responded to the survey, of which 239 indicated they had previously submitted a sample to the PDDL. The majority of survey respondents self-identified as County Extension Agents (29.3%) and Homeowners (28.0%). Farmer/Producer/Growers represented 17.6% of respondents, with the remaining respondents a mix of consultants, industry, and other. Over 90% of survey respondents said they had a positive experience with the PDDL, and 89% of respondents said the diagnosis they received influenced a management decision. Respondents indicated that the average value of a PDDL diagnosis was over $2,000 per sample. 93% of survey respondents felt confident that their diagnosis was accurate, and 88% of respondents indicated that they received a prompt diagnosis. Respondents indicated that woody ornamentals were the most frequently submitted commodity (21%) followed by vegetables (16%). Fruit, herbaceous ornamentals, grains and tobacco were the next highest submitted commodities, in order. At the end of the survey, respondents were given the option to answer the question, “What else would you like us to know?” Over 100 comments were provided to this question, with the majority of the responses overwhelmingly positive and supportive of the PDDL. An example quote is provided here: “The service provided helps producers as well as researchers, and is invaluable. The diagnosticians are excellent at identification of the causes of sick plants.” Survey results are currently being compiled into reports and infographics that can be distributed in the Commonwealth to help promote the excellent service provided by the PDDL.
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