Public Issues Ecosystem Management, Protection and Restoration
 |
 |
Project Reports - 2008Plant and Soil Diagnostic ServicesProject Leader: Bess Dicklow Participating Staff:
Participating Faculty:
The project addressed the following UMass Extension Critical Issues:
DescriptionPlant and Soil Diagnostic Services provides growers with critical information that enhances ecosystems and protects natural resources. Our scientific diagnoses of crop problems and cultural practice recommendations support effective and environmentally sound disease management. Accurate diagnosis ensures that the proper chemicals are applied appropriately and unnecessary pesticide applications are reduced or eliminated. Fertilizer applications based upon the results of soil tests also reduce unnecessary and inappropriate applications. Project staff contribute to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) field schools that educate vegetable growers on ecologically sound pest management and scouting techniques. Regular monitoring of crop fields and submission of suspect samples to the Diagnostic Lab can lead to the detection, avoidance, and early containment of exotic pests. Plant and Soil Diagnostic Services supports the economic viability of natural resource-based businesses by providing accurate diagnosis of plant problems for turfgrass professionals, arborists, landscapers, nursery operators, and floriculture growers. Accurate diagnosis of diseases, weeds, and insects allows growers to make the best management decisions possible and avoid unnecessary and inappropriate pesticide applications. The UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab provides ecologically sustainable and research- based recommendations to growers from these industries which results in the effective management of plant problems without wasted time, labor, or chemical inputs. The Lab also participates in the National Plant Diagnostic Network to promote the detection, avoidance, and early containment of exotic pests, diseases, and invasive species by educating diagnosticians about select agents and providing a rapid response system in cases of exotic pest detection. Activity SummaryThe UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab processed 953 samples for turf, vegetable, floriculture, landscapers, arborists, and homeowners. The UMass Soil and Tissue Testing laboratory processed approximately 15,000 soil and tissue samples that led to fertilization methods based upon scientific test results. This resulted in fewer unnecessary fertilizer applications which helps protect the environment and water resources and enhances the ecological and economic viability of natural resource-based businesses. In addition to providing diagnostic and testing services, Extension Educators contributed to newsletters, websites, and technical manuals and received specialized training in molecular diagnostics. Diagnostics staff are routinely invited to give talks, present at seminars and deliver specialized training sessions. Extension educators associated with the UMass Plant Diagnostic Lab answered approximately 2,000 telephone calls and e-mails from the general public about issues relating to horticulture. These outreach activities educate growers and the general public about Best Management Practices that protect the environment and our water resources. Results SummaryThe UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab processed 953 specimens for diagnosis of disease, insect, environmental, and cultural problems. Growers received detailed recommendations that emphasize cultural controls based upon University research. Clients increased their use of the Integrated Pest Management Practices as outlined in the diagnostic reports. The impact of these diagnoses is that less unnecessary and/or inappropriate chemical applications were made. When growers base their pest management decisions on accurate diagnosis, it enhances both the economic and ecological sustainability of natural their businesses. The Soil and Tissue Testing Lab processed 15,000 samples. Fertilizers applied on the basis of soil test results resulted in fewer inappropriate fertilizer applications which reduce growers’ exposure to fertilizers and protect our ecosystem. Growers who attended IPM field schools, Field Days, and Landscape walkabouts improved their skills and knowledge in how to scout for and identify plant diseases, insects, and weeds. This knowledge increased the likelihood of accurate detection of exotic pests, diseases, and weeds. Attendance at Extension sponsored programs or subscriptions to Extension publications (Landscape Message, TurfTalks, Veg Notes, and Hort Notes) helped growers to acquire knowledge and skills in sustainable landscape management, turfgrass management, floriculture production, and vegetable crop production. Planned outcomes and Observed or Measured Progress
Activities, Delivery Mode and Participants ReachedAnswer tree and shrub, vegetable, turf and floriculture questions via telephone calls and emails (includes 10 media interviews) Participate in National Plant Diagnostic Network, Northeast Region, by attending annual meeting, participating in exercises, conducting First Detector Training, and entering information into national database Presented two seminars at an UMass Extension Floriculture Program on Diagnosing Plant Problems: Basics of Plant Pathology and Common Plant Diseases Provide pathogen identification, disease diagnosis, and management recommendations for vegetable growers Provide pathogen identification, disease diagnosis, and management recommendations to arborists, nursery crop growers, and landscapers (trees and woody shrubs) Provide pathogen identification, disease diagnosis, and management recommendations to greenhouse growers of floriculture crops Provide pathogen identification, disease diagnosis, and management recommendations to professional turf managers Provide training in molecular diagnostics at Cornell University Serve as agriculture and landscape representative on the UMass Extension Diversity Working Group This project is part of the Agriculture & Landscape program
|
