US (MI): e-GRO and MSU present greenhouse conference

The e-GRO and Michigan State University Floriculture Extension teams will be presenting a day-long conference to be held near the MSU campus in Lansing, Michigan on Sept. 13, 2017. Leading floriculture researchers, diagnosticians, and extension specialists and educators will present information on topics including: insects, diseases, foliar nematodes, environmental, and cultural management practices, food crop plant nutrition and production, and retail and marketing topics.

Agenda

8:30 - 9 a.m. Registration and Refreshments
9 - 9:30 a.m. Production Cues that Catch the Consumers’ Eye, Bridget Behe, Michigan State University
9:30 - 10 a.m. Enhancing Retail Shelf Life of Bedding & Potted Plants, Neil Mattson, Cornell University
10 - 10:30 a.m. Using Social Media to Sell, Ariana Torres, Purdue University
10:30 - 10:45 a.m. Break
10:45 - 11:30 a.m. How to Deal with Diagnosis, Nora Catlin, Cornell Extension
11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.All About Thielaviopsis, Nora Catlin, Cornell Extension
12 - 12:30 p.m. Lunch
12:30 - 1 p.m. Foliar Nematodes, Fred Warner, Michigan State University Diagnostic Services
1 - 1:30 p.m. PGR Update on Herbaceous Perennials, Joyce Latimer, Virginia Tech
1:30 - 2 p.m. Lessons Learned, and a Few Surprises from the PlantPoint Irrigation Technology Development Project, Paul Thomas, University of Georgia
2 - 2:30 p.m. Benefits of Young Plant Supplemental Lighting and Root-zone Heating, Roberto Lopez and W. Garrett Owen, Michigan State University
2:30 - 2:45 p.m. Break
2:45 - 3:30 p.m. Building Blocks of Plant Nutrition, W. Garrett Owen, & Brian Whipker, NCSU
3:30 - 4 p.m. Research Updates:

Reproductive Stage Phosphorus Deficiency on the Upper Foliage of Ornamentals, Josh Henry, NC State
Chilling and growth regulation of peonies, Rachel Mack, Virginia Tech
Effects of air temperature and water alkalinity on the efficacy of ethephon, Kellie Walters, Michigan State University
LED photoperiodic and supplemental lighting of plugs, Allison Hurt, Michigan State University
Do consumers value water-saving plants? Heidi Lindberg, Michigan State University

4 - 4:30 p.m. Implementing Produce Safety Practices, Beth Scheckelhoff, Ohio State Extension
4:30 - 5 p.m. Calculating, Measuring & Mixing Small Amounts of Pesticides, Lee Stivers, Pennsylvania State University
5 p.m. Adjourn

Optional: Self-guided tour of the Michigan State University Trial Gardens

Click here for more information and to register.