Course Dates: July 10-12, 2023

Entering its 16th year, the UF/IFAS Applied Soil Biology: Mycorrhizae training course is popular among organic farmers, scientists, 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 and is open to anyone seeking rigorous training in mycorrhizal associations. 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.

This is a three-day in-person course taught on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville, Florida.  UF's COVID-19 guidelines must be followed at all times when on campus. Participants will also have access to the on-demand instructional videos for six months after the class, as well as technical manuals containing all experimental protocols.

During this three-day course, you will receive a blend of practical laboratory demonstrations supported by lectures and discussions. By the end of the course, you will be able to isolate the mycorrhizal spores and produce inoculum as a bio-fertilizer. In addition, you will be able to determine the efficiency at which the spores make associations and if they are working. 

Upon conclusion, each participant will receive a certificate of completion. Class size is limited and early registration is advisable.

Agenda

July 10, 2023 – Laboratory and Lectures  

1. Welcome, introduction, and field trip sampling
2. Lectures on mycorrhizae include:
   • An overview
   • Development
   • Impacts on plants and soils
   • Functions
   • Variations
   • Identifications and quantifications
   • Inoculum production

July 11, 2023 – Laboratory

1. Mycorrhizal spore extractions
2. Mycorrhizal spore quantifications
3. Mycorrhizal root clearing and staining
4. Mycorrhizal root colonization test
5. Mycorrhizal Inoculum Potential (MIP) test

July 12, 2023 – Laboratory

1. Microscopic observation and spore morphological identification
2. Inoculum Production
3. General Discussion

Course Format

This session of the 2023 Applied Soil Microbiology Training will be conducted in person in Room 3108 of McCarty Hall B on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville, FL. Registrants in the on-campus session will participate in hands-on field and laboratory exercises in addition to lectures and discussions. Participants will also have access to instructional videos and other course materials for six months after the class.

Directions and instructions will be provided to registrants through the course site.  All participants must follow UF's COVID-19 required practices including mandatory mask usage while on campus.

The course is also being offered in an alternative format as a separate online course session that will be conducted entirely virtually through Zoom and with on-demand instructional videos. For information on the virtual session, see the virtual session registration.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations with a full refund will be accepted until June 10, 2023.

Course Instructors and Contact Information

• Dr. Abid Al Agely 

Abid is a mycologist and microbial ecologist with special interest in phytoremediation.

Email: aaag@ufl.edu
Phone: 352-294-3144
University of Florida/IFAS
Soil and Water Sciences Department

• Dr. Andy Ogram

Andy is a microbiologist and microbial ecologist with an interest in biogeochemical cycling.

Email: aogram@ufl.edu
Phone: 352-294-3138
University of Florida/IFAS
Soil and Water Sciences Department