In 2022, Kentucky’s fruit production was valued at $22.8 million (National Agriculture Statistics Service and Economic Research Commission). However, commercial growers of fruit crops can face many challenges that may limit produce yield and/or quality. Thus, there is a need for education about proper production practices and integrated pest management as a way for growers to continue to produce high quality specialty crops in the state of Kentucky.      

As a way to educate producers about the various aspects of fruit crops production, a webinar series was developed by University of Kentucky Extension Specialists. During the months of July and August, a one-hour program was provided once a month via Zoom. Speakers included a graduate student, Extension Associate, Specialist, and Faculty from the departments of Horticulture, Entomology, and Plant Pathology.

The two webinar sessions were attended by a total of 42 individuals. Participants were asked to complete a before and after survey to gauge demographics of the audience, increases in knowledge, and anticipated changes in practices. These surveys documented an increase of knowledge in the areas of the role of plant health in IPM (36%), process of collecting a sample for a soil test (16%), reading results of a soil test (32%), process of collecting a sample for a foliar tissue test (71%), reading results of a foliar tissue test (70%), common diseases of fruit crops (13%), IPM options for fruit diseases (27%), spotted wing drosophila and African fig fly (29%), management techniques for spotted wing drosophila and African fig fly (52%), common insect pests of fruit crops (26%), and IPM options for insects of fruit crops (42%). Participants reported anticipated changes to the following areas as a result of their participation in the program: conducting a soil test (75%), using soil test results to improve plant health (75%), conducting a foliar tissue test (50%), using foliar tissue test results to improve plant health (75%), changing or adding new disease IPM strategies (61%), implementing spotted wing drosophila and African fig fly management strategies (50%), and changing or adding new insect IPM strategies (61%). Thirty three percent of respondents indicated that as a result of these changes in practices they anticipated an increase in yield and/or fruit quality. All sessions were recorded, and videos were posted to YouTube where they have generated a combined total of 231 views to date.