Part of running a greenhouse is keeping it safe – whether that be from hackers or from invasive pests! We recently recorded a webinar on cybersecurity for operational tech and smart devices – and why small businesses are a prime target. We also recorded webinars on Thrips parvispinus and Thrips setosus, the two invasive pests that have been affecting floriculture crops the past 4-5 years.
Keep reading to get more details on these webinars, and to view the recordings.
Although greenhouse growers’ thoughts in late summer tend to turn to pests of poinsettias, thrips are never fully forgotten (being the #1 pest and all).
Ever since a bunch of new thrips began invading North American greenhouses a few years ago, proper thrips identification has become a necessary evil. If you missed our Vineland/OMAFA Thrips Identification Workshops in 2024, have no fear. Ashley Summerfield from the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre has compiled much of the workshop content in a series of easy-to-follow videos. Keep reading for what you’ll need and links to the videos.
Continue reading “Missed our Thrips Identification Workshop? “How-to” Videos are Now Available Online!”
Rogers cybersecure catalyst at the Toronto Metropolitan University is hosting 2 free virtual events to bring you and your business up to speed on the very important issue of cybersecurity.
Don’t miss these 2 events: a panel discussion on September 29th from 10-11 am. And a cybersecurity bootcamp every Thursday from October 2nd – November 5th from 10-12pm.
Continue reading “Don’t miss these upcoming Agri-food cybersecurity events!”To make sure growers have the latest information on new thrips pests affecting greenhouse crops, GrowON is running a 3 part webinar series on thrips besides western flower thrips. The second installment will be on Thrips parvispinus (also known as pepper thrips) on Wednesday, September 24th with Sarah Jandricic (OMAFA).
To attend, please use the registration link in the post below.
Description:
When it comes to Thrips parvispinus control, many growers are asking, are we there yet? Join us to learn where we are in terms of biocontrol and chemical control for this invasive pest. This presentation will summarize research being conducted in Ontario, Florida and Europe, and put it into context in terms of strategies growers can implement now. Future research directions will also be discussed.
Note, this presentation was given live at Greenhouse Canada’s Grower Day in June 2025. This webinar is hoping to reach those that weren’t able to attend in person!
Time: Wednesday, September 24th, 12-1pm
Registration:
Please register for Part 2 of this Webinar series by using this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_30N3jt1KRbOyva0s7oh5Dg
Welcome to this blog series, where we will discuss common production issues and practical solutions you can consider implementing in your own greenhouse.
In this post, we’ll focus on preventing disease and increasing crop uniformity. We’ll discuss two key practices that can help both issues: selecting the right growing media and maintaining greenhouse sanitation. Small changes in these areas can reduce the risk of disease and shrink, while promoting more consistent growth across your crop and prevent things like plant stunting.
Throughout this post I’ll use Kalanchoe production as an example. Even if you are not a Kalanchoe grower, there will relevant information that you can apply to your own crops. Read on for more details.
Continue reading “Common Issues and Practical Solutions: Disease Prevention & Crop Uniformity”
Do you know someone making an impact in Ontario’s agri-food sector? Nominations are now open for the 2025 Excellence in Agriculture Awards! These awards recognize the individuals and organizations that are driving excellence, sustainability and long-term competitiveness in Ontario’s $51 billion agri-food industry.
Continue reading “Excellence in Ag Award Nominations Open Until September 12, 2025”
Clean Farms is an organization that has been working with communities for the past 15 to create practical recycling programs for farmers. One of these programs includes FREE collection and disposal of unwanted pesticides, which only happens every 3 years!
The collection date for the Niagara area is Monday, September 22, 2025. Make sure to read on for more details, or for other collection sites/dates near you!
Continue reading “Expired/Unwanted Pesticides on Your Farm? Mark Your Calendar for the 2025 Collection Event.”To make sure growers have the latest information on new thrips pests affecting greenhouse crops, GrowON is running a 3 part webinar series on thrips besides western flower thrips. The first installment will be on Japanese flower thrips on August 27th, with Judy Colley (Plant Products) and Sarah Jandricic (OMAFA).
To attend, please use the registration link in the post below. If you’ve already registered, you’re still good for the new date of the 27th!
Description:
Another new thrips on the block? Thrips setosus, also known as the Japanese flower thrips, affects hydrangeas, cyclamen, herbs and more. Judy Colley, technical lead for Plant Products, will share information on greenhouse trials for controlling this pest. She will be joined by Dr. Sarah Jandricic (OMAFA) who will cover biology, hosts plants, damage and current research. She will also go over pesticide options.
Time: Wednesday, August 27th, 12-1pm
Registration:
Please register for Part 1 of this Webinar series by using this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_30N3jt1KRbOyva0s7oh5Dg
Join us at the 2025 Canadian Greenhouse Conference (CGC) in Niagara Falls, Ontario, on October 8 and 9. Check out the excellent lineup of speakers, trade show exhibitors, greenhouse bus tour, and much more! Registration is now open. See you in October.
Do you work in a greenhouse that uses a climate control system, sensors, automation or robotics? If your answer is yes, this webinar is for you. No matter the size of your operation, if you are using digital tools, you are a potential target for a cyber attack. This informative webinar breaks down what threats to watch for, how to protect your systems, and why it matters more than ever. Join us from 12 – 1pm on August 13th to learn more.
Continue reading “GrowON Webinar: Cybersecurity for Greenhouses, August 13th @ noon”