University of Guam Cooperative Extension & Outreach’s Dr. Andrea Blas and Jesse Bamba will lead a plant disease diagnosis clinic called “What’s Killing My Plants?” this Saturday, February 24, from 9-10am at UOG’s Agriculture and Life Sciences Building in Room 104.

The clinic is free. Participants should reserve their spaces by emailing Chasy Cayton at amadoc4592@gotritons.uog.edu or calling (671) 735-2140. There will be a few spaces open for those who show up on the workshop day.

According to Blas, plant lovers frequently come to the university for assistance with their ailing specimens. However, clients tend to have incomplete information about symptoms, disease progression, and pesticide and fertilizer use. The lack of data can delay a correct diagnosis.

“At this workshop, we’ll tell people what to expect when they bring in their sick plants,” says Blas. “This is a particularly helpful session for those who care for vegetable and fruit plants in their own yards. Controlling disease can help prevent it from spreading and/or from killing fruit-bearing, long-growing trees.”  

While Blas and Bamba will briefly discuss insect pests, the workshop will focus on microbial causes of plant disease.

Blas’ research program focuses on using sustainable agriculture practices, specifically symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi, for plant disease management, and papaya plant breeding for disease resistance. Bamba has primarily assisted commercial farmers with their crops.

UOG’s College of Natural & Applied Sciences (CNAS) provides science-based information and teaching to the people of Guam on a large range of subjects. Its Extension & Outreach Unit has established the "CNAS 101" workshop series to increase residents’ knowledge on topics ranging from pest management to food processing to business planning.  Check the CNAS website for the latest workshops at http://cnas-re.uog.edu/.