Florida's diverse climate offers ample opportunities for cultivating various fruit crops, especially as traditional citrus faces disease challenges. However, accessible information on alternative fruit crops is limited. In response, a series of online classes was initiated in 2020 to address this gap, coinciding with the need for Continued Education Units (CEUs) for pesticide license holders during COVID-19 lockdowns. The objectives of the class series were threefold: to enhance knowledge of fruit crop cultivation in Central Florida, promote the adoption of Best Management Practices (BMPs) in crop selection and care, and provide CEUs for pesticide license holders in Florida. In its pilot year, three Extension Agents developed a five-week class, expanding to a six-week series in 2021 involving five Agents across three counties. Each session focused on BMPs for landscapes and the cultivation of at least three different fruit crops, including discussions on potential invasive pests as well as alternatives to invasive fruit trees that shouldn’t be planted. The classes were conducted via Zoom and archived on YouTube for wider accessibility. Evaluation of the program included a post-class survey to assess knowledge gain and a three-month follow-up to measure the adoption of practices. Over the course of 2020-2023, the series covered care techniques for 29 different fruit crops. The impact of the classes has been significant. Since 2020, 23 episodes have been produced, attracting a total of 2,015 live viewers. Participants earned a total of 361 CEUs. Survey results indicated a substantial knowledge gain, with 96% (1,480/1,540) of respondents reporting increased understanding of the material. Moreover, 79% (195/248) of respondents adopted at least one new Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy after taking the class. According to that same survey 48% (98/202) have altered turf to fruit trees, planting a total of 37,477 square feet with edible plants. In summary, the online class series successfully addressed the demand for information on alternative fruit crops in Florida while providing valuable CEUs for pesticide license holders. Its impact is evidenced by increased knowledge among participants and tangible changes in cultivation practices towards more sustainable and diverse fruit production.
