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
July 14, 2022
Podcast: Dr. Tree Fruit and Don - Mid-July Issues
In this 7th Fruit Bite, Kari Peter and Don Seifrit highlight the timing for leaf analysis, aphid control, and early harvest stone fruit disease control.
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July 8, 2022
Podcast: Dr. Tree Fruit and Don - All About Bitter Rot
Kari Peter and Don Seifrit interview Phillip Martin, a former Ph.D. student of Peter's, who performed his work on bitter rot. Martin tells us all about the fungal cause of the disease and management techniques.
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June 16, 2022
Podcast: Dr. Tree Fruit and Don - Yikes! Bitter Rot!
In this Fruit Bite, Kari Peter has a big disease update. She highlights bitter rot and bitter rot control. The bacterial spot of stone fruit gets the spotlight this week, too. Bacterial spot control is discussed.
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June 15, 2022
2022 Disease Update: Prevent Bitter Rot on Apple
We have entered the time when bitter rot management on apples begins. Considering we have been experiencing frequent rain showers and very warm weather, these are ideal conditions for the bitter rot fungi to wreak havoc in the orchard.
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Facilities

The Mushroom Spawn Laboratory contains a Mushroom Culture collection and a Disease Culture collection.

The Lab provides diagnostic support against economically important plan-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) from soil and plant materials as a service for growers, private persons, and other stakeholders.

Provides clinical diagnoses of plant diseases for 2,000+ samples submitted annually by 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.