Articles
FIRE BLIGHT USERS GROUP ON INTERNET
The ability to easily communicate, exchange data, results, and observations with a world-wide group of fire blight researchers is now possible.
For this reason, a users group has been established.
The ability to entertain “group” discussions is but a small part of the possibilities provided.
This group could be an important source of data for model validation, a catalyst for co-operative research, or a method to rapidly obtain feed back from a wide range of colleagues.
The fire blight users group will be available to help plan and administer future workshops.
Users will be able to request literature information from the library maintained at the Appalachian Fruit Research Station.
The newsletter, previously printed and mailed will now be sent electronically.
Future enhancements could include such options a home page on the World Wide Web, providing graphics and easy access to various data categories.
Many researchers now use Internet as a primary means of communication with colleagues.
The users group can provide a forum for discussion on a wide range of topics with a world-wide audience.
The benefit to a users group, is the inclusion of those not directly involved in fire blight research but from disciplines where the impact of Erwinia amylovora has become important.
The views and concerns of those so impacted may cast a different light upon the needs and direction of research.
The input from such a large audience could provide a good source of ideas.
It is anticipated that a World Wide Web home page will be established by September.
This would allow members to provide information, including graphics, on Internet about current research. a consolidated fire blight Web site could allow interested individuals to rapidly access information on world-wide research objectives and results.
Literature requests could be included as part of the site as well as newsletters and workshop information.
The Web site’s potential is limited by the interest and support of the members of the Working Group on Fire Blight.
The support and resources will be provided if the interest is shown.