Soum Sonogo, associate professor of Fungal Plant Pathology and students diagnosed plant problems for the community. This year the event will take place Oct. 28 from 1:30-5:20 p.m. in the parking lot at the Las Cruces Convention Center. (submitted photo)

Students in New Mexico State University's Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science department are using what they learned in their Diagnosing Plant Disorders class, and putting it in practice to help the community.

Soum Sanogo, associate professor of Fungal Plant Pathology, who is teaching the class, and his students will help people determine the causes and possible solutions for their plant problems Monday, Oct. 28.

"This class teaches students about techniques to make plant diagnosis," Sanogo said. "We encourage the community to come and challenge the students."

Carol Sutherland, entomologist, and Jason French, plant diagnostic clinician and pesticide program coordinator, both from the Extension Plant Sciences department along with Geno Picchioni, professor in the Plant and Environmental Science department, will also be answering questions.

Everyone in the community is invited to bring their questions, plants or photographs.

Students and experts will help determine problems caused by diseases, insects, nutritional deficiency or the environment, among others.

"We want to serve the community and instill in our students a sense of community service with what they learn at NMSU," Sanogo added. "We also want the community to know that NMSU is here as a resource."

The event is free and will take place in the parking lot at the Las Cruces Convention Center from 1:30-5:20 p.m.