Category Archives: Cluster 2

Dr. Rose Buitenhuis
Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

The goal of this research project led by Dr. Rose Buitenhuis was to provide effective pest management strategies for problem aphid species in greenhouse ornamentals that are compatible with existing biological control systems. The focus during the third and final year was to integrate the different tools developed during years one and two into a complete IPM strategy.

Through Vineland’s research it was determined that the best time to release Aphidius ervi against foxglove aphid was when aphids were found in the crop; previously, wasps were released preventatively. In small and large-scale trials, A. ervi controlled aphid populations when used alone or together with a novel predatory mite. No negative interactions (such as intraguild predation) were observed. The research also showed high compatibility of A. ervi with biopesticides, which will enhance biocontrol of foxglove aphids. Based on the knowledge generated in this project, recommendations were developed for an IPM strategy against foxglove aphids, which significantly reduces the number of chemical sprays.

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Final Report

Dr. Darby McGrath
Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

Based on earlier research results which pointed to the negative impact of compacted urban soils, Dr. Darby McGrath’s research project was designed to improve tree survivability in highway and urban environments. After five years of research and four years of direct testing, deep ripping and the addition of organic matter has been proven as a method of remediation of urban soils to ensure the long-term survival of trees.

It has been demonstrated that trees can survive beyond the critical post-transplant window in unremediated soils; mortality increases in years three and thereafter. Therefore, remediated soils provide the right conditions for trees to become established and survive without aftercare. The goal was to develop a remediation technique that can be modified depending on the end users’ soil quality (e.g. bulk density). Based on several sites sampled throughout Ontario and Alberta, a soil remediation calculator was developed that estimates the amount of organic amendment required to bring the soil bulk density below root limiting thresholds for trees.

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Webinar on video
Final Report

Dr. Martine Dorais and Claudine Ménard
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

This project by AAFC scientists looked at providing new commercial opportunities for the Canadian ornamental industry through the development of innovative and low maintenance indoor gardening eco-wall systems for home, residential and public buildings.

The development of increasingly affordable LED light systems is revolutionizing the horticultural industry and is currently considered as one of the most promising new technologies to improve crop productivity and profitability. In addition to providing photosynthetic (400-700 nm) the spectral quality of light influences plant morphology, enhances the production of bioactive health compounds, controls pests and diseases. Furthermore, when LED lighting is associated to bio-stimulants/Si (natural suppressive agents) enriched growing medium, plant growth can be influenced positively.

This project tested five distinctively different wall module systems, several growing medium, fertilization regimes (organic, conventional) and bio-stimulants, including Si, on a wide range of plant species grown under different light conditions (e.g. with or without LED supplementary lighting; under low PPFD).

Todd Boland
Memorial University of Newfoundland Botanical Garden

Led by MUNBG’s Todd Boland, this project was designed to meet industry demand for more native landscape plants as such plants are often better adapted to Canadian growing conditions. Nine new woody Newfoundland plant selections were provided to seven of Canada’s largest commercial plant propagating nurseries for evaluation.  Unrooted cuttings/scions of the trial plants were supplied to the trialing nurseries to be propagated, grown in the nursery and then rated on their ability to root/graft, foliage appearance, flower production (if applicable), susceptibility to pests and diseases and overall plant habit. Most importantly, these trialers had the opportunity to make critical reviews of the plant as to whether they would be a valuable and profitable addition to the landscape industry.

This project resulted in the successful release of Salix candida ‘Iceberg Alley.”  Four additional plants have also shown commercialization potential and evaluation will continue beyond the conclusion of the project.

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Final Report

Dr. Youbin Zheng
Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

Excess fertilization is not only costly but can also injure plants and cause unnecessary nutrient runoff, resulting in environmental damage. However, insufficient fertilization can result in plants showing symptoms of nutrient deficiencies, reduce crop productivity, and eventually reduce the efficiency of other resource inputs during nursery crop production.

This project, conducted at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre was designed to determine the best nutrient rates, application methods, and timing for growing container nursery crops using different fertilizer types and growing substrates.

A comprehensive fertilization guide for Canadian container nursery crop productions was developed in this project. The new/improved practices outlined in the guide will help growers to enhance their productivities and minimize environmental impact. The guide provides recommendations on the optimal fertilizer application rates for different nursery species.

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Final Report
Fertilization Guide 2018

Dr. Barry Shelp
University of Guelph

Regardless of the irrigation system used in greenhouse floricultural operations, nutrient delivery should be optimized so that a lower level of fertilizer is used over the crop cycle, thereby minimizing fertilizer costs and environmental impacts. This novel and innovative approach calls for a constant lower level of nutrients to be delivered during vegetative growth only, and this lower level was optimized so that reproductive growth was primarily sustained by the mobilization of previously-acquired nutrients, rather than current supply from the root system.

A combination of research and commercial greenhouse trials was conducted on the delivery of nitrogen and phosphorus, the most important environmental contaminants, as well as sulphur and potassium, measuring commercial yields, constructing nutrient budgets as a function of crop development, and assessing plant nutrient status using a mix of leaf analysis and visual diagnosis. With these nutrients, we found that the supply over the crop cycle can be reduced by as much as 75- 87.5% compared to the current industry standards.

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Final Report

Guillaume Grégoire
Université Laval

This research project evaluates the use of different types of turfgrass fertilizers and their impacts on nutrient runoff and leaching. The project compares nutrient losses from turfgrass fertilized with natural, synthetic and compost fertilizer sources to unfertilized turfgrass, as well as measuring the impact of cultural practices like aeration, clipping recycling, and overseeding.

The project compared the effect of five different maintenance programs, based on real-life situations, on: turfgrass quality, nutrient losses through runoff and leaching, soil moisture and temperature, and soil fertility level.

Results from the study show that properly maintained turfgrass reduces runoff volume and P losses compared to unmaintained turf. These results will be helpful to government agencies and municipalities considering the implementation of bylaws to restrict the use of fertilizers on turfgrass to protect water bodies. Our results will also be helpful for Canadian sod growers by promoting the positive environmental impact that healthy turfgrass can have to improve water quality.

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Final Report

Dr. Charles Goulet
Université Laval

Irrigation is one of the most important factors affecting nursery profitability, influencing both plant quality and production costs. Nursery production requires a significant supply of water, especially for container production.  Unfortunately, traditional irrigation management results in a significant loss of water. To ensure better management of water resources and reduce the impact on the environment, it is essential to move toward precision irrigation.

A new generation of wireless tensiometer that measures the water available to the plant and allows precise irrigation control has been evaluated.  For improved efficiency, the best clustering practices based on the water needs of diverse species have been established.   Evaluation of the best irrigation strategies in a commercial setting have demonstrated that water use can be reduced while maintaining an optimal growth.

Recommendations have been made for improved water management practices in plant nurseries with the potential to help growers across the country.

Project summary PDF
Webinar on video
Final Report