Dec 2021 Applied Soil Microbiology Training: Mycorrhizae (Virtual Zoom)

Virtual Session Dates: Dec 1-3, 2021

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 course will be delivered over three days via live videoconference meetings in Zoom. Participants will have access to additional on-demand instructional videos and other course materials for six months after the virtual sessions. 

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. Participants will receive technical manuals containing all experimental protocols.

Upon conclusion, each participant will receive a certificate of completion. 

Agenda for live virtual sessions:

Dec 1, 2021 – 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

Dec 2, 2021 – 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

Dec 3, 2021 – Laboratory

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

Course Format

This session of the Applied Soil Microbiology Training will be conducted remotely using the virtual meeting application Zoom. Participants will also have access to on-demand  instructional videos and other course materials for an additional six months.

Registrants will receive an access link to the Zoom sessions through the course site.

To participate by Zoom, you will need:

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

The course is also offered in other formats, including an in-person course on the University of Florida campus each summer and as an on-demand course. Registration information for those other course formats will be found on the registration page.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations with full refund will be accepted until November 19, 2021.

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