ABSTRACT This project advanced the science and technology in a broad range of disciplines from pathogen aquatic biology to applied microbial ecology, hydrology, and socio-economics of recycling irrigation water. Some of these advancements have already enabled early adopters to build pathogen mitigation features into water recycling systems and implement best irrigation practices for improved horticultural profitability while reducing their environmental footprint. This project also educated next generation leaders in water reuse, strengthened FINAL REPORT industry partnerships, and built a broad international network of SCRI Project (Agreement #: 2010-51181-21140): scientists working on irrigation pathogen issues, which all will Integrated Management of Zoosporic Pathogens and continue promoting the green Irrigation Water Quality for a Sustainable Green Industry industry’s long-term sustainability in the years to come. Cover photo: The first annual project meeting at the Virginia Tech’s Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Virginia Beach, VA (October 21, 2010) i Contents PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT .......................................................................................................................... 1 A Comprehensive Resource on Biology, Detection and Management of Plant Pathogens in Irrigation Water ...................................................................................................................................... 3 A 14-Session Webinar Series on Irrigation Pathogens and Water Quality ....................................... 4 An Outreach Website Highlighting the Project Vision, Mission, Approaches, Research/ Educational Programs, and Major Accomplishments ......................................................................... 5 An Online Knowledge Center on Irrigation Water Management for Ornamental Horticulture ... 6 PRECIOUS MOMENTS ............................................................................................................................ 7 Cutting-Edge Research and Education Programs ............................................................................... 9 Industry Partnerships ........................................................................................................................... 11 Professional Development for Graduate Students, Postdocs, and Summer Interns ....................... 11 Annual Project Meetings ...................................................................................................................... 12 A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS ............................................ 13 Project Director ..................................................................................................................................... 15 Co-Project Directors ............................................................................................................................. 15 Project Team Members ........................................................................................................................ 15 Advisory Panel ...................................................................................................................................... 16 Major Partners ...................................................................................................................................... 16 Major Collaborating Nurseries and Greenhouses (Key Contacts) ...................................................... 16 Major Institutional Partners (Key Contacts) ....................................................................................... 17 Major Collaborators and Institutions ................................................................................................. 18 Target Audience .................................................................................................................................... 18 Non-Technical Summary ...................................................................................................................... 18 Products ................................................................................................................................................. 19 Dissertations and Theses .................................................................................................................... 19 Book .................................................................................................................................................... 19 Book Chapters ..................................................................................................................................... 19 Refereed Journal Articles .................................................................................................................... 21 Abstracts ............................................................................................................................................. 24 Invited Lectures and Contributions to Professional Meetings ........................................................... 26 Outreach Website ............................................................................................................................... 28 ii Survey Instruments ............................................................................................................................. 28 Protocols ............................................................................................................................................. 28 Webinars ............................................................................................................................................. 31 Extension and Outreach Presentations .............................................................................................. 32 Symposia Organized and Moderated.................................................................................................. 33 Physical Collections ............................................................................................................................. 33 Major Goals of the Project ................................................................................................................... 34 What Was Accomplished under These Goals? ................................................................................... 35 What Opportunities for Training and Professional Development Has the Project Provided? ..... 37 Agricultural and Applied Economics, Virginia Tech ............................................................................ 37 Hampton Roads AREC, Virginia Tech .................................................................................................. 37 Pennsylvania State University ............................................................................................................. 38 How Have the Results Been Disseminated to Communities of Interest? ......................................... 39 Outreach Website: Irrigation Pathogens and Water Quality (http://www.irrigation- pathogens.ppws.vt.edu/index.php) .................................................................................................... 39 Annual Project Meetings and Web Conferences ................................................................................ 39 Extension and Outreach Presentations .............................................................................................. 39 Webinar Series: Irrigation Pathogens and Water Quality ................................................................... 40 One-on-One Consultations with Growers ........................................................................................... 40 Online Knowledge Center: Irrigation Water Management for Ornamental Horticulture (www.extension.org) .......................................................................................................................... 40 Scientific Publications ......................................................................................................................... 40 Lectures and Presentations ................................................................................................................. 41 International Symposia ....................................................................................................................... 41 The Book: Biology, Detection and Management of Plant Pathogens in Irrigation Water .................. 41 What Do You Plan to Do during the Next Reporting Period to Accomplish the Goals? ............... 41 iii PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT 1 2 A Comprehensive Resource on Biology, Detection and Management of Plant Pathogens in Irrigation Water 3 A 14-Session Webinar Series on Irrigation Pathogens and Water Quality 4 An Outreach Website Highlighting the Project Vision, Mission, Approaches, Research/ Educational Programs, and Major Accomplishments 5 An Online Knowledge Center on Irrigation Water Management for Ornamental Horticulture 6 PRECIOUS MOMENTS 7 8 Cutting-Edge Research and Education Programs Row 1 (from left to right): Gary Moorman surveying greenhouse floor, Carla Lanze collecting biofilm from an ebb and flow system, Maria Burgos-Garay taking water samples; Row 2: Ping Kong investigating pathogen aquatic biology, Xiao Yang examining morphology of a new Phytophthora taxon, Warren Copes baiting in a recycling irrigation reservoir; Row 3: John Lea-Cox setting up an automatic weather station, Thomas Wilchynski connecting