CLINTON, South Carolina -- Clemson University, as part of its Sustainable Agriculture Program "Ecologically Based Pest Management" training series, will hold a plant disease management course on July 28 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Bush River Farm and Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C.

"Plant Disease Management for Sustainable and Organic Vegetable Production" is made possible by Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE) grants. The focus of the training program is on implementation of preventative cultural practices that can be integrated into the farm plan to discourage diseases, pests and weeds from becoming a problem. Participants will meet at Bush River Farm, 3111 Highway 56 South, Clinton, South Carolina. Log on to http://www.bushriverfarm.com/directions.html for directions. Registration is $40 for non-Extension personnel and complimentary for Extension agents.

This one-day course will focus on sustainable/organic management of key diseases of vegetable crops in the Southern region. Participants will learn about techniques for monitoring plants for disease symptoms and identification of vegetable diseases. In addition, they will have an opportunity to take samples in the field and, with direction, will run through identification procedures using a hand lens and/or microscope (participants will receive a hand lens to take home).

Participants will also learn about specific cultural practices to prevent disease problems, and there will be ample time for questions and discussion about disease management problems and solutions. Participants will also tour the Parson Produce operation at Bush River Farm in Clinton, and will learn about the farm’s disease management program from farmer Daniel Parson.

 
 Agenda

8:45 a.m.   Meet at Bush River Farm for registration and brief introduction, Geoff Zehnder.  (Carpooling is encouraged.  Parking will be along farm entrance driveway)

9:15 a.m.   Tour of Parson Produce operation and overview of the farm disease and pest management plan, Daniel Parson 

10:40 a.m.  Demonstration of disease monitoring and symptom identification in the field, Mark Boudreau and Anthony Keinath  

Noon  Lunch at The Farmhouse at Bush River Bed and Breakfast (included) 

1 p.m.   Drive to Presbyterian College; meet in Lassiter Hall Biology Lab 

1:20 p.m.   Overview of disease symptom and pathogen identification, Mark Boudreau and Anthony Keinath 

2 p.m.   Participants run through procedures to identify common vegetable diseases collected in the field; hands on session led by Mark Boudreau and Anthony Keinath

3:15 p.m.   Open discussion on disease management problems, solutions and Q&A

4 p.m.   Adjourn
 
 Instructors 

 
 Daniel Parson, Farmer, Parson Produce, Clinton, SC Daniel received a MS degree in Sustainable Agriculture from Clemson University, and operates a small, diversified farm (at Bush River Farm) where he grows a variety of vegetable crops using organic production practices. Parson is the recipient of the 2009 Georgia Organics Georgia Land Steward of the Year award.
 
Mark Boudreau, Plant Pathologist, University of Georgia Boudreau is a plant pathologist with the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at UGA. He is an expert on disease management for organic crop systems, has conducted research and published numerous articles on disease control in certified organic production, and has served as a consultant to farmers and agriculture professionals on organic agriculture and disease management.    

Anthony Keinath, Professor of Plant Pathology, Clemson University  Keinath serves as the vegetable pathologist for South Carolina growers. He also serves as Editor-in-Chief of Plant Disease, the leading international journal for applied plant pathology research.  His research focuses on management, ecology, and epidemiology of fungal and bacterial pathogens of cucurbits and cole crops and general integrated pest management for vegetables. His area of expertise is the fungus Didymella bryoniae, the cause of gummy stem blight and black rot on cucurbits.
 
 Registration  

Registration for non-Extension personnel is $40 which includes lunch and a hand lens to take home (fee waived for Clemson and SCSU Extension agents**).  Registration deadline is July 22 (registration is limited to the first 40 registrants and provided on first come first serve basis). 
 
Please complete and return the registration form below via e-mail to Kelly Gilkerson, kgilker@clemson.edu, AND send your check in the amount of $40 (payable to Clemson University) to Kelly Gilkerson, Dept. of Entomology, 114 Long Hall, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634. Once your check has been received you will receive a confirmation of your registration via e-mail. (Please include contact e-mail information with your check correspondence)
 
**Registration for Cooperative Extension Personnel
 Please complete and return the registration form below via e-mail to Kelly Gilkerson, kgilker@clemson.edu. Registration fee is waived for Cooperative Extension personnel. Registration deadline is July 22 (registration is limited to the first 40 registrants and provided on first come first served basis).

Travel Expense Reimbursement- Personal vehicle mileage and registration will be covered for Cooperative Extension personnel who attend the training. Mileage will be paid on a reimbursement basis after the event upon receipt of the Extension travel form and hotel receipt.
 
 Questions?

 Contact Kelly Gilkerson (kgilker@clemson.edu) or Geoff Zehnder (zehnder@clemson.edu) for additional information.

REGISTRATION FORM:

Disease Management for Sustainable/Organic Vegetable Production
Yes, I plan to attend the training on July 28:
 
 Name: ___________________________________________ 
 Affiliation: _________________________________________
 Phone: ___________________________________________ 
 Email: ____________________________________________
 
 _____I work with Clemson or SCSU Cooperative Extension
 _____I am not affiliated with Cooperative Extension and my $40 registration fee is enclosed (Payable by check only.) Please make check out to: Clemson University and mail to: Kelly Gilkerson, Dept. of Entomology, 114 Long Hall, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634
 
 _____ I prefer a vegetarian lunch or have the following dietary restrictions: