Soil Microbiology: Applications and Analyses of Mycorrhizal Associations

Soil and Water Science Department

      July 7-11, 2008


   McCarty Hall B; Room 3096
   University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

      SITE INDEX
l Course Overview l Course Instructors l Area Information
l Who Should Attend? l Registration Information l Further Information
l 15 Ways to Benefit l Training Site

 

l Daily Agenda l Hotel Accommodations

Introduction

This training course is designed for scientists, organic farmers, and others interested in the practical and theoretical aspects of using mycorrhizal fungi to enhance plant growth and nutrient cycling.

Typical fields of interest include studies in plant biology and ecology, soil and plant interactions in agriculture and horticulture, ecosystem carbon flux, and symbiosis research.

Practical laboratory sessions will be supported by lectures and discussions. Technical manuals containing all experimental protocols will be provided to participants.

The course provides 36 hours of training and instruction, and a Certificate of Completion will be provided upon conclusion. Enrollment is limited, so register early to secure a seat in the course.

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Who Should Attend?
  • Biologists

  • Microbiologists

  • Ecologists

  • Agricultural Scientists

  • Agricultural engineers

  • Farmers

  • Organic Farmers

  • Foresters

  • Plant Scientists

  • Soil Scientists

  • Horticulturists

  • Landscapers

  • Land Use Planners

  • Environmental Scientists

  • Consultants

  • Environmental Consultants

  • Environmental Engineers

  • Water Scientists

  • Others Seeking Rigorous Training
    in mycorrhizal association

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15 Ways to Benefit

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Examine the mycorrhizal status of plants.

  2. Evaluate the mycorrhizal status of soils

  3. Estimate root length percent colonization

  4. Estimate the mycorrhizal inoculum potential of plant

  5. Estimate the mycorrhizal inoculum potential of soils

  6. Certify the quality and quantity of mycorrhizal inoculum

  7. Isolate mycorrhizal fungi DNA

  8. Use electrophoresis and PCR protocols

  9. Use computer program for phylogenetic placement of DNA sequences

  10. Create and interpret mycorrhizal fungi phylogeny

  11. Identify and describe mycorrhizal fungi

  12. Culture and multiply mycorrhizal inoculum

  13. Mass production of mycorrhizal inoculum

  14. Use mycorrhizal fungi as biofertilizers

  15. Use mycorrhizal inoculum to improve plant growth and development

  16. Use mycorrhizal association to improve soil quality

  17. Use mycorrhizal fungi in cleaning contaminated soils

  18. Advance your overall training and expertise to be environmental consulter, soil microbiology tester, mycorrhizal estimator, or mycorrhizal inoculum supplier

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Daily Agenda

Monday, July 7, 2008
09:00-12:00 Introductions, Course Overview, Laboratory Orientation, Sampling Techniques, and Field Sampling
12:00-13:00 Lunch on own
13:00-17:00 Lecture - Practical Applications of Mycorrhizal Association

 Tuesday, July 8, 2008

09:00-12:00 Spore Isolation, Microscope Observation, and Root Staining
12:00-13:00 Lunch on own
13:00-17:00 Estimate Colonization

 Wednesday, July 9, 2008

09:00-12:00 Microscope Slide Preparation , Morphological Identification, and
Pot Culture Initiation
12:00-13:00 Lunch on own
13:00-17:00 Colonized Root DNA Extraction - MO BIO Technique

 Thursday, July 10, 2008

09:00-12:00 Electrophoresis and PCR Techniques
12:00-13:00 Lunch on own
13:00-17:00 Lectures - Theory and Methods of DNA Isolation, Theory of PCR, and Primer Selection

 Friday, July 11, 2008

09:00-12:00 Introduction of Phylogeny and Computer Laboratory for Phylogenetic Placement of Sequences
12:00-13:00 Lunch on own
13:00-17:00 Discussion and Questions

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Course Instructors

Andy Ogram, PhD.  microbiologist and microbial ecologist with an interest in biogeochemical cycling.
molecol.ifas.ufl.edu

Abid Al Agely, PhD. mycologist and microbial ecologist with special interest in phytoremediation.
mycorrhizae.ifas.ufl.edu/

Jyotsna Sharma , PhD environmental horticulturist with an interest in mycorrhizal diversity and function
nfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/Sharma

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Registration Information

Enrollment in this course is limited to the first 10 participants, and registrations
will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

All figures are presented in US dollars ($).
Early Reduced Registration (on or before May 7, 2008) $750
Regular Registration (after May 7, 2008) $850

What Does the Fee Include?  The registration fee includes one copy of the course manual and daily refreshments. Participants are on their own for all meals.
 

Refund Policy: Requests for registration refunds will be honored if written notification of cancellation is received by the Office of Conferences on or before June 14, 2008. A $100.00 processing fee will be deducted from all refunds. Sorry, no refunds will be honored for cancellations after June 14, 2008.

Special Needs: Participants with special needs can be reasonably accommodated by contacting Abid Al Agely in the Soil and Water Science Department at least 10 working days prior to the conference. He can be reached by phone at 1-352-392-1951 (ext. 220), by fax at 1-352-392-3902, or by calling 1-800-955-8771 (TDD), within the state of Florida.

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Training Site

This course will be held at the University of Florida’s Campus, McCarty Hall B, Room 3096. A Field trip will be conducted to collect samples for the training course from the Gainesville area. Water and refreshments will be provided.

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Hotel Accommodations

Several hotel and motel establishments are available in the Gainesville area to provide guest room accommodations throughout the course. Participants are responsible for making their own hotel guest room reservations, and a list of properties and applicable guest room rates will be sent to you upon request.
 

Gainesville Area
Lodging Options
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Area Information
 

Visit Gainesville

Jacksonville Airport Authority


Tampa International
Airport

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Shuttle Transportation
to/from Jacksonville and
Orlando Airports

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For Further Information  
Training Information:
Dr. Abid Al Agely - Organizer
University of Florida/IFAS
Soil and Water Science Department
PO Box 110290
Gainesville, FL 32611-0290
PHONE: (352) 392-1951
FAX: (352) 392-3092
EMAIL: aaag@ufl.edu
Registration Information:
Sharon Borneman – Coordinator
University of Florida/IFAS
Office of Conferences & Institutes (OCI)
Building 639 Mowry Road
PO Box 110750
Gainesville, FL 32611-0750
PHONE: (352) 392-5930
FAX: (352) 392-9734
EMAIL: spb@ufl.edu

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