Author Archives: C Paterson

David Gillespie, AAFC Agassi; Jenny Cory, Simon Fraser University; Bernie Roitberg, Simon Fraser University

Dr. Dave Gillespie with Agriculture and AgriFood Canada has developed a strategy to use Botanigard in combination with natural enemies for control of aphids in greenhouse floriculture. This research has enhanced the general understanding of how parasitoids used for biological control of aphids in ornamental systems interact with Botanigard. It has also identified some critical knowledge gaps and opportunities for future technology development. A set of specific recommendations for growers to enhance aphid control in the greenhouse has been developed.

Michael Brownbridge, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre; Deborah Henderson, Kwantlen Polytechnic University; Pam Charbonneau, OMAFRA

To assess biocontrol agents for turf, Dr. Michael Brownbridge with Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, has led a study on five fungal entomopathogens, two nematode species, and neem seed cake applied alone and in combination to control European Chafer and Chinch Bug. Trials conducted in Ontario and British Columbia demonstrated neem seed cake as providing the best control of chafer larva although neem cake is not presently registered in Canada for insecticidal use. Soil studies of highly managed turf have indicated that there may be no natural fungal controls present that could suppress chafer infestations. A potential upside is that management of chafer in turf by adding beneficial strains of the fungus Metarhizium may be improved. Studies also demonstrated successful control of chinch bugs with nematodes and an experimental essential oil product.

François Tardif, University of Guelph; Katerina Jordan, University of Guelph; Eric Lyons, University of Guelph; Rene Van Acker, University of Guelph; Michael Brownbridge, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre; Karen Bailey, AAFC, Saskatoon.

Landscapers know that weed control in turfgrass without the use of synthetic herbicides can be difficult. Dr. Francois Tardif with the University of Guelph has conducted field trials on a number of alternative weed control products and found that there is significant variation between the claims of manufacturers and actual product performance. While a few products provide control comparable to that of synthetic herbicides, most do not provide a level of control that would be acceptable for the majority of users. Over seeding with some grass species can lead to increased turf cover and is proving to be a favourable option in light of increasing restrictions on pesticide use. This research has delivered a set of clear recommendations for saving money and increasing the efficiency of controlling weeds in turf without conventional herbicides.

Youbin Zheng, University of Guelph; Mike Dixon, University of Guelph; Xiuling Tian, University of Guelph; Mary Jane Clark, University of Guelph; Linping Wang, University of Guelph; Katherine Vinson, University of Guelph

A comprehensive list of water treatment technologies with specific and useful information is now available to industry. Dr. Youbin Zheng with Vineland Research and Innovation Centre and the University of Guelph completed a literature review and conducted interviews with growers and water treatment companies to assemble information on available technologies. An interactive website will provide growers with an on-line decision process for choosing appropriate technology for their own operation.

Further reading: Water Treatment Information System

Youbin Zheng, University of Guelph; Mike Dixon, University of Guelph; Xiuling Tian, University of Guelph; Mary Jane Clark, University of Guelph; Linping Wang, University of Guelph

Katherine Vinson, University of Guelph Suppressing pathogens in the greenhouse setting was the focus of this study led by Dr. Youbin Zheng. Dr. Zheng selected composted and non-composted organic materials with potential pathogen suppression properties and mixed these materials with other components to form a variety of growing substrates. Pathogenprone ornamental plants such as begonia were then subjected to selected growing substrates. Substrates containing vermicasting or pine bark showed disease suppression, however results were not consistent.

Further reading: Guelph Green Roof Research

Youbin Zheng, University of Guelph; Mike Dixon, University of Guelph; Xiuling Tian, University of Guelph; Mary Jane Clark, University of Guelph; Linping Wang, University of Guelph; Katherine Vinson, University of Guelph

Managing water usage is a priority for ornamental growers. Dr. Youbin Zheng examined water application technologies and conducted a thorough literature review which identified some promising irrigation technologies for ornamental nursery plant production purposes. One technology in particular, a sensor-based automated irrigation system, was evaluated in a commercial nursery for pot-in-pot tree production and demonstrated that growers could cut their water usage by more than 50%.

David Ehret, AAFC, Agassiz

Dr. David Ehret with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has evaluated a modified version of the CropAssist system developed for greenhouse tomatoes on other ornamental plants. Two greenhouse species and two nursery species, each of which differed in daily water requirements, were monitored for periods of up to 30 consecutive days. Results indicated that the CropAssist system effectively measured water uptake automatically and continuously. Automated monitoring of water use with load cells has been proven to be a simple and reliable technology for both greenhouse and nursery use and presents an opportunity for development into a commercially-available product.

Jun Song, Lihua Fan, AAFC Kentville

Product quality is critical to the success of an ornamental horticulture grower. Dr. Jun Song with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada took a hard look at pre-and post-harvest treatments such as 1-methylcyclopropene as a means to successfully extend the shelf life of cut flowers. Results clearly demonstrated that treatment of 1-methylcyclopropene significantly delayed the senescence of cut flowers, especially for carnation, rose and gerbera. Antimicrobial agents were also evaluated and showed the potential to reduce the microbial population in stalk solution.

Theo Blom, University of Guelph; Xiuming Hao, AAFC, Harrow

There is a commonly held belief that high nitrate ratios produce smaller plants and high ammonium ratios produce larger plants. Dr. Theo Blom with the University of Guelph has found this not to be the case with research into the effect of nutrient ratios on plant height. Results of this research have provided recommendations on the practicality of plant nutrient management in limiting bedding plant height.

Bernard Goyette, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

Recognizing the need to better understand post harvest treatments for bare root nursery stock, the industry looked to Dr. Bernard Goyette with Vineland Research and Innovation Centre to conduct a literature review on the subject. From the literature that has been reviewed, Dr Goyette identified a significant lack of fundamental information about root storage and basic plant physiology. Subsequently he has designed a set of small-scale experiments to answer some of these basic questions and lay the groundwork for a future larger project.

Further reading: Impact on handling practices on the quality of bare root plants