Applied Soil Microbiology Training: Mycorrhizae

July 6-8, 2020

Conducted via Zoom

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 Important Notice

Due to COVID-19, the Applied Soil Microbiology Training Course will be conducted remotely using the virtual meeting application Zoom. Registrants will recieve an access link via email.

To Participate by Zoom, you will need:

  • to download Zoom 5.0 and make sure you can use it.
  • a stable internet connection (wired or wireless)
  • speakers and a microphone
  • a web cam (Though you may join with audio access only, having a web cam adds significant interactive benefits.)

Introduction

Entering its 15th year, the UF/IFAS Mycorrhizae training course is popular among organic farmers, scientist, and those in the soil amendment industry. It is designed for individuals 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 soil and plant interactions in agriculture and horticulture, plant biology and ecology, ecosystem carbon flux, and symbiosis research.

During the three day course, participants receive a blend of practical laboratory sessions supported by lectures and discussions. By the end of the course, participants are able to isolate the fungi spores and use them as bio-fertilizer. In addition, participants are able to determine the efficiency at which the spores make associations and if they are working. Participants also receive technical manuals containing all experimental protocols.

The course provides up-to-date training and instruction and completing the course gives attendees both knowledge and credibility. Upon conclusion, each participant receives a Certificate of Completion. Class size is limited and early registration is advisable.

2019 Soil Microbiology Class

2019 Soil Microbiology Class

Who Should Attend?

  • Farmers
  • Organic Farmers
  • Biologists
  • Microbiologists
  • Ecologists
  • Agricultural Scientists
  • Agricultural engineers
  • Foresters
  • Plant Scientists
  • Soil Scientists
  • Extension Agents
  • 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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14 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. Identify and describe mycorrhizal fungi
  8. Culture and multiply mycorrhizal inoculum
  9. Mass production of mycorrhizal inoculum
  10. Use mycorrhizal fungi as biofertilizers
  11. Use mycorrhizal inoculum to improve plant growth and development
  12. Use mycorrhizal association to improve soil quality
  13. Use mycorrhizal fungi in cleaning contaminated soils
  14. Advance your overall training and expertise to be environmental consulter, soil microbiology tester, mycorrhizal estimator, or mycorrhizal inoculum supplier

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Meeting Schedule

Day 1 - Monday
09:00 - 10:00 Welcome and Course Overview
10:00 - 12:00 Laboratory : Overview
1. Sampling Techniques
2. Collect Field Samples
12:00 - 13:00 Lunch on own
13:00 - 17:00 Lecture - Importance of mycorrhizal fungi to agronomy and forestry:
1. General examples from each system
2. General overview of why they are beneficial
- Northern vs Temperate vs Tropical Latitudes
- When are they NOT beneficial
- When are they used

Day 2 - Tuesday
09:00 - 12:00 Lecture - Physiology and Ecology of Mycorrhizal Fungi
1. Overview Physiology of AM fungi
2. Specificity (and lack thereof) in mycorrhizal relations
3. The colonization process
4. Extracellular enzymes and the release of nutrients
5. The roles of helper bacteria and the mycorrhizosphere
12:00 - 13:00 Lunch on own
13:00 - 17:00 Laboratory – Practical Applications:
1. Development of inocula
    - Production
    - Variety of carrier materials
2. Industry standards for inocula
3. Characterization and evaluation of inocula
    - Spore Estimation
    - Estimate Root Colonization
    - Mycorrhizal Inoculum Potential (MIP) Test

Day 3 - Wednesday
09:00 - 12:00 Lecture - Diversity of fungi
1. Why should we care about the diversity
2. Taxonomic and Physiological relationships
12:00 - 13:00 Lunch on own
13:00 - 16:00 Laboratory – Practical Techniques:
1. Microscope Observation
2. Morphological Identification
3. Pot Culture Initiation
16:00 - 17:00 Discussion and Questions

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Course Instructors

Abid Al Agely

Abid is a mycologist and microbial ecologist with special interest in phytoremediation.
Phone: 352-294-3144
Email: aaag@ufl.edu

Andy Ogram

Andy is a microbiologist and microbial ecologist with an interest in biogeochemical cycling.
Phone: 352-294-3138
Email: aogram@ufl.edu


Soil & Water Sciences Website: soils.ifas.ufl.edu

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Registration Information

 Important Notice

Due to COVID-19, the Applied Soil Microbiology Training Course will be conducted remotely using the virtual meeting application Zoom. Registrants will recieve an access link via email.

To Participate by Zoom, you will need:

  • to download Zoom 5.0 and make sure you can use it.
  • a stable internet connection (wired or wireless)
  • speakers and a microphone
  • a web cam (Though you may join with audio access only, having a web cam adds significant interactive benefits.)
  • Enrollment is limited and registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Registration payment must be received to secure a space.
  • Payment must be received by the applicable deadline to qualify for the early fee.

What Does the Fee Include? The registration fee includes the educational program via Zoom and one copy of the course manual.

All figures are presented in U.S. dollars ($).

July 6-8, 2020

Registration Fee (on or before June 29, 2020. No registrations will be accepted after June 29.) $500

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 8, 2020. A $100.00 processing fee will be deducted from all refunds. Sorry, no refunds will be honored for cancellations after this date.

Special Needs: Participants with special needs can be reasonably accommodated by contacting Ms. Kimberly Brand, Registrar at the Office of Conferences & Institutes, at least 30 days prior to the conference. She can be reached by email at kimmer72@ufl.edu, by phone at 1-352-392-5930, by FAX at 1-352-392-4044, or by calling 711 TTY/TDD.

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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) 294-3144
FAX: (352) 392-3399
EMAIL: aaag@ufl.edu

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Registration Information

Kim Brand – Registrar
University of Florida/IFAS
Office of Conferences & Institutes (OCI)
2311 Mowry Road, Bldg. 78
PO Box 110750
Gainesville, FL 32611-0750
Phone: (352) 392-5930
Email: kimmer72@ufl.edu

The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is a federal-state-county partnership dedicated to developing knowledge in agriculture, human and natural resources, and the life sciences, and enhancing and sustaining the quality of human life by making that information accessible. While extending into every community of the state, UF/IFAS has developed an international reputation for its accomplishments in teaching, research and Extension. Because of this mission and the diversity of Florida’s climate and agricultural commodities, IFAS has facilities located throughout Florida.

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