Now, in its fifth year, Hort Science Online 2021 promises to be the best yet delivering interesting and thought-provoking content on topical subjects from sustainable growing media to how to grow your business in an uncertain, complex, and ambiguous environment to import inspections and how to prepare for the changes ahead.
“Alongside the latest innovations from ICL, HSO has become an important platform to hear from industry influencers on a diverse range of the latest technical innovations and horticultural practices,” explains Adam Ferjani, ICL’s Marketing Communications Manager. “To help participants navigate, this year’s event – which launches on October 18 – the content is divided into five sections. The Sustainable Growing Media Hub will focus on non-peat raw materials, designing mixes, and overcoming the practical challenges.
“The Osmocote GreenLab will showcase the launch of Osmocote 5 – the next generation of controlled-release fertilizers developed to overcome the specific nutritional challenges presented by peat-reduced/free media.”
HSO’s Knowledge Hub will bring together experts from diverse fields, including independent retail consultant Neville Stein exploring how to create an innovative business culture and avoid stagnation during volatile and uncertain times.
NIAB’s senior technical manager Hilary Papworth will outline findings from two highly technical AHDB funded projects; the nutritional and environmental factors affecting Primula leaf edge scorch and the delivery of liquid feed in different irrigation systems and growing media – including best practice monitoring advice.
“For growers looking to import or export plants, there will be an informative Plant Passporting update from DEFRA’s Matthew Casey,” says Adam. “Meanwhile, Steve Townley - head of customs at European Freight Experts Jordon Freight – will cover import inspections, the impending changes facing the industry, and some best practices to help growers prepare.”
“Featuring plant protection products and biostimulants, the HSO Plant Protection Hub will showcase ICL’s new Plant Health Planner and include a practical session on vine weevil control - focusing on the timing of nematode and Pitcher applications to optimize control .”
Lastly, the Nurture Hub will include optimizing nutrition by tailoring programs to crops using the AngelaWeb 3.0 precision nutrition program, how Peters water-soluble fertilizers foster robust growth and high-quality plants, and why utilizing slow-release N is better than Calcium Nitrate.
“HSO 2021 promises to be the biggest and best to date,” says Adam. “We’ve also introduced new interactive features to enable participants to watch at their leisure and, as before, they can gain CPD points.”
Growers can register at www.hort-science.com and receive regular updates.