GROWTH COMES FROM PALM SCHOOLS

Sanderson, L.1; Davis, J.E.2; Brown, S.3; Glover, J.4; Hodges, A.5; Hunter, M.6; Lester, B.7; Moffis, B.8; Samuel, N.9
1Residential Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Sumter County, Bushnell, FL, 33513
2Multi-County Extension Director, Sumter and Hernando Counties, UF/IFAS Extension Sumter County, Bushnell, FL, 33513
3Horticulture Production Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Lee County, Ft. Myers, FL, 33916
4Postdoctoral Research Associate, UF/IFAS Extension-Fort Lauderdale Research and Extension Center, Davie, FL, 33314
5Doctor of Plant Medicine Program Director, UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, Gainesville, FL, 32611
6Urban Horticulture Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Marion County, Ocala, FL, 34470
7Residential/Commercial Horticulture Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Hernando County, Brooksville, FL, 34604
8Commercial Horticulture Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Lake County, Tavares, FL, 32778
9Florida-Friendly Landscaping/Urban Horticulture Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Sumter County, Bushnell, FL, 33513

Abstract:

In 2019 Spring and Fall Palm Schools were offered to residents, representatives of the green industry and extension agents from Sumter and surrounding counties.  The purpose of these workshops was to provide participants with the knowledge of not only palm anatomy, but also insight into palm selection, nutrition and maintenance.  Participants became familiar with palm insects, diseases and disorders.  Each Palm School included essential topics that were covered, but also focused on specific problems such as lethal bronzing.  This educational program was achieved through presentations by UF/IFAS Extension specialists and extension agents with specific expertise with palms.  The objective of Palm School was that attendees will demonstrate a knowledge gain of 25% knowledge increase upon completion of the workshop classes.  In the spring palm school, 60% (n=84) of responding participants averaged a 27% increase of knowledge about palms. This knowledge gain may lead to proper palm selection and maintenance resulting in healthier palms.

All Accepted Posters