York Region Water Reuse Research and Demonstration Project

Huber, Dr. Ann - Soil Resource Group

The Water Reuse Research Demonstration Project evaluated the effects of the use of reclaimed treated municipal water as an irrigation source for sod production on plant health, soil properties, and surface water and groundwater quality. An on-farm assessment was conducted that followed the soil (detailed soil cores to 60cm), water (lysimeters, nested groundwater wells, and …

Keywords: reclaimed water, irrigation water sources, sod production, sodium, nutrients, grass

WRAMI: Evaluation of pathogen removal by denitrification bioreactors and constructed wetlands under Ontario conditions

Huber, Dr. Ann - Soil Resource Group

An in-field evaluation of the ability of 12 established denitrification woodchip bioreactors and constructed wetlands to remove plant pathogens and/or human enteric pathogen indicator organisms from horticultural and agricultural wastewaters and runoff was conducted. Removal effectiveness was correlated with parameters affecting performance (e.g. media, residence time, temperature, oxygen, pH, depth). The information supports the design …

Keywords: denitrification woodchip bioreactor, biofilter, E.coli, pathogens, Petrifilm, edge-of-field

Winter greenhouse heat consumption reduction

de Halleux, Damien, Gosselin, André, Hao, Xiuming - Université Laval

Researchers have found that significant energy reductions of up to 20% can be achieved by a combination of reduced night time temperature, morning CO2 injections and ventilation control. The specific combination of these climatic adjustments enables average temperatures to be maintained at the optimal level and produces more vigorous plants that are ready for holiday …

Keywords: CO2 injections, ventilation control

Water treatment technologies

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

A literature review was conducted and 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.

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WAMQI: Evaluation of pathogen removal by denitrification bioreactors and constructed wetlands under Ontario conditions

Huber, Dr. Ann - Soil Resource Group

This study was an extension of the WRAMI project for second season to include early spring and late fall monitoring (cool temperatures) at the edge of field sites, modified hydraulic retention times and/or nutrient characteristics of waste streams to the bioreactors at the greenhouse sites, and the performance of a newly constructed wetland system treating …

Keywords: denitrification woodchip bioreactor, biofilter, E.coli, pathogens, Petrifilm, nutrients edge-of-field, constructed wetlands

WAMQI #12 -Assessment and Management of Horticultural Stormwater Discharges

Huber, Dr. Ann, West, Dr. Jeanine - PhytoServ, Soil Resource Group

Field studies of stormwater pond dynamics in response to storm events at horticultural operations were carried out to determine the critical points at which farmers must manage their collection ponds to protect the environment. For most horticultural greenhouse operations, stormwater ponds essentially collect rainwater from the greenhouse roofs, and may collect subsurface drainage water from …

Keywords: greenhouse, nursery, stormwater ponds, phosphorus, nutrients, sizing

Use of trap plants as a risk reduction control option for thrips on greenhouse ornamentals.

Aalbers, J., Buitenhuis, R., Murphy, G., Shipp, J.L. - AAFC, OMAFRA

Keywords: trap plants, chrysanthemum

Use of the generalist predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii for biological control in greenhouse ornamentals.

Aalbers, J., Buitenhuis, R., Murphy, G., Scott-Dupree, C., Shipp, J.L. - AAFC, OMAFRA, University of Guelph

Keywords: use strategies for A. swirskii, dispersal

Trap Crops and Microbial Agents for Effective Suppression of Black Vine Weevil in Containerized and Field Nursery Production

Brownbridge, Michael, Buitenhuis, R. - Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

Keywords: BVW trap plants

Temperatures within horticultural plants: Stems and Flowers- explaining rapid growth

Kevan, Dr. Peter G. - University of Guelph

Investigate biological and applied characteristics of the temperature relations within flowers and within plant stems through interdisciplinary research in micrometeorology, plant anatomy, pigmentation, microscopic morphology, growth rates, floral maturation and sexual reproduction.

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Suitability of broad mites, Polyphagotarsonemus latus, as prey for Amblyseius swirskii on greenhouse ornamentals

Aalbers, J., Buitenhuis, R., Scott-Dupree, C., Shipp, J.L. - AAFC, University of Guelph

Keywords: broad mite biocontrol

Successful IPM of western flower thrips starts with clean cuttings.

Buitenhuis, R., Smitley - Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

Keywords: cutting dips, thrips chrysanthemum

Reducing water applications

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

Water application technologies were examined and 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%.

Keywords: sensor-based automated irrigation

Quality control standards of biocontrol products for growers

Buitenhuis, R. - Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

Keywords: grower guide to QC of biocontrol agents

Prevention is better than cure: cutting dips and poinsettia IPM.

Brownbridge, Michael, Buitenhuis, R. - Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

Keywords: cutting dips, whiteflies, poinsettia

Preventative solutions for whitefly on seasonal poinsettia cuttings.

Brownbridge, Michael, Buitenhuis, R., Murphy, G. - OMAFRA, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

Keywords: cutting dips, whiteflies, poinsettia

Precision irrigation in nursery using wireless tensiometers

Goulet, Charles - Université Laval

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 …

Keywords: wireless tensiometer, precise irrigation, clustering practices, water management recommendations

Pre- and post-harvest treatments to maintain quality and control diseases of greenhouse and nursery crop species

Fan, Lihua, Song, Jun - AAFC - Kentville

Evaluation of 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.

Keywords: 1-methylcyclopropene, antimicrobial agents, senescene of cut flowers, shelf life of cut flowers

Plant height control through nutrition management practices

Blom, Theo, Hao, Xiuming - University of Guelph

There is a commonly held belief that high nitrate ratios produce smaller plants and high ammonium ratios produce larger plants. Research into the effect of nutrient ratios on plant height has shown this is not the case. Results of this research have provided recommendations on the practicality of plant nutrient management in limiting bedding plant …

Keywords: nutrient ratios, nitrate ratios, aluminium ratios,

Pathogen suppression in substrates

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

Suppressing pathogens in the greenhouse setting was the focus of this study. 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 …

Keywords: pathogen supression, substrates, vermicasting, pine bark

Optimizing Biological Control Strategies in Greenhouse Floriculture: Interactions, Integration and Implementation.

Brownbridge, Michael, Buitenhuis, R., Murphy, G., Scott-Dupree, C., Short, M. - OMAFRA, University of Guelph, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

Keywords: Orius banker plants

Optimization of management practices for biological control of thrips and other important pests of ornamental crops.

Brodeur, J., Buitenhuis, R., Murphy, G., Scott-Dupree, C., Shipp, J.L., Weintraub, P. - AAFC, OMAFRA, University of Guelph, University of Montreal

Keywords: predatory mites, climate, supplemental food

Optimisation des pulvérisations en production serricole ornementale afin de réduire l’utilisation des pesticides – Portrait de l’efficacité des pulvérisations en production serricole ornementale

Tousignant, Marie-Édith - IQDHO

Peu importe le type de produit et l’équipement utilisé, l’efficacité des pulvérisations est souvent remise en question. Afin de vérifier si les produits phytosanitaires atteignent leur cible en entreprise, un objectif que ce projet était de brosser le Portrait de l’efficacité des pulvérisations en production serricole ornementale. Le projet c’est donc déroulé en entreprise où …

Keywords: Serre, plantes annuelles, phytoprotection, pulvérisation, efficacité, papier hydrosensible, réduction, pesticide

Optimal fertilizer application rates in container nursery crop production

Zheng, Youbin - 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.

Keywords: container plants, fertilization, nutrient runoff, application rates, grwoing substrates, fertilization recommendations

Observation de l’évolution de la proportion de Bemisia tabaci Middle East-Asia Minor 1 et de Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean selon le type de gestion phytosanitaire dans la culture de poinsettias

Roullé, Nathalie - IQDHO

Les objectifs duprojet étaient 1. Évaluer l’efficacité de la gestion intégrée pour contrôler B. tabaci dans les productions de poinsettias au Québec. 2. Valider en situation de production si la proportion de B. tabaci MED est différente selon le type de gestion phytosanitaire utilisée (intégrée vs conventionnelle). 3. Développer une nouvelle expertise au Québec : …

Keywords: "Aleurode, Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean (MED) (souche Q), B. tabaci Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM) (souche B), identification, poinsettia, Euphorbia pulcherrima"

Mistaken identity… the hidden threat of onion thrips to greenhouse floriculture IPM.

Buitenhuis, R., Jandricic, S., Scott-Dupree, C. - Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

Keywords: thrips species, biocontrol

Made in Canada! Local biocontrol agents to take up the challenge.

Buitenhuis, R., Lucas, E. - Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

Keywords: new biocontrol agents

Investigation of possible trap plants for the biological control of foxglove aphids in greenhouse floriculture crops

Buitenhuis, R., Short, M. - Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

Keywords: foxglove aphid IPM

Innovation in ornamental plant cultivars and native species

Boland, Todd, Conev, Rumen, Lesschaeve, Isabellle, Sullivan, Alan - Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

A study of 20 native species planted for evaluation at three locations in Ontario and Newfoundland. In each location plant performance was evaluated in sun and shade, in different growth media and with different watering regimes. This study has identified several new or underused native Canadian plants which have proven potential as low maintenance ornamental …

Keywords: native species, native plants, low maintenance ornamental plants

Improving nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiency of potted chrysanthemums grown in a subirrigation system

Shelp, Barry - 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, …

Keywords: nutrient delivery, nitrogen, phosphorous, sulphur, potassium, nutrient budget