SPDN Meetings

After 6 educational years, the final soybean rust identification short course will be held at the University of Florida North Florida Research and Education Center (UF-NFREC) in Quincy, FL. The meeting will begin on September 21 with a southern hospitality welcome dinner at NFREC, and continue through September 23. This year’s meeting will review all the latest research being conducted on soybean rust in the United States, as well as provide opportunities to discuss the past, present, and future resources available for managing this disease. The course will have a hands-on field identification training session and also educate participants about laboratory techniques used to confirm the presence of this fungal pest. This course is supported by funding from the North Central Soybean Research Program (NCSRP). Additional support is through the University of Florida and the Southern Plant Diagnostic Network. The Quincy area is served by the Tallahassee regional airport (TLH) and rides will be arranged to transport participants to and from the hotel and meeting site. A block of rooms has been set aside at the Hampton Inn (Quincy, FL) for $79.00/night under the name “soybean rust class” until September 14th, 2011. Registration for this course is free. Find the agenda here and the registration form here.  Direct questions to Nick DuFault, 1.352.273.4623.

Join us at the third national meeting of the NPDN and learn new diagnostic techniques, connect with colleagues, and learn about California's agriculture and ecosystem during offsite tours.  Visit the meeting website for more information.  >.