These recorded webinars let you hear directly from experts – on YOUR time!
Enriching Water with Gases: Benefits and Uses in Controlled Environment Agriculture, part of OMAFRA’s 2021 Controlled Environment Agriculture Webinar Series
Recorded July 29, 2021. Running time: 58 min.
There are a number of technologies on the market today that enable greenhouse and vertical farm producers to enrich water with different gases. These technologies can be used to supplement oxygen levels that drop in recirculated water systems, reduce build-up of pathogens in the water system, and improve plant health. This webinar will host experts on this topic to inform and educate producers on some of the uses and benefits of these technologies. You will hear from Dr. Thomas Graham, assistant professor at the University of Guelph, on the differences between microbubble and nanobubble technology, and Warren Russell, chief commercial officer of Moleaer, will discuss the science behind Moleaer’s products and services. Moderated by Dr. Fadi Al-Daoud, Greenhouse Vegetable Specialist and Dr. Andrew Wylie, Acting Greenhouse Vegetable IPM Specialist OMAFRA .
Smart Sensors for Floriculture, part of OMAFRA’s 2021 Controlled Environment Agriculture Webinar Series
Recorded September 27, 2021. Running time: 50 min.
Dr. Krishna Nemali from Purdue University talks about his lab’s work developing plant-monitoring techniques using affordable and easy-to-use devices, such as smartphones and low-cost remote sensors. These ‘smart sensors’ capture and process plant images to generate economically useful information including seedling counts, plant growth rate, height and width, nitrogen status, and color development (and potentially many other traits). In addition to aiding in plant monitoring, these devices can train workforce with plant growth and quality related issues. The APTUS app will be available for Android and iPhone users in Spring 2022. A virtual demonstration is part of the webinar.
Staying Alive: Strategies to improve shelf life of spring crops, part of OMAFRA’s 2021 Controlled Environment Agriculture Webinar Series
Recorded November 18, 2021. Running time: 56 min.
Spring is a busy time for growers, especially those with bedding plant production. Optimized production practices are important for maintaining healthy crops during this busy season, when greenhouse space is at a premium! Dr. Neil Mattson from Cornell University gives insight into how environmental controls, fertilization choices, substrates and biostimulant products can all play a role in the final quality of your crop. Using production practices to achieve optimal crop quality in the greenhouse can improve shelf-life in the retail environment, allowing for better sell-through. Maintaining plant quality is important, both for maintaining relationships with customers and your bottom line.
PRIVA’s BioLogics for Plant Growth, part of OMAFRA’s 2022 Controlled Environment Agriculture Webinar Series
Recorded January 20, 2022. Running time: 44 min.
Peter Kamp, Crop Systems Innovator with PRIVA, presents a new steering principle to achieve crop goals based on the overall water balance of the plant. The unique starting point of this steering principle is a feed-forward control for the greenhouse climate and water-supply, based on water uptake, fixation of water and transpiration of the crop. The control follows the plant’s circadian rhythm in terms of growth and crop development and can be specifically tuned to the crop goals of the grower.
Making Sense of Lighting During Propagation, part of OMAFRA’s 2022 Controlled Environment Agriculture Webinar Series
Recorded February January 24, 2022. Running time: 74 min.
Dr. Erik Runkle and Dr. Roberto Lopez from Michigan State University talk about the benefits of supplemental lighting in floriculture propagation. Propagation is often the place where many growers can see the potential for adding supplemental lighting, especially in the late winter and early spring months. The latest research is presented and considerations for return on investment are discussed.
Phosphorus and Cannabis: How Much is Enough?, part of OMAFRA’s 2022 GrowON Webinar Series
Recorded April 28, 2022. Running time: 64 min.
Bill MacDonald from Niagara College’s Commercial Cannabis Program talks about Phosphorus levels needed in cannabis production. Results from deficiency trials at the college and cutting edge research from across the world are presented. With fertilizer prices continuing to rise, this is a practical talk that will help you evaluate nutrition needs on your farm.
Alternative Ways of Heating Greenhouses, part of OMAFRA’s 2022 GrowON Webinar Series
Recorded May 26, 2022. Running time: 45 min.
This GrowON webinar presented a panel of experts in energy and heating technologies discussing alternative ways of heating greenhouses. 360 Energy discussed natural gas pricing trends, Medley Thermal described their natural gas-electricity hybrid boilers, and Phoenix Solar Thermal introduced their solar-powered technology used to heat buildings using hot water and steam that can be used to supplement heat generated by existing natural gas boilers. If energy pricing and diversification is on your mind, this webinar showcases some potential solutions.
