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INTERACTIVE ONLINE PLANT HEALTH ADVISOR COURSE TEACHES MASTER GARDENERS PLANT DIAGNOSTICS

Horticulture & Turfgrass

Barbara Larson
HORTICULTURE EDUCATOR, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN EXTENSION COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
BRISTOL

Abstract

INTERACTIVE ONLINE PLANT HEALTH ADVISOR COURSE TEACHES MASTER GARDENERS PLANT DIAGNOSTICS\r\n\r\nLarson,* B.A. 1, Koch, K. 2\r\n\r\n1. Associate Professor, Horticulture Educator, University of Wisconsin Extension Cooperative Extension, Kenosha County, Bristol, Wisconsin 53104\r\n2. Special Horticulture Projects Coordinator, University of Wisconsin Extension Cooperative Extension, Kenosha County, Bristol, Wisconsin 53104\r\n\r\n As demand for reliable horticulture information becomes stronger and UW-Extension’s resources become tighter, well-trained and skilled Master Gardeners, functioning as Plant Health Advisors, are needed to extend the capacity of Cooperative Extension staff by diagnosing basic plant health problems and providing research-based information. A curriculum was developed for a highly interactive online Plant Health Advisor training course for Master Gardeners. The Plant Health Advisor course consists of interactive eight modules which cover the basics of plant problem diagnosis. Topics are diagnostic process, plant identification, insect identification and common insect problems, signs and symptoms of common plant diseases, researching answers and dealing with clients. The course was offered three times to date. Participants passing the final exam with a score of 70% or higher were awarded the title of Plant Health Advisor and a certificate. At the completion of the learning modules, participants were directed to complete an end of course survey. Ninety-six percent of participants would recommend this course to others. Eighty-six percent felt pretty inspired, very inspired or couldn’t wait to volunteer as a Plant Health Advisor. Long-term evaluation is in progress and will be complete by early summer. Authors: Larson, B.
  1. Larson, B. Horticulture Educator, Associate Professor, University Of Wisconsin Extension Cooperative Extension, Wisconsin, 53104