Education Sessions
Monday 28 October 2024 Education Sessions
Moderator Session 1: Linda Guy, Plants Nouveau
The Next-Generation of Substrates: All you need to know about new substrate concepts and ideas
SPEAKER: Dr. Jeb S. Fields, Director of Louisiana State University AgCenter Hammond, LA
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: We are currently in a substrate renaissance. The first major paradigm shift in containerized production occurred in the 1960’s, when the first true soilless substrates began to appear on the scene. Since then, substrate practices and materials have been fairly stable. However, we are now experiencing another shift, where social, environmental, and economic implications necessitate major changes to our substrate materials and how we use them. In this talk we will discuss some of the recent exciting advances growers need to know, particularly surrounding wood fiber & other peat alternatives, stratification practices, and temperature management. All with an eye towards supporting growers with practical options to improve crop productivity and reduce costs.
BIOGRAPHY: Dr. Jeb S. Fields is an Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist with the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, serving the nursery, greenhouse, and landscape industry. He is domiciled at the Hammond Research Station where he is the acting station director and director of the Hammond Trial Gardens. Dr. Fields has become an internationally recognized soilless substrate scientist through his work on nursery and greenhouse production. He leads many national collaborations including research efforts in stratified substrates and serves in leadership roles with various academic and trade associations. In addition to his academic responsibilities, Jeb is the Editor of Nursery and Landscape Insider, a Ball Publishing biweekly e-newsletter that reaches over 32,000 growers, worldwide. His successes have been highlighted with national recognition, receiving the Distinguished Service Award from the Louisiana Nursery and Landscape Association, the ASHS Distinguished Achievement Award in Nursery Crops, and the Southern Region ASHS Young Extension Faculty of the Year award. His career was rooted in agriculture from an early age. Jeb’s family has operated an agricultural dealership located in central Florida since 1965, and he spent much of his early life traversing woods and waterways, picking up his Eagle Scout on a path to his current pursuits. His interests in environment and agriculture led to his pursuit of a B.S. degree at the University of Florida, where he focused on horticulture pursuing his passions. He then set forth to North Carolina State in pursuit of a M.S. degree followed by a Ph.D. at Virginia Tech.
Building an ecosystem in your growing containers
SPEAKER: Mike Serant, President – MicroLife Organic Biological Fertilizers
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: No matter how small or how large each growing container is, from 1” cells to 100 gal buckets they all have ecosystems. These ecosystems, when developed well, will improve plant growth and reduce plant problems. All inexpensively done. The end results are healthier plants to market quicker with reduced production cost. We will look at the microorganisms you want present in each of your containers, how to achieve that and how to keep the microbes thriving. When the microbes thrive so do the plants. Along the way we will visit about total plant nutrition and the measurement of energy in plants via a brix instrument.
BIOGRAPHY: Mike Serant, along with his mother, Joyce Serant, started San Jacinto Environmental Supplies in 1984 by selling chemical fertilizers and chemical pesticides to landscape professionals. They quickly realized that most chemical fertilizers are basically junk food for soils and plants which then predicates the need for chemical pesticides. The chemical fertilizers were making the plants sick, and the chemical pesticides were further weaking the soil and plants. Thus, they started their
Organic journey on what is True Plant and Soil Health. This led to manufacturing The MicroLife Organic Biological Fertilizers and Amendments line starting in 1988. MicroLife products, by following Natural Law and The Laws of Nutrition, has shown superior results with horticulture professionals. In 2004, Mike co-founded OHBA, www.ohbaonline.org, a 501-c-3 Organic education nonprofit that focuses on Soil/Plant/Human Health and regularly works with the giants of the industry in the latest in soil biology and plant chemistry. For 20 years, OHBA has been producing outstanding noncommercialized Organic education seminars featuring the brightest women and men in their fields. Mike is happily married to wife Gail of 38 years and has a wonderful son, Michael. Mike in his free time works on his farm, immerses himself in Nature and is a vivacious reader.
Innovative Trends in Irrigation: Enhancing Efficiency in Container Nurseries
SPEAKER: Caleb Saunders, Founder, Canopy
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This presentation explores the latest trends and technologies in irrigation, with a focus on container nurseries. We will delve into innovative strategies to optimize water usage, reduce labor and fertilizer inputs, and improve profit margins by producing high-quality plants more efficiently. Drawing from recent IPPS conference insights, advancements in irrigation solutions, plus discussions with growers, we will discuss how integrating weather data, software, and hardware can revolutionize irrigation management. Topics include precision irrigation, cyclic irrigation, and the use of environmental sensors and leachate fraction measurements to achieve sustainable agricultural practices and superior crop yields.
BIOGRAPHY: Caleb Saunders is a fourth-generation farmer, carrying on his family's century-long tradition in agriculture. Raised on a nursery, Caleb gained hands-on experience in plant cultivation and frequently attended trade shows to deepen his knowledge.
Caleb earned a degree in mechanical engineering from Virginia Tech. After graduation, he returned to the family farm, where he assisted in the implementation of a cutting-edge irrigation system based on research from the University of Florida, guided by renowned horticulturists Tom Yeager and Jeff Million.
With over a decade in the software industry, Caleb has developed expertise in implementing and building software solutions. His journey has come full circle as he now applies his technological skills to revolutionize irrigation practices in agriculture.
As the founder of CanopyGrow.tech, Caleb merges his farming background and technology expertise to create optimized irrigation solutions. These innovations save water, reduce fertilizer and labor costs, and improve crop yields. Leveraging advanced research and the extensive experience of Saunders Brothers, Caleb and his team are developing scalable solutions to meet the needs of modern nursery operations.
Caleb’s unique blend of agricultural heritage, engineering acumen, and software proficiency positions him as an innovative leader in irrigation technology, dedicated to enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of plant nurseries.
The Charles Student Research Competition Sessions
Moderator Session 2: Dr. Mack Thetford, University of Florida
First Student Presentation
Second Student Presentation
Third Student Presentation
Fourth Student Presentation
Moderator Session 3: John Davy, Panhandle Growers, Inc.
Sustainability and Horticulture Plastics: Current and Emerging Environmental and Regulatory Challenges
SPEAKER: Tom Marting, Director of Sustainable Solutions at The HC Companies
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: A growing body of evidence and public concern over environmental impacts of plastic pollution and the potential human health impacts of microplastics is driving regulatory actions at international, federal, state, and local levels. These regulations are intended to control the composition and application of plastic products, drastically increase recovery and recycling rates, and prevent misleading or false environmental claims about plastics. These current and coming regulations can apply to plastic manufacturers, propagators, growers, retailers, and marketers in various geographical regions in many different ways. It will become increasingly important for all companies in the horticulture value chain to understand the potential environmental impacts of plastics and how their operations must adjust to how plastics will be managed in the future.
BIOGRAPHY: Tom Marting is the Director of Sustainable Solutions for the HC Companies. HC Companies is the leading producer of horticulture containers in North America serving greenhouse, nursery, and retail markets. At HC Companies Tom leads the research and development efforts for environmentally sustainable innovations, advocates for sustainability across the value chain, and advances the company’s sustainability strategies. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Ohio University.
Tom was recognized in 2015 by the City of Akron, Summit County, and Greater Akron Area Chamber of Commerce as a Summit of Sustainability Change-maker Award winner. He and his co-author Dr. Emily Kennedy won Research and Technology Management’s 2017 Maurice Holland Award for their work in applying biomimetic design for sustainable innovation. Tom was honored in 2019 as a member of Environmental Leaders and Energy Management Today’s E + E 100 List.
Drone Applications for Nurseries
SPEAKER: James Robbins, Ornamental Hort Services
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This talk will focus almost entirely on how drones may be used in nurseries. Applications include: sales & marketing, crop monitoring, chemical applications, asset tracking & management, and plant inventory, including an update on our efforts using RFID tags. The talk will also emphasize options that growers have to accomplish these tasks. This presentation should help participants make improved decisions when considering using drones.
BIOGRAPHY: Dr. Robbins has a unique blend of academic (28 years) and nursery industry experience (9 years). From 1989 until his retirement in January 2022, Dr. Robbins was an Extension specialist in commercial ornamentals at the University of Arkansas. His role was to support all Green Industry businesses including garden centers, wholesale growers, and landscapers. His research program focused primarily on nursery production related issues (e.g. automation, growing media, fertilizer, weed control) and woody plant evaluation. For the past 14 years he has been primarily focused on applications for drones in nursery production. Dr. Robbins currently operates Ornamental Hort Services out of Little Rock, AR.
Getting it right: Improving your success with pre-emergence herbicides
SPEAKER: Steve Larson, Greenhouse and Nursery Specialist with ENVU
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Controlling weeds in a nursery operation is the number one pest management expense when you add up chemical costs, application labor & equipment, hand-weeding labor, and periodic spot treatment of emerged/escaped weeds. Foundational to an effective weed control program is the use of properly selected pre-emergence herbicides. Choosing the right products for your nursery, applying them accurately, and employing the latest strategies will ensure an optimal outcome. In this talk we will cover proper processes to calibrate & apply granular pre-emergence herbicides, and we will cover the latest research on application timing.
BIOGRAPHY: During his 45+ years in the T&O industry, Mr. Larson has worked as a grower, in technical sales, marketing, and technical support. He has worked in container nursery production, greenhouse crop production, and a variety of technical roles while working for Hines Nurseries, The Scotts Company (formerly Grace-Sierra), BASF, and Envu (formerly Bayer). Currently, Steve is the GH & Nursery Sales Specialist for Envu, covering the Central US. He earned his Bachelors & Master of Science degrees in Horticulture from Purdue University.
Moderator Session 4: Mengmeng Gu, Colorado State University
Rose Rosette Disease – Where from? What now?
SPEAKER: Kevin Ong, Professor & Associate Dept Head, Plant Pathology & Microbiology, Texas A&M University
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Rose Rosette Disease (RRD) caused by the rose rosette virus is a North American disease first reported over 75 years ago. A quick historical walk to explore the epidemics of this disease, and knowledge learned over those years. And an update of current strategies to prevent the spread of this disease with focus on practices during rose propagation.
BIOGRAPHY: Dr. Ong currently serves as the Associate Department Head in the Department of Plant Pathology & Microbiology at Texas A&M University in College Station, overseeing its extension programs. His areas of expertise include plant diagnostics, diseases of ornamentals and tree fruits. He received his PhD in Plant Pathology from Clemson University and joined Texas A&M in 2002 as the Extension Urban Plant Pathologist based at the Dallas Research & Extension Center. In 2008, he moved to College Station to direct the Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab at Texas A&M College Station (TPDDL). The Extension Plant Pathology & Microbiology (ExtPLPM) unit that he leads provide plant health support, both education and practical to stakeholders in Texas and beyond. Dr. Ong continues to work with Texas Department of Agriculture and the USDA-APHIS-PPQ in areas related to pest/pathogen management and quarantines. His applied research interests include the development and optimization of pathogen detection methods; and development and implementation of best management practices to minimize and/or manage disease incidences. His recent applied research programs include works in rose diseases and virus tested roses (National Clean Plant Network Rose) and seed health testing methodologies for ToBRFV on tomatoes and peppers.
AQUA4D: Unleashing the true Potential and Power of Water
SPEAKER: Jeff Nunes, US Agronomy Manager for AQUA4D US LLC
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: AQUA4D Technology revolutionizes nurseries and plant propagation by enabling irrigation with saline water and cultivation in saline soils, while mitigating water wastage, brine generation, and high energy costs. Its unique approach enhances the dissolution of mineral and organic particles in water, facilitating optimal hydration and nutrient absorption for plants. By addressing soil salt accumulation, it improves water penetration and retention in the soil, fostering healthier plant growth. The technology's resonance frequency manipulation reduces water molecule cluster size, restoring water's natural properties for efficient irrigation. Unlike traditional methods like Reverse Osmosis (R.O.), AQUA4D produces no wastewater, eliminates brine generation, and reduces electricity and maintenance costs, making it environmentally friendly and cost-effective. For nurseries and plant propagation, AQUA4D offers a sustainable solution to overcome challenges posed by saline water and soils. It ensures consistent water quality and availability, promoting robust root development and vigorous plant growth. With AQUA4D, nurseries can optimize resources, improve crop yield, and enhance overall productivity while contributing to environmental conservation.
BIOGRAPHY: Jeffery Lee Nunes, born in 1978, is a visionary figure in agriculture. Hailing from the heart of California, Nunes combines his passion for technology with a deep-rooted commitment to sustainable farming practices. With 25 years’ experience in alternative agricultural practices, he pioneered agricultural startups, integrating cutting-edge innovations to optimize crop yields while minimizing environmental impact. Nunes' ethos revolves around community empowerment, advocating for small-scale farmers and equitable access to resources. His philanthropic endeavors extend to rural development projects, fostering agricultural resilience worldwide. Nunes' legacy embodies the harmonious blend of technology, tradition, and stewardship, shaping a greener, more prosperous future for generations to come.
Leaf Sap Analysis for Plant Resilience
SPEAKER: David Knaus, President & Founder of Apical Crop Science LLC
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Discover the power of Leaf Sap Analysis, an emerging tool reshaping global horticulture. With a decade of success in diverse growing environments, it fine-tunes fertilization strategies by analyzing plant fertilizer and mineral flows.
Join the founder and President of Apical Crop Science for an in-depth exploration of integrating leaf sap analysis into professional growing environments. Learn how it enhances plant performance and resilience to stress by addressing issues like overfertilization, nutrient runoff, and cultivar preferences.
BIOGRAPHY: David Knaus is the President and Founder of Apical Crop Science LLC, an ag-tech company that combines laboratory analysis, smart data management, and sustainable growing products to provide growers with the tools they need to grow high-yielding crops organically. As a successful farmer, college instructor, and professional crop advisor for over 10 years each, he offers a unique perspective into the challenges farmers face, and how to use the best of academic research and laboratory analytics to drive smart in-field decision-making that has helped growers across the country and internationally.
Wednesday 30 October 2024 Education Sessions
Moderator Session 5: Todd Lasseigne, Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Unlocking Crop and Facility Potential With Water Treatment
SPEAKER: Justin Leavitt, Business development manager at Moleaer, Inc.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Oxygen plays a pivotal role in achieving optimal plant health and irrigation water quality. We’ll dive into the science behind the different forms of oxygen, including nanobubbles, and how oxygen concentrations impact stored water ponds and tanks, facilities, and crops. Learn how oxygen nanobubbles help growers achieve elevated, stable levels of oxygen while providing an array of additional benefits for operational efficiency and sustainability.
BIOGRAPHY: Justin brings over 8 years of sales experience in horticulture to Moleaer. Previously, he served as Sales Manager at BioBee, specializing in crop protection, and as IPM Manager at Costa Farms. Justin holds a horticulture degree from North Carolina State University, where he found passion in greenhouse production. His background blends academic knowledge with practical expertise, making him adept at navigating the complexities of horticultural science. Justin's commitment to bringing innovation to horticulture markets aligns with Moleaer's mission to revolutionize agriculture through nanobubble technology.
Managing Plant Nutrition for Resistance to Pests and Diseases
SPEAKER: Jason Stoll, Sales Consultant at Advancing Eco Agriculture
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: In this presentation, I will explore the concept of plants possessing both passive and active immune responses to insect pests and diseases. We will delve into strategies for managing nutritional balance to ensure optimal plant health and discuss the crucial role microbes play in enhancing plant resilience.
BIOGRAPHY: Jason Stoll is a dedicated agricultural consultant committed to improving farm economics, regenerating soil health, enhancing plant health, and reducing pest and disease pressure. As a consultant for Advancing Eco Agriculture, Jason leverages his extensive background in farming and horticulture to provide valuable insights and support to farmers and horticultural professionals.
From a young age, Jason was deeply involved in agriculture, managing his own vegetable plot and keeping bees by the age of thirteen. By his twenties, he was overseeing irrigation and fertilizer application on his family's vegetable farm. His passion for promoting sustainable farming practices led him to a marketing role at a local organic produce co-op and later to positions as sales and general manager at HOPE Produce, where he managed the sale of a diverse array of organic vegetables.
Seeking to broaden his impact, Jason joined Advancing Eco Agriculture, where he now assists numerous farmers in adopting regenerative agriculture practices. His dedication to helping farmers grow better food while maintaining ecological balance is evident in his work.
Clean Crops Start With Clean Props
SPEAKER: Max Gilley, MidSouth Technical representative at Biosafe Systems, LLC
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Most operators know that clean crops start with clean props, but how do you maintain a clean propagation area in a modern horticultural setting? Learn how to clean and disinfect growing areas and let automation and reduced-risk chemistry replace brooms and dustpans. Examine propagation's most chronic pathogens and how to manage each pest specifically. Start your clean crop with cutting dips, soil surface algae management, and foliar disease control tips. Execute efficient disinfection programs for hard surfaces, floor algae, recycled trays/pots, irrigation water, and line shocking. Identify vulnerabilities in your operation's procedures and fill the gaps with sustainable solutions.
BIOGRAPHY: BioSafe Systems has a hand in all facets of agribusiness and for 25 years has been promoting sustainable practices for agricultural and horticultural crop protection, water treatment, soil management, and sanitation. Max Gilley is a technical sales representative for BioSafe Systems currently covering the MIdSouth Territory of MO KS, AR, OK, MS, LA, and Texas. A Missouri native with a B.S. in Plant Science (University of Missouri) and M.S. in Plant Pathology (Mississippi State University); Max has 10 years of experience working with operators in a number of horticultural settings. When not helping growers, Max enjoys the outdoors by fishing, floating, and camping.
Moderator Session 6: Jenny Ryals, Mississippi State University
The Role of Entomopathogenic Nematodes
SPEAKER: Lee Hanson, Research & Development Director, Asymmetry Technologies
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Nematodes are microscopic, worm-like organisms that live in various environments, including soil and water. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are a special type that naturally hunt and kill insect pests, protecting crops and plants. They offer several benefits:
Natural Pest Control: EPNs specifically target harmful insects, leaving beneficial insects, humans, and animals unharmed.
Environmentally Friendly: They naturally decompose without leaving dangerous residues or harming the environment.
Effective in Hard-to-Reach Places: EPNs move through soil to find pests hidden in places that pesticides can't reach.
Reduced Resistance: Pests struggle to develop resistance to EPNs, which are adaptable living organisms.
Sustainable: Using EPNs helps keep soil healthy and productive over time. This makes EPNs a great option for anyone seeking safer, more sustainable pest control solutions.
BIOGRAPHY: As the R&D director for Asymmetry, Lee is responsible for QA/QC and experimental design, in addition to overseeing all facets of the lab and fermentation. His experience with industrial biotech and fermentation dates back to 1994. After earning his degree in microbiology from Georgia State University with a minor in chemistry, Lee worked as a formulation chemist and operations manager at two of the leading industrial compounding companies in the southeast.
Lee launched his first company in 1994, which was focused on industrial biotech and fermentation. He then joined with key industry partners, to build a successful industrial biotech company in the Metro Atlanta area. After selling that company in 2008 and enjoying a brief hiatus, Lee once again teamed up to launch Asymmetry Technologies, a research driven company focused on providing inventive and novel solutions for real world challenges facing the Agricultural, Horticulture and Soil Science industries.
Air Root Pruning: The Latest and Greatest Step Forward in Propagation
SPEAKER: Chris Murphey, Rediroot
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Modern propagation of trees and shrubs has evolved over the years. From humble beginnings of raised beds with misters and hog wire hoops overtop, sand beds on the floor of greenhouses, boxes with all sorts of substrate combinations, the ubiquitous 2” rose cups up to the still popular economic blow molded plastic single use trays. To this day nurseries use all of these methods for a multitude of justifiable reasons.
Over the past 40 years advancements in technology have provided many breakthroughs to improve propagation results. These breakthroughs include improved understanding of the role of hormones, wide array of substrate options available nearly nationwide, great advancements in irrigation options for the greenhouse environment and recently an increased focus on the potential role of light manipulation.
For this presentation we will explore the significant advancements made in the area of root modification in the propagation phase of plant production, specifically the options available today for producing plants with healthy, well branched, non-circling root systems that will result in production advantages down the road, giving your plants a much better opportunity to move through production with high survival rates, rapid growth and a long life in the ground somewhere!
BIOGRAPHY: Graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Design. My career path down the ‘Yellow Brick Road’ of the Green Industry has included stops as estimator/buyer for landscape contractors; marketing, sales and logistics for large nurseries; greenhouse production; production manager for B & B farms; owner/operator of a small landscape company; production and marketing of compost and vermicompost; and for the past 8 years sales, marketing and design of root enhancing products for the nursery industry. I live in middle Tennessee with my wife Beth, have 4 children, 3 grandchildren, a house full of critters and a yard full of flowers. I can be reached at chris@rediroot.com.
Moderator Session 7: Jim Crockett, Nufarm
International Delegate Report: A South African Adventure
SPEAKER: Laura Miller
IPPS International Exchange Program 2023 : Southern Region North America to Europe
SPEAKER: Teagan Holly Young, University of Florida
Looking Forward to Orlando in 2025
SPEAKER: Todd Gentry, Cherry Lake