Get those calendars ready folks, we have another greenhouse webinar coming up! This (FREE) virtual event takes place Wednesday March 23 from 12-4pm EST and focuses on various ways to improve on plant health in controlled environments.
So, what are we going to be hearing about?
Watching Water Quality - 12:20 - 1:05 pm
Water quality is extremely important to consider for protected production, especially in a hydroponic setup. Water quality can impact long-term root-zone pH and EC, as well as root disease susceptibility, pesticide applications, equipment longevity and appropriate fertilizers. Neil Mattson, Associate Professor at Cornell University, will discuss why and how often you should be submitting your water for a quality test. From there, he will review some of the key aspects to focus on when interpreting the results from the lab, as well as highlight some of the things on that report that are slightly less important to help keep us on track. By understanding your water, and the impact it has on your crop, you can help mitigate any water-based headaches around the facility and help improve the overall growing conditions (and productivity) of the crop
The Physics of Spraying in Closed Environments- 1:15 - 2:00 pm
Jason Deveau, the Application Technology Specialist at OMAFRA will explore the physics of spray application methods that are specific to closed environments. By understanding how spray behaves, and through using simple diagnostic methods to characterize your current spray tendency, operators can improve the efficacy and productivity of the products applied in the protected space.
Quality Assessment of Biological Control Agents (BCA): Why It Is Important to Know if your BCA are Alive or Dead - 2:10 -2:55 pm
Dr. Raymond Cloyd, Professor/Extension Specialist out of Kansas State University will provide an overview of biological control, and then focus in on the importance of developing quality assessments to ensure that your BCA are functional. Functionality is key for successful insect and mite populations, so it is important to implement these assessments into your usual routine!
Growing Media Selection for Optimized Plant Health - 3:05-3:50 pm
Dr. Brian Jackson, Director of Horticultural Substrates Laboratory at North Carolina State University, is going to talk about the importance of selection and management of growing media. When done properly, it is easier to promote root growth and development, which is crucial for overall plant health and success. Additionally, precise water management of substrates/containers at different times over the cropping cycle of plant production can aid in growth regulation as well as the post production shelf life of plants. Dr. Jackson will also comment on new substrates that are entering the marketplace, and talk about how they compare to traditional mixes when it comes to water management.
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This fantastic line up will help get you start your growing season on the right foot, so definitely consider tuning in if you are looking to improve the quality of your greenhouse plants!
If you are interested in registering, or learning more about the event, click here
Posted by: Talia Plaskett
