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
Announcements
- Early registration ends June 3!
- In the News!
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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Prior Photo Galleries
- 2018 Photo Gallery
- 2017 Photo Gallery
- 2016 Photo Gallery
- 2015 Photo Gallery
- Training Course Over the Years
Introduction
Entering its 14th year, the UF/IFAS Mycorrhzae 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.
2018 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
14 Ways to Benefit
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Examine the mycorrhizal status of plants.
- Evaluate the mycorrhizal status of soils
- Estimate root length percent colonization
- Estimate the mycorrhizal inoculum potential of plant
- Estimate the mycorrhizal inoculum potential of soils
- Certify the quality and quantity of mycorrhizal inoculum
- Identify and describe mycorrhizal fungi
- Culture and multiply mycorrhizal inoculum
- Mass production of mycorrhizal inoculum
- Use mycorrhizal fungi as biofertilizers
- Use mycorrhizal inoculum to improve plant growth and development
- Use mycorrhizal association to improve soil quality
- Use mycorrhizal fungi in cleaning contaminated soils
- Advance your overall training and expertise to be environmental consulter, soil microbiology tester, mycorrhizal estimator, or mycorrhizal inoculum supplier
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 |
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
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
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 ($).
| Early Reduced Registration (on or before June 3, 2019) | $500 |
| Regular Registration (after June 3, 2019) | $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 10, 2019. 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.
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.
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
Hotel Accommodations
There are several 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.
Click here for information on hotels offering UF/IFAS discounted guest room rates.
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.
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
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
