To train those Montanans, Montana State University announces free online courses through the First Detector Program at http://firstdetector.org. The training consists of six modules, which participants can complete at their own pace.  The modules cover the mission of the National Plant Diagnostic Network, monitoring for high-risk pests, diagnosing plant problems, submitting diagnostic samples, photography for diagnosis, and disease and pest scenarios.

Participants who score 70 percent or more on their tests will receive a certificate of completion. They will be able to monitor for high-risk pests and submit samples to their local plant diagnostic clinics. They will receive a monthly First Detector newsletter by email, as well as local and regional updates from state and regional coordinators for the National Plant Diagnostic Network.

Linnea Skoglund, a plant disease diagnostician in MSU’s Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, said most reports of new and invasive plant pests come from the public rather than university or government specialists. The First Detector Program is for county extension agents, crop consultants, specialists, growers, master gardeners and anyone who works in the field with tree, plant and food crop production, Skoglund added.

For more information, contact Skoglund at linnea.skoglund@montana.edu