01/22/2009

Greenhouse Management Workshop Offers Hands-On Training

Source:

Beth Fausey, Agricultural Business Enhancement Center
fausey.11@cfaes.osu.edu
(419) 354-6916 ext.11

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The 2009 Ohio State University Greenhouse Management Workshop will be offered at the Columbus Convention Center on Sunday, Jan. 25, in conjunction with the Ohio State University Nursery Short Course and Central Environmental Nursery Trade Show. The workshop is a unique opportunity for greenhouse growers and industry members to learn information and techniques in a hands-on environment.

For the first time, the OSU Nursery Short Course will also offer a greenhouse management educational program on Monday, Jan. 26, for managers and growers.

Program information and registration materials are online at http://onla.org/cents/shortcourse.asp.

Participants may register on-site for the workshop, scheduled for 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Program planners say an increased awareness of sustainable practices for ornamental and vegetable greenhouse production makes it necessary for greenhouse professionals to become familiar with sustainable crop management methods to improve production practices, overall product quality and profitability. This in-depth, hands-on workshop provides participants with the opportunity to learn IPM techniques for disease and arthropod identification and management, nutrition and micronutrient management as well as IPM through mechanical alternatives. This workshop presents a great opportunity for greenhouse employees who want to progress in their company by increasing their knowledge of cultural practices for container crops.

Program Schedule

10:30 a.m. Welcome with Keynote Speaker Dick Bostdorff, Bostdorff Greenhouse Acres

11 a.m. General workshop information/Sponsor recognition

Noon Lunch

12:45-2:45 p.m. Session 1. Participants choose one of the following sessions:

Insect IPM (Luis Canas)

This workshop covers the use of IPM techniques such as sampling and the release of biological control agents. Additional information will be provided on how to select, release and evaluate biological control agents to control the most important insect pests in greenhouses and how to incorporate them into an IPM program.

Nutrient Management (Claudio Pasian and Beth Fausey)

Participants will learn how to measure pH and electrical conductivity (EC) by using pH and EC meters and collect leachate samples from container plants. Participants will also learn how to interpret the results and discuss what corrective actions may need to be taken.

2:45-3:30 p.m. Break/Product Reviews and Discussion

3:30-5:30 p.m. Session 2. Participants choose one of the following sessions:

Disease Identification and Management (Dennis Lewandowski and Nancy Taylor)

This workshop covers the use of IPM techniques such as disease identification and control options. Participants will learn hoe to properly identify disease organisms using live samples and determine appropriate control measures.

Mechanical IPM (Peter Ling)

Participants will learn non-chemical approaches to reduce pest problems including energy efficient greenhouse humidity management options to reduce occurrence of fungal diseases. Guidelines will also be provided for proper installation and effective operation of insect screens.