Virtual plant clinics cultivate collaborations and transfer knowledge in extension

Abstract

Plant clinics have been used as a tool to help Extension professionals diagnose crop production problems;however, limited resources have made it difficult to continue to offer in-person clinics. Using distance-learningtechnology, University of Maryland Extension initiated and offered to Extension professionals "virtual" plantclinics (VPCs) during the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons. Participants reported an increase in knowledge offield conditions across the state and felt that they were more likely to attend a VPC over an in-person clinic. Hosting VPCs is a way for Extension faculty to increase internal communication, share ideas throughout thegrowing season, and foster collaborations.