Project Coordinator Dennis Bowman

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Distance Diagnostics
Project Coordinator Dennis Bowman Extension
Educator, Crop Systems 217/333-4901
ndbowman_at_uiuc.edu
University of Illinois Extension provides equal
opportunities in programs and employment.
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Help! What is it?
What if there were 50 Extension professionals at
your local Extension Office that could help
diagnose your plant or pest problems? With a
range of expertise that included field crops,
forages, turf, fruit, commercial vegetables and
home pest problems. University of Illinois
Extensions Distance Diagnostics system makes
that possible by bringing every extension office
in the state almost instant access to the
diagnostic skills of these experts. Using
digital imaging equipment local office staff can
take high quality images of plant and pest
problems. The images along with background
information about the problem are submitted to
the Distance Diagnostics system. The appropriate
experts are instantly sent email messages that a
new sample has been submitted.
No matter where they are, if they can get their
email, they can make a diagnosis. Rapid diagnosis
is often critical in preventing losses and in
providing peace of mind. Last year, 22 of the
samples were diagnosed within 2 hours of
submission and 77 within 48 hours. The system
is now in its sixth year of statewide operation
and to date over 6265 samples have been
submitted. This service is free through your
local Extension Office.