Extension and Outreach
The latest knowledge about microorganisms translated to address the needs of Pennsylvanians.
We share the resources of the Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology with Pennsylvania and beyond through the dissemination of current, accurate, and research-based information. Faculty members with extension appointments are the primary delivery sources for outreach programs; however, all faculty members leverage their teaching and research programs to serve people, businesses, and institutions.
Latest Extension News
June 29, 2021
Podcast: Dr. Tree Fruit and Don - Mid-Season Concerns and Weather Station Installation
Don Seifrit, Kari Peter, Greg Krawczyk and Rob Crassweller talk about what growers should be keeping an eye on during mid-season development, including the end of periodical cicadas for 2021. They also discuss how one should go about finding a weather station to install on-farm. Special consideration is given to having a station with compatibility to the NEWA system from Cornell University: http://newa.cornell.edu/
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May 21, 2021
Podcast: Dr. Tree Fruit and Don - Thinning Advice and an Insect Extravaganza
Don Seifrit, Kari Peter, and Greg Krawczyk are joined by Dr. Jim Schupp (Penn State Fruit Research and Extension Center) for the first time. Dr. Schupp is a pomology professor, and he highlights some of the most important considerations for spring thinning. Greg talks about the complex entomology issues facing PA this spring, and Kari discusses the fire blight concerns facing orchardists.
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July 21, 2020
Plant pathologist receives grant to develop disease management tools for wheat
Paul Esker, a plant pathologist in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, has received a $455,000 grant from the U.S Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to support a five-year integrated research and extension project designed to improve management recommendations for wheat.
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May 15, 2020
Three honored for commitment to diversity in College of Agricultural Sciences
Three individuals have received the Dr. William Henson Diversity Achievement Award from Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, an honor that recognizes distinctive and outstanding teaching, research, extension or creative work that advances diversity in the college.
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Facilities
The Mushroom Spawn Laboratory contains a Mushroom Culture collection and a Disease Culture collection.
The Plant Disease Clinic is a service and education function of the Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology, and provides clinical diagnoses of plant diseases for approximately 2,000 samples submitted annually by Pennsylvania agricultural producers, urban gardeners, and homeowners.
The mission of the Turfgrass Disease Clinic is to provide assistance to the turfgrass industry in Pennsylvania in maintaining high quality turf through integrated health management practices.
Resources
Grow the best fruit in the business and expand your knowledge of cultivars, pests and diseases, soil quality, and weed management. Discover tips on marketing your produce and managing your business.
Learn all about mushrooms with Penn State Extension. Access resources and advice on mushroom types and species, growing mushrooms, and best practices.
Common diseases of plants frequently grown in greenhouses, interiorscapes, and in outdoor landscapes and nurseries in the northeastern U.S.
Find resources for the Spanish-speaking community.
Learn more about the vegetable industry and how to grow and sell vegetables you’ll be proud of. Find advice on vegetable farming best practices with Penn State Extension.
