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Site Index

• Who Should Attend?
• 14 ways to Benefit
• Daily Agenda
• Course Instructors
• Registration Information
• Training Site
• Area Information
• Hotel Accommodations
• Travel Information
• For Further Information

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Training Site

This course will be held at the University of Florida’s Campus, McCarty Hall B, Room 3108. A Field trip will be conducted to collect samples for the training course from the Gainesville area. Water and refreshments will be provided.

McCarty Hall B

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• 2019 Photo Gallery
• 2018 Photo Gallery
• 2017 Photo Gallery
• 2016 Photo Gallery
• 2015 Photo Gallery
• Training Course Over the Years

Introduction

Entering its 15^th 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 21 hours of 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.

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Who Should Attend?

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14 Ways to Benefit

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Daily Agenda

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

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

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Registration Information

• Enrollment in this course is limited to the first 12 participants 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 one copy of the course manual and daily refreshments. Participants are on their own for all meals.

All figures are presented in US dollars ($).

July 6-8, 2020

Early Reduced Registration (on or before June 1, 2020)	$500
Regular Registration (after June 1, 2020)	$600

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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Training Site

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Area Information

Parking & Directions

Address: 737 Reitz Union Drive, Gainesville, FL

NOTE: There is a campus-wide speed limit of 20 miles per hour.

We recommend parking in the UF Welcome Center & Parking Garage located on Museum Road. There is a daily fee of $6.00 to park in this garage. Visitors should park on the lower level of the Reitz Union parking garage and then follow payment instructions posted on signs at each space. These signs direct customers to one of four pay stations where electronic space meters accept payment in bills, coins or Visa and MasterCard. An attendant will be available to answer questions or assist you at the pay stations. If you are staying at the Reitz Union Hotel, you will receive parking privileges in the garage for one vehicle per room.

Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 4:30pm. Short-term and daily fees apply during this time. The garage may be used during non-operating hours for short-term parking, free of charge.

Directions to the UF Welcome Center & Parking Garage

Information about the UF Welcome Center & Parking Garage

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Hotel Accommodations

Reitz Union Hotel

686 Museum Rd, Gainesville, FL 32611
University of Florida Campus
352-392-2151

Accommodations may be available at the Reitz Union Hotel. This UF hotel is located at the UF Welcome Center & Parking Garage and is the closest hotel to the training location. Please contact the hotel directy about availability and rates.

There are also several other hotels and motels in the Gainesville area available to accommodate your lodging needs. Attendees may also take advantage of the UF/IFAS Discounted Room Rates available at many of these establishments. Distance to the training location from hotels can range anywhere from approximately one to 10 miles away.

View Gainesville area hotels offering UF/IFAS discounted guest room rates.

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Travel Information

U.S. Visas

Do you need a visa? Plan ahead and start now. The U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs website has the information you need. Visitors planning to visit or attend a meeting most likely will apply for the visa category B-1. Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a US Embassy or Consulate. Some visa processes can take anywhere from 4-6 months.

Airlines

Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV)
30 minutes from UF campus by car.

Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
1.5 hours from Gainesville by car.

Orlando International Airport (MCO)
2 hours from Gainesville by car. Roads have tolls.

Tampa International Airport (TPA)
2 hours from Gainesville by car.

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For Further Information