An online Plant Diagnostics Module for Extension Master Gardeners

The North Central Consumer Horticulture Integrated Pest Management Working Group developed an online learning module entitled, 'Introduction to Diagnostics for Master Gardener Volunteers: Approaches to Plant Pest Diagnosis.' The module is online in the campus or learn section of eXtension and is composed of three parts: part 1 covers the difficulties in diagnosing plant problems; part 2 discusses how to gather the information necessary for the diagnostic process; and part 3 covers the Ohio State Fact Sheet, "20 Questions on Plant Diagnostics." The self-paced module takes a minimum of 2 hours to complete, although participants have access to the information for 10 weeks. The module costs $10 and the income is distributed between the module author(s), the state which the Extension Master Gardener (EMG) is from, and eXtension. Within 11 months, 451 people purchased the training. Participants reported a higher comfort and knowledge level of diagnostics after taking the training.