Full course description
On-Demand Course
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 module online course taught through video in the University of Florida Extension Online Learning platform.
During this three module course, you will receive a blend of practical laboratory video demonstrations supported by video lectures and materials. There will be a one hour Zoom arranged by email with anyone that completes the class to answer questions or help in a new mycorrhizal project. 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.
You will have 60 days to complete this course.
Upon conclusion, each participant will receive a certificate of completion.
Agenda
Module 1 – Laboratory and Lectures
- Welcome, introduction and field trip sampling
- Lectures on mycorrhizae include:
- An overview
- Development
- Impacts on plants and soils
- Functions
- Variations
- Identifications and quantifications
- Inoculum production
Module 2 – Laboratory
- Mycorrhizal spore extractions
- Mycorrhizal spore quantifications
- Mycorrhizal root clearing and staining
- Mycorrhizal root colonization test
- Mycorrhizal Inoculum Potential (MIP) test
Module 3 – Laboratory
- Microscopic observation and spore morphological identification
- Inoculum Production
- General Discussion
Course Format
This session of the 2021 Applied Soil Microbiology Training will be conducted online through video in the University of Florida Extension Online Learning platform. There will be a one hour Zoom arranged by email with anyone that completes the class to answer questions or help in a new mycorrhizal project.
The course is also being offered in other formats as an in-person course session, and a virtual session through Zoom. For information on these other sessions see the Mycorrhizal Applications course registration page.
Cancellation Policy
No refunds will be provided after the course is accessed.
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