Plants, Pests & Pathogens – A Direct Link to the Front Line

Each year the Departments of Horticulture Science, Entomology, and Plant Pathology at NC State University coordinate four, two hour, web-based workshops for horticulture agents and Extension Master Gardener Volunteers (EMGV).  The most highly rated format includes five minute segments by one extension agent from each of the three climate areas in the state; a forty-five minute segment with a featured speaker; and two thirty minute segments on current issues and opportunities, one on Plant Pathology and the other on Entomology.  An average of 34 agents, 186 EMGVs and 13 others participated each session. With a grand total of 135 Agents, 745 EMGVs and 52 others.  The session, originally broadcast via satellite, is now distributed via Elluminate.  Most counties host the program at their office, projecting the transmission to a screen and inviting EMGVs to participate as a group.  Many EMGVs link-up to the session on-line from their own computer at their homes.  The program has been rated very good to excellent on quality and relevance.  One hundred percent of those completing the survey stated that their participation in the program resulted in more environmentally sound pest management strategies being recommended by agents and EMGVs.  More than 80% agreed that participation in the program resulted in agents and EMGVs being able to identify circumstances that do not need treatment, and thus reduce the amount of pesticides recommended.  Eighty percent of the agents stated that participation in the program reduced the number of questions being forwarded from the counties to the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic.  Agents and Master Gardeners increased their knowledge of horticulture, insect identification and management, and disease identification and management.  In addition they increased their knowledge of NC State faculty available to assist them.  When compared to the previous satellite system, the Elluminate system rated higher on ease of use, effectiveness, convenience, ease of involving volunteers and others as well as cost.  “These Elluminate trainings are the most valuable training tool I have participated in throughout the past four years of being an agent”, Anonymous survey response.