Educate to Detect:

First Detector Training in Florida

Polycom Training

Confirmed Site Locations: Milton, Homestead & Gainesville

Friday, May 2, 2008

New! May 2, 2008 Presentations for Download

Site Index

Florida is continually at risk for exotic pest establishment due to its suitable climate and numerous ports of entry. The First Detector education program, coordinated through the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN) is designed to promote the early detection of exotic pests. The Southern Plant Diagnostic Network (SPDN) is coordinated through the University of Florida/IFAS Extension. The Florida Plant Diagnostic Network (FPDN) is the Florida component of the SPDN/NPDN program. First Detectors are individual who are likely to be in the front lines of noticing an exotic pest once it has entered our agricultural and natural ecosystems. First Detectors are aware of common pests of concern in their state and are prepared to submit unusual samples to their county extension offices or local diagnostic labs. Florida's county extension educators and statewide extension specialists are the First Detector Educators within Florida equipped to provide First Detectors with training. The following workshop will provide Florida's county extension educators with training on updated informational resources avaialble through the NPDN/SPDN/FPDN training and education program.

1. Florida County Extension Educators
2. Program Assistants
3. Master Gardeners
4. Growers
5. Landscape Professionals

1. Increase your knowledge of general field diagnosis and management information on emerging plant pathogens and arthropods of concern for woody ornamentals.
2. Improve photography skills and utilized the University of Florida's web-based Distance Diagnostic and Identification System (DDIS) for your digital sample submisssions.
3. Improve your ability to collect and submit a sample to your local county extension agent or diagnostic lab.
4. For the First Detector Educator component of the training, county agents will be provided with information on 'How to Conduct First Detector Training' and various general resources for their sessions.

1. Hands-on demonstrations of sample submission to Florida's Distance Diagnostic and Identification System (DDIS) for the county's clientele.
2. Tips for collecting and submitting physical samples for identification.
3. Hands-on photography tips and/or scouting exercises (check with individual location leader for specific details)
4. Information on high-risk plant pathogen and arthropods of concern for woody ornamentals.

Santa Rosa County Extension Office, Milton, FL

For More Information, Contact Location Leader, Theresa Friday

Gainesville, Florida, McCarty Hall D, Conference Room 1031

For More Information, Contact Location Leaders, Jim Devalerio, Jennifer Gillett or Amanda Hodges

Tropical Research & Education Center

For More Information, Contact Location Leaders, Aaron Palmateer, Henry Mayer, or Teresa Olczyk

All Participants Should Bring a Laptop for the Hands-On DDIS Demonstration.

NPDN registration is available on the following sites:

In-Service Program registration is available on the UF/IFAS Program Development and Evaluation Center website. In-Service training program number is 28020.

Click here to register as a UF/IFAS County Agent for In-Service Training

Santa Rosa County Extension Office

County Extension Educators attending the Milton session from 8:00am-11:00pm CST, Click Here

Individuals attending the First Detector only session at Milton from 9:00am-11:00am CST Click Here

McCarty Hall D, Ground Floor Conference Room

County Extension Educators attending the Gainesville session from 9:00am-12:00pm EST, Click Here

Individuals attending the First Detector only session in Gainesville from 10:00am-12:00pm EST Click Here

TREC

County Extension Educators attending the Homestead from 9:00am-12:00pm EST Click Here

Individuals attending the First Detector only session in Homestead from 10:00am-12:00pm EST Click Here

For general questions regarding this workshop, E-mail Amanda Hodges or Jennifer Gillett

Please report any questions or problems with the webpage and/or associated registration linkages to Amanda Hodges or call (352) 392-1901 ext. 199.

The NPDN/SPDN program is funded by the USDA, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES). Some materials produced for this program have been provided by the NPDN. University of Florida/IFAS Extension and IPM Florida resources have also been utilized to coordinate this program.