2019 Advanced Diagnostics Workshop Series

For Extension Master Gardeners: A Smart Gardener’s Guide

Three-part series:
Fridays: June 28, July 26, and August 23, 2019

9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center
28115 Meadowbrook Rd.
Novi, MI 48377

Cost: $150.00 per participant
(Lunch included for each session)

Limited scholarships available. Please consult with your local MSU Extension consumer horticulture staff person.

Hone your gardening skills and gain confidence during this three-part, hands-on diagnostic series! Classroom sessions coupled with hands-on learning in a garden setting will help participants use science-based resources to diagnose many types of plant problems. 

SESSION 1 JUNE 28

TOPIC: Unravelling Plant Problems - Learning the Process of Diagnostics
Instructor: Bob Bricault, Michigan State University Extension Horticulture Educator
Successfully diagnosing plant problems begins with exploration! Learning how to trouble shoot by asking questions, making keen observations, and honing skills will be central in this session. This first session of the series will help participants gain confidence in accessing research-based resources and help them understand that a diagnostician does not have to answer immediately! 


SESSION 2 JULY 26

TOPIC: Pests and Pestilence - Learning About Insects and Plants
Instructors: Dr. Nate Walton, Michigan State University Extension Program Instructor 
Dr. Duke Elsner, Michigan State University Extension Horticulture Educator 
What’s eating my plant? Insect identification is the first step in successfully managing these pests. This often comes by honing a diagnostician’s skills in observing telltale signs and symptoms. Participants will also learn more about using a key to identify pests, insect life cycles, and the types of damage caused by insect feeding. You will also learn more about the relationship that beneficial insects have with garden pests. 


SESSION 3 AUGUST 23

TOPIC: A Fungus Among Us - Diseases of Plants
Instructors: Dr. Lori Imboden, Michigan State University Extension Horticulture Educator
Irene Donne, Michigan State University Extension Horticulture Educator
Disease problems of plants may appear as spots, lumps, bumps and ooze! How does a gardener identify disease causing organisms and learn to read the signs and symptoms of the plants affected? This session will unravel how diseases work and will help participants understand environmental factors affecting them. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plays a pivotal role in management strategies that are key for plant health. 

Register today so you can gain the diagnostic knowledge and confidence you will need to be a Smart Gardener! Each day will count as 5 education credits for re-certified Extension Master Gardeners.

Registration deadline:  June 21, 2019 or when workshop is full. No registrations at the door. 

Payment by Credit Card Recommended (Debit cards requiring a PIN are not accepted) via this secure MSU payment site to expedite your seat reservation. To ensure your transaction is processed, please enter your personal information exactly as shown on the credit card and do not include dashes or spaces when entering your credit card number. You will receive confirmation of transaction approval upon completion of the payment process. 

Payment by Check/Money Order: Postmark deadline is June 14, 2019. 

Your seat is not reserved until your balance is paid in full.

Make payment to MSU and mail your payment to:

MSU ANR Event Services - 2019 Advanced Diagnostics Workshop Series
Justin S. Morrill Hall of Agriculture
446 W. Circle Drive, Room 11
East Lansing, MI  48824

Refund Policy

• A full refund, less a $25 processing fee, will be issued for any registration cancelled up to 7 days before the workshop.
• No refund will be issued for any registration cancelled within 7 days of the workshop.
• No refund will be issued for any registration cancelled after the workshop has started.
• Substitutions allowed.