Farmers are tasked with creating perfect produce, tending to peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers until they have reached their peak ripeness. At BMG, our job is to make packaging your perfect produce simple. We create the technology that puts these delectable bits of palate-pleasing greatness into a sustainable paper-based packaging solution that is automated, environmentally friendly, and retail-ready.
We’re constantly engineering environmentally friendly packaging and processes that lessen our and our customer’s carbon footprint. We deliver end-to-end solutions that place products in sustainable trays and overwrap them for safety and viewability — lessening your impact on the environment and providing the lowest cost to operate.
In an ever-changing and unpredictable global marketplace, BMG continues to create category-leading sustainable solutions, providing best-in-class engineering and manufacturing enhanced by unparalleled support, all provided to a global market from our/your backyard! From farm-to-tray-to-table, BMG has you fully automated and covered.
June/July 2024
Top 4 under 40
Honouring the hard work, dedication and passion of the Canadian greenhouse industry’s young achievers. Page 16.
Diagnosing and mitigating iron, manganese and magnesium deficiencies in greenhouse plants. Inside view 54
16 24 34
Top 4 under 40
Meet the four professionals selected as this year’s Top 4 under 40.
Selecta One’s 4D Blue Ice Osteospermum on display at the PanAmerican Seed site at the 2024 California Spring Trials. Page 8.
BY GREENHOUSE CANADA
Poinsettia 101
Lessons learned from the 2023 trial season. BY
MELHEM SAWAYA
Waste not
Looking at ways that ‘waste’ heat can be used in greenhouse production. BY
J. LYNN FRASER
California dreamin’ becomes reality
California dreamin’ became a reality this past March when I had the opportunity to travel to the 2024 Spring Trials. Not only was this my first ever visit to the Golden State, but also my inaugural CAST adventure.
While it is four days full of looking at beautiful flowers and plants, I must say, this isn’t an experience for the faint at heart. There is A LOT to take in and for this industry newb, it can all be quite mystifying. Thankfully, my travel companions from the Ball Seed Company (thank you for the invitation to tag along!) went out of their way to accommodate me and answer my (sometimes silly) questions. Starting on page 8 of this issue, I share some of the highlights and observations from CAST but a more fulsome report is available online. Check out some of the galleries and weigh in on some of the varieties featured at this year’s trials.
As we underscore some of innovations and ingenuity of the breeders at this year’s California Spring Trials in this issue, we’re also celebrating the young professionals in the Canadian greenhouse industry who possess those very same qualities as we
poinsettia season is fast approaching and it’s time to start making room for this year’s crops. Renowned greenhouse consultant Mel Sawaya offers some valuable insights and tips for managing this crop and planning for sales. Check out his article on page 24 that outlines some of the lessons he’s learned from his 2023 poinsettia trials.
A must-read for both edible and ornamental growers is on page 46 of this issue, as Dr. Mohyuddin Mirza has some practical guidance for growers on diagnosing and mitigating iron, manganese and magnesium deficiencies in greenhouse plants. You might be surprised at what lies at the root of these issues.
Also in this issue, we get a report on the ACT grower summits in Leamington and Langley that took place earlier this year. Hundreds of growers attended both events that were dedicated to educating growers on screening technologies, energyefficient tomato production, crop diversification, and more. Read more about these educational events on page 40.
Finally, in this issue, we welcome
“This isn’t an experience for the faint at heart.”
unveil the Top 4 Under 40 winners. On page 16 we profile four of the industry’s exceptional movers and shakers who will help shape the future of the sector. This year’s honorees work in different areas of the industry but their impact is being felt across the sector. Special thanks to Paul Boers Manufacturing and Prins Greenhouses for sponsoring this year’s Top 4 Under 40 program. I’m very much looking forward to highlighting the achievements of these individuals at our Grower Day awards presentation on June 18.
In the meantime, for many growers,
guest columnist Dana Wagner, cofounder and managing director of TalentLift, a non-profit agency that specializes in recruiting professionals from the global refugee population. In her column on page 32, Wagner explains how employers can use Canada’s Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) to recruit their next great hire.
Can’t wait to see your faces at Grower Day this year. And, as always, don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. Happy growing!
Canada’s largest vertical farm opens in Calgary
GoodLeaf Farms has opened what’s being called the largest vertical farm in Canada at 96,000 square feet.
Construction of the $52-million vertical farming facility in Calgary was funded in part by a $2.7 million investment through the Alberta government’s Alberta Investment Growth Fund (IGF).
GoodLeaf’s facility is a major step for food sovereignty in Alberta, said RJ Sigurdson, Minister of
Agriculture and Irrigation. “The company’s vertical farming will expand where, when and how we grow the food we need, providing a sustainable local source for greens in Alberta throughout the year,” he said in a statement.
The facility has also helped generate 92 full-time jobs in southern Alberta. (Source: Government of Alberta)
EUROPEAN LIGHTING FIRM SETS UP SHOP IN LEAMINGTON
MechaTronix, a provider of LED grow light solutions based out of The Netherlands, announced in early May the inauguration of its MechaTronix Americas Inc. production facitlity in Leamington, ON. Since March, MechaTronix has initiated its first major projects for growers on the West and East coasts,
New study highlights sustainability of Ontario fruits and vegetables
A new study shows that over the last two decades, Ontario’s fruit and vegetable growers have been adopting practices that support sustainable food production.
In the greenhouse sector, 95% of survey respondents use water efficient irrigation systems, insulation for more efficient energy use and biological pest control systems. More than two thirds report having installed more energy efficient boilers, climate control and irrigation systems over the last 20 years, as well as heat storage and energy curtains and screens to reduce energy use. About half have transitioned to energy efficient lighting, and close to one-third are using renewable energy and/or capturing and re-using carbon for crop growth. The study was completed by Vineland Research and Innovation Centre and involved a combination of surveys and interviews with growers from across Ontario’s fruit and vegetable sector. (Source: Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers)
marking a significant milestone in the company’s expansion efforts, the company said in a press release.
In addition to its production arm, they’ve also established a sales and technical service office nearby to enhance customer experience and supports more locally.
“These strategic investments underscore
our commitment to expanding our presence and market share in North America,” said Koen Vangorp, CEO at MechaTronix in the press release.
“By establishing local production and service capabilities, we aim to better serve our customers and accelerate growth in the region.” (Source: MechaTronix)
BY THE NUMBERS
Recent developments in the Canadian economy: Spring 2024 (Statistics Canada)
In March 2024, the unemployment rate rose 0.3 percentage points to 6.1%
Average hourly wages rose 5.1% in the twelve months to March 2024
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose 0.2% in the fourth quarter of 2023
CAST chronicles Highlights from the 2024 California Spring Trials
Breeders at this year’s California Spring Trials showcased some exciting new products designed to make things easier for growers and consumers alike
BY AMY KOUNIAKIS
In late March, under bright blue, sunny California skies, plant breeders from across the globe showcased some of their latest and long-standing cultivars and varieties. Visitors of the 2024 California Spring Trials were treated to many breathtaking breakthroughs and innovative improvements but one of the big themes at this year’s CAST was the continued push to make things easier for growers.
Whether it was by reducing the need for specific inputs or improving a crop’s uniformity or even adding colours to a series in response to grower feedback, it was evident that
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growers’ needs, and bottom lines, were top of mind for breeders sharing their plants at CAST 2024.
Before we get into our coverage, I would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to the Ball Seed Company for including me on their 2024 California Spring Trials adventure. It was an honour to witness their team’s passion and dedication, and an invaluable opportunity for me to learn from them and grow within the industry.
Without further ado, here are just some of the highlights from this year’s CAST. A more fulsome report on the trials, including more extensive photo
Akila Hawaii Sunset Mixture of Osteospermum from PanAmerican is a favourite from CAST 2024. Read more about this variety online!
galleries, can be found online and are linked to in this article.
DAY 1
PanAmerican Seed
Solarscape Impatiens (1) from PanAmerican is the first interspecific impatiens series from seed and this year, they’ve added a few more colours to the collection. ‘White Pearl’ replaces ‘White Shimmer’ in the series and boasts an improved pristine, non-blushing white colour with a small pink eye. In the XL’s, they’ve added lovely ‘Lilac Spark’ bi-colour and vibrant Pink Jewel (an All-American Selections winner). According to the breeders, this series performs beautifully in the landscape, readily bounces back from stress and does not abort flowers as easily as traditional New Guineas. The XL series is also known to be 20 per cent larger in the landscape than the standard Solarscapes.
Ball FloraPlant
Over at Ball FloraPlant, a big introduction this year was their first-ever vegetative interspecific geranium. The Solera Series (2) is a five-colour series (Fuchsia, Lavender, Red, Orange, and Watermelon) that exhibits a very uniform, medium habit and is said to be easy to control. Timing across the series is consistent. These are produced at Ball FloraPlant’s YecaFlora Farm in Mexico for ease of transport and are available as direct-stick cuttings.
Selecta One
One of the most talked about plants during CAST this year was Selecta’s new 4D Blue Ice Osteospermum (3). This eye-catching double-blooming Osteo hybrid features bright white and blue daisy-like blooms that are contrasted against lush emerald foliage. These are
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early-season, continuous (24/7) bloomers. They are cold tolerant up to -3.9oC and have excellent branching for masses of blooms and superior uniformity. They’d be a gorgeous addition to containers but would be breathtaking in the landscape. There are seven more colours available in the 4D Series (White, Yellow, Harvest Moon, Violet Ice, Purple, Sunburst and Berry White).
Darwin Perennials
Darwin’s new Summerlong Agastache (4) Series generated quite a buzz –quite literally – at this year’s trials. This incredibly fragrant variety is hardy up to -9oC so may not perform well as a perennial in our Northern climate but would make an exceptional annual. This is truly a pollinator plant: on the day we were on site to see it, hummingbirds were all over these flowers. These could make for an interesting ‘thriller’ to a pollinator mix. They are heat and drought tolerant and flower through the summer and into the fall.
DAY 2
GreenFuse
In what might be a literal game-changer in the world of Hydrangea production, GreenFuse has introduced the first-ever daylength-neutral, no-chilling-required Hydrangea Game Changer Series (5) GreenFuse estimates that this new series removes upwards of 24 to 30 weeks
of production time. Propagated from unrooted cuttings, this hydrangea will bloom in a matter of weeks and can be used in year-round programs. Game Changers are hardy up to Zone 5 and will bloom continuously from spring through frost.
Beekenkamp
Beekenkamp has developed a stellar lineup of Dahlias in their Labella Series (6). “From big to small, we have it all,” is their tagline it is quite evident. A gorgeous new colour this year is their Grande Coral. Sturdy, upright stems full of lush, variegated foliage provide ideal support and backdrop for these massive blooms. The Grande Labellas are suited for gallonsized pots and can be finished in under 13 weeks from an unrooted cutting.
Hem
An all-new petunia series from Hem Genetics made some big waves at CAST 2024. The new Petunia F1 Shake (7) series is a genetically compact Petunia hybrid that features unique bi-colour blooms that almost looks like they’ve been painted with watercolours. Shake Petunias are grown from seed, do not require the use of PGRs and possess a flowering time and growth habit that are uniform across the series.
Schoneveld
Fun in the sun and the beach was the
theme at the Schoneveld stop where the new Joybera Gerbera (8) series was introduced for the first time. This series is currently offered in eight vibrant colours (Orange, dark orange, red, coral, white, yellow, golden yellow and pink). First flowering brings three flowers and this series is said to have a very long shelf life. Ideal for pot sizes 4 to 6 inches.
Westhoff
New series of tuberous hybrid begonia called Beaugonia (9). Available as unrooted
Grow with the pros
Great Lakes Greenhouses
Leamington, Ontario
“We selected the Philips LED toplighting because of the product’s dimming capabilities. The lights are paired with Philips GrowWise system, which helps us control our energy usage with maximum efficiency while supporting our crop health. GrowWise is a complex system, yet anyone can use it, from our company president to a general labourer. It’s easy and it works when you need it to work. If there is a power outage, the GrowWise system has redundancy in place to ensure continuity with the lights. Philips GrowWise has made everything so much easier.”
cuttings from Germany, Westhoff’s diversified supply chain means cuttings for these will be easily available to North American growers. Available in seven show-stopping colours, this hardy, compact variety boasts huge bright, bicoloured blooms and dark green, serrated foliage.
Suntory
Marvelous Mandevillas were on prominent display at the Suntory stop at CAST this year. New to the Sun Parasol Original lineup is the XP Bluephoria, XP Mauvelous (10) and XP Double Pink Blush. The XP line exhibits superior branching and is earlier to flower. The Bluephoria starts out pinkish and deepens to a deep purple-blue in the heat. The Mauvelous blooms feature a unique speckled mauve-pink pattern while the Double Pink Blush appears just as the name suggests: gorgeous delicate pink double bloom (it almost looks like a rose). This line requires no pinching and is ideal for containers, hanging baskets and would fit well in a pollinator program.
PlantHaven
This year, PlantHaven shared the latest colour in their ‘Escential’ Nemesia series, bred by Penhow. The Passionberry Escential (11) is VERY fragrant (you could smell them from quite a distance away when we were on site) and features dozens of bi-colour blooms in shades of
plum and yellow with an orange centre. Escentials bloom from early spring to late fall and possess exceptional heat tolerance. Good annual for early season sales.
PP&L
There’s a couple new additions to the Pacific Plug and Liner’s (PP&L) Echibeckia Summerina Glow Series. Echibeckia is a cross between Echinacea and Rudbekia and PPL’s Summerina series exhibits improved disease resistance and faster growing time. New for 2024 is the Sugar Shake (12). With its fully double flowers in peach (hello Pantone colour of the year!) which, in the sun, will transform into shades of red and pink. It’s very large so needs a big container. Blooms are long lasting and ideal for cut-flower programs.
Dümmen Orange
At the Dümmen Orange stop at CAST 2024, they were really trying to mix things up with their new Garden Party Icons combos. This collection has been inspired by influential and empowering women including Oprah Winfrey and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The Justice RBG (13) combo in particular was very elegant. Combos inspired by cities across the globe have also been added to the Garden Party line, including a very colourful mix inspired by our very own Vancouver. Garden party combinations are ordered as rooted kits or unrooted components.
DAY 3
Danziger
At Danziger, they’ve introduced several fun new colours in some of their Petunia series – which have a reputation for being grower friendly, requiring little to no PGRs. The vibrancy of the new Capella Fuchsia lace (14) is magnificent, and this floriferous series boasts a very tidy, compact, mounded habit, early flowering and exceptional heat tolerance.
As the vibrancy of the Capella Fuschia Lace drew much attention, the more muted tones of the new Ray Shadow (15) garnered many a second – and even third - glance. This early-flowering petunia starts out with yellow-tipped blooms that deepen into a rose colour with a big, dark aubergine centre. Reaction to these were mixed: I overheard the word ‘muddy’ used to describe them while others were quite taken with their unique and mysterious beauty. The flowers are huge and no pinching is required to obtain its sturdy, mounding habit.
American Takii
One of the most dramatic varieties at this year’s Spring Trials, has got to be American Takii’s Black Forest Ruby (16) The foliage and stems are black and are a sensational backdrop for bright red, semidouble and double flowers. Its sturdy, upright habit adds to the drama and is perfect for statement-making containers and would be a show-stopper in the garden. This could be a nice addition to Fall programs.
HilverdaFlorist
Alstroemeria were front and centre at HilverdaFlorist’s CAST 2024 display. Hula is the latest introduction to the Alstroemeria Inticancha (17) series. It features large blooms in shades of
fuchsia, pink and white with touches of lime green at the tips of the petals. The Inticancha series is heat tolerant, floriferous, uniform and compact. A very sturdy branching habit makes these easy to transport. Another new colour in this series is the moody Paraiso, featuring dark magenta blooms with flecks of dark purple.
Sakata
As far as marketing goes, Sakata was spot on at this year’s California Spring trials. The trial, located in Salinas, California,
paid homage to music through the eras. The musical theme played particularly well into Sakata’s launch of Playlist (18 - pictured: ‘Electric Lady’) a selection of mixed vegetative combos featuring some of the breeder’s greatest (genetics) hits! Varieties in each combo are selected to be in ‘perfect harmony’ when it comes to production in terms of planting, inputs, habit and timing and are a vibrant, easyto-care-for product for the end consumer. Playlist has combos for programs through the spring, summer and into the fall.
Kientzler
Kientzler is promoting a new addition to their selections of Petunia. In the Petunia Veranda series, by renowned breeder David Kerley, the new Double Sugar Plum (19) is early blooming with a compact, mounding habit that fills out with sensational magenta and dark-purple-veined double flowers. Kientzler’s new Petunia Glamouflage series features unique variegated foliage and comes in two peppy colours that look breathtaking against that backdrop: Pink Lemonade (bright, almost neon pink) and Grape (bright, almost iridescent purple with dark centre).
DAY 4
Syngenta
Nirvana XDR (20) is the newest series of vegetative Vinca from Syngenta with a tried and tested resistance to numerous strains of aerial
Phytophthora. The series contains four unique and very distinct colours: Blackberry, Blue Halo, Blush Splash and Cranberry Halo (a perfect candidate for Canada Day programs). Available as an unrooted cutting or as a calloused cutting but Syngenta recommends starting from the latter as it shortens production time by up to two weeks and reportedly produces better quality liners.
One of the highlights of Syngenta’s CAST display was undeniably the new Sunfinity Double (21) series of sunflower. This vegetative, double flowering, well-branched sunflower features a bushy, upright habit and possesses high resistance to powdery mildew. This is a jaunty variety with delightful blooms that bobbed along happily without making a mess in the breezy area in which it was situated. This promises to flower from midspring through the summer.
ThinkPlants
Our friends at ThinkPlants have been working closely with Creekside Greenhouses out of Vineland, ON, to introduce the My Beautiful series of Hydrangea macrophylla. This series is hardy from zones 5 to 9 and comes in a range of vigour. Most in this series promise three months of blooms, aside from the My Beautiful Metta that offers an astonishing six months. There are currently eight unique varieties in the series but all boast large blooms, sturdy stems and lush foliage. A particularly lovely example is the My Beautiful Picotee (22) with its bicolour blooms that deepen in colour as the bloom ages.
Benary
We can’t talk Benary without mentioning their world class selection of Begonias. To their ‘Nonstop’ series, Benary welcomes several gorgeous new colours: Flame, Lemon, Peach Shades and Light Pink in the
OCTOBER 9 & 10
NIAGARA FALLS, ON CANADA
Top 4 under 40 Meet the rising stars in the Canadian greenhouse and horticulture industries
BY GREENHOUSE CANADA
ROSE SÉGUIN
Agronomist, Sollum Technologies, Montreal, Que.
Nominated by: Jenny Zammit
Why should this person be considered for this award?
Rose joined Sollum Technologies three years ago with a goal of helping growers in their transition from unlit production, HPS lighting and fixed LED lighting to dynamic LED lighting. As our technology is very advanced, the learning curve for growers can be steep and Rose is there to support growers throughout the process to make sure they are getting the most out of their lighting. She
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also works hard to sift through new research on horticultural lighting to find the most pertinent work and package it for growers in a practical, applicable way.
She helps growers plan their lighting strategies, define trials, analyze data and adjust lighting protocols accordingly.
For example, Rose has been very involved in greenhouse strawberry lighting in the past three years and collaborates with five commercial growers to study the impact of lighting on crop canopy, flowering consistency, Brix and pathogen development.
Ahead of every lighting season, Rose organizes
Rose Seguin is an agronomist with Sollum Technologies based out of Montreal, Que.
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sessions with growers to develop dynamic lighting protocols that are aligned with the growers’ goals. She then conducts follow-ups on a regular basis to see if the strategy needs to be adjusted at any point. She works with growers from major greenhouses like Les Serres Sagami-Savoura, Les Productions Horticoles Demers, Les Serres Point du Jour (QC), Allegro Acres, Red Sun Farms Ontario, Mucci Farms (ON), The Chef’s Garden (U.S.), Maarel Orchids, Delphy Improvement Center and Globe Plant (Europe).
She plays an important role in knowledge development and transfer outside of her one-on-one work with growers through her collaborations on multiple research projects and her presentations at various conferences (e.g., Canadian Greenhouse Conference, CEA 4.0, GISC, OHCEAC and soon GreenTech Amsterdam, Cultivate’24 and ASHS). She has also brought research and new lighting protocols forward through webinars and podcasts including GrowerTalks, Greenhouse Management and Greenhouse Grower.
Rose has already received recognition for her work in Québec by receiving the Young Agronomist award presented by the province’s professional order of agronomists, and we would really love to see her get recognition outside of her home province for her contributions to the industry at large.
In support of Rose’s nominations for this award, Robert Thérien, CEO of Les Serres Point du Jour says: “Rose helps Les Serres Point du Jour in our greenhouse operations since we installed lighting in late 2022. She knows how to speak our language to explain how to best use our dynamic LED lighting. She listened and understood our needs quickly and provides us with multiple recommendations for boosting the growth of our specialty tomatoes while optimizing electricity use.”
IN HER OWN WORDS:
How did you get started in this industry?
“While studying agronomy in university, I developed a keen interest in horticulture, specifically in controlled environments like greenhouses and vertical farms. My first interest was in developing food systems in northern and remote areas but when the pandemic started, access to these regions and funding for such projects became even more limited than they already were. Eager to continue in the CEA space, I started working with an urban agriculture lab in Montreal but also working with HortiDaily. Through this, I made countless contacts in the greenhouse space, learned about various technologies and met the team at Sollum Technologies, a dynamic LED lighting company based in Montreal (basically my backyard) that was working in the greenhouse sector. I joined the company in 2021 and was rapidly immersed in Canada’s greenhouse industry, getting to learn from the best growers in Leamington and in Québec. Now I work with growers in Canada, the U.S. and Europe to learn from them and integrate dynamic lighting protocols into their operations.”
What motivates you to do what you do today?
“I’m motivated by the momentum within the greenhouse sector and the deep knowledge that growers have. Every day, I get to learn something new about different crops, different strategies and different obstacles that growers face. These motivate me to work hard and ensure that everything I do as an agronomist brings value to the growers with whom I work and to the industry as a whole.”
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Paul Kamps is the sales director for Kamps Hydrangea Inc.
Why should this person be considered for this award?
Paul Kamps is the youngest among the three brothers who have assumed leadership of their family’s greenhouse enterprise, maintaining its legacy within their lineage.
Although he has only officially been with the company for seven years, his immersion in greenhouse operations and industry from childhood instilled in him an enduring commitment to enhancing greenhouse practices. Paul possesses a rare combination of entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen. His strategic vision and proactive approach to decision-making have led to significant business expansion and diversification opportunities for the family greenhouse.
Whether it’s identifying emerging market niches, forging strategic partnerships, Paul consistently demonstrates a forwardthinking mindset that sets him apart as a visionary leader in the industry.
IN HIS OWN WORDS:
How did you get started in this industry?
“Like many in this industry, I was born into it whether I liked it or not. Our family home is steps away from the greenhouse and that meant the greenhouse was always a big part of my life. Being the youngest of five kids in the family, I got to watch my
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brothers join the company and their commitment to our family business really motivated me to make Kamps Hydrangea my future as well.
With my brothers firmly in the business as growing and operations, I knew that there would be a need for a business mindset and so I got my Bachelor’s Degree from Brock University. I’ve been working full-time for seven years since graduating and have had the amazing opportunity to be a part-owner with my brothers for five years. Sales and business development is a natural arena for me and I love being able to use my talents to grow our family business.”
What motivates you to do what you do today?
“Legacy, my faith, and family values are what drives me every day. I am proud that every plant I sell bears my family’s name and it gives me a sense of pride to see that colour in other people’s homes and gardens. I love this industry and the opportunities it gives me to stretch my talents and see more of the world. I never would have thought that a small Hydrangea operation in Vineland, Ontario would get me to Europe, all across the United States, and even Asia! Networking and meeting new people in this industry keeps every day fresh and I’m always excited to learn more about our customers’ operations and how we can improve their Hydrangea programs.”
QINGLU YING
Research Scientist, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, Vineland, ON.
Nominated by: Rhoda DeJonge
Why should this person be considered for this award?
Dr. Qinglu Ying is the lead scientist in the field of controlled environment agriculture at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. Her work has had numerous positive impacts throughout the industry, and she shows a passion for increasing knowledge and understanding to improve production practices for greenhouse growers throughout Canada. She is an excellent researcher, a thoughtful collaborator, patient mentor, and skilled writer.
Dr. Ying has been in the role of Research Scientist in the Plant Responses and Environment team at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre since 2020. Her ability to conduct highly relevant research has had immediate impacts to improve Canadian horticulture. In 2022, she was awarded a prestigious Industry award from the Weston Foundation to undergo innovative research on covered production of Canadian raspberry canes. She is someone who listens to growers, and follows up on industry needs, and is therefore building additional longer-term trials to help validate best production practices for the growing berry sector in our industry.
She has also led unique trials testing novel greenhouse films to improve light arrays for more efficient production of tomatoes and lettuce. Qinglu is often turned to by industry partners seeking to understand best production practices for novel substrates and has led exceptional trials to serve this pressing industry need.
Qinglu has been instrumental in the success of the entire organization, by providing exceptional production knowledge, leadership, and support for research trials on a wide array of subject areas beyond those mentioned above - including biostimulant trials, biological control and pathology studies, variety testing of Canadianadapted strawberries, developing sustainable production practices, byproduct and waste-reuse in substrate blends, and validation of novel fertilization products, among others. Her breadth of knowledge is exceptionally impressive for someone still in her early career.
In addition to her research skills, Qinglu is an excellent communicator and manages her team exceptionally well. She is direct, patient and highly-organized. She encourages those who report to her and fosters their scientific knowledge and career growth. She is a sought-after collaborator, and her advice is requested by others in the industry. She is a creative thinker and has the rare quality of being able to implement her ideas into excellent research trials that help solve key industry challenges.
For her outstanding achievements at our research institute, Qinglu was honored with Vineland’s first Research and Innovation Award in 2022, and consistently exceeds the expectations of her role. I expect Dr. Qinglu Ying to continue to excel in her active research program and be a force for positive growth in our industry, as she continues her dedication to exceptional innovative research in the field of production agriculture.
IN HER OWN WORDS:
How did you get started in this industry?
“While I have always been passionate about plants, my entry into the greenhouse industry was significantly shaped by my academic and professional background in horticulture. During my master’s and PhD studies at the University of Guelph, I worked closely with greenhouse growers and gained extensive hands-on experience. My research was dedicated to controlled environment plant production,
Qinglu Ying is a research scientist with the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre.
experienced and mature intellects in the Leamington greenhouse industry. His passion began in horticulture when he was young, getting up at 4 a.m. to assist his father, Andrew Dick, who was a greenhouse cucumber grower at the time. He continued this passion taking the horticulture program at Ridgetown before becoming a sales representative for Plant Products.
Kyle quickly transitioned into the role of Leamington sales manager, leading the sales team in one of the busiest greenhouse areas in the world. Plant Products staff pride themselves on their high level of support not only to their customers, but also their colleagues. Kyle not only continues this tradition but also helps facilitate it. Kyle is approachable and always available to both his team and his customers. He has routinely delivered last-minute products after hours, or has taken time out of his weekend to look at issues within the crop. Just last weekend, on his birthday, nonetheless, he delivered fertilizer after business hours. His office door is always open to providing support in business matters and life. Kyle also supports industry led groups, working currently to investigate issues surrounding Fusarium and greenhouse peppers in the Leamington area. He is and will continue to be a true asset and leader in the industry.
IN HIS OWN WORDS:
How did you get started in this industry?
I grew up surrounded by the greenhouse vegetable business— my great-grandfather was a trailblazer in the industry in the Leamington area. My uncle took over the family farm, and my dad managed a large cucumber farm. This environment taught me the dedication, hard work, and innovation required to thrive in this field from an early age.
When my dad transitioned to the greenhouse vegetable seed
business, he brought me along on grower visits on Saturday mornings when I was just 10-12 years old. These experiences introduced me to the industry’s key players and sparked my passion for horticulture.
At a young age, I began buying and selling odd items from my phone, which led to my first big break: selling office furniture for Plant Products. Impressed with my results, they offered me a job in the warehouse. I had to wait until I was 16, but I eagerly started sweeping floors after school and on weekends. My role quickly expanded, and by the time I graduated high school, I was deeply involved in various operational roles at Plant Products.
Eager to further my knowledge and skills, I pursued a diploma in horticulture at the University of Guelph. After graduating, I started as a sales representative, excited to contribute to the industry and learn from my experiences.
What motivates you to do what you do today?
What motivates me is the sincere appreciation from growers when I help them through difficult situations or exceed their expectations. Our success is directly tied to the success of our customers. Each new challenge they face is an opportunity for us to provide support and build genuine partnerships. Our team’s goal is to be the company that our customers want to do business with, and that drives me every day.
Greenhouse Canada wishes to congratulate this year’s honourees on this well-deserved recognition. Thank-you to our longtime Top 4 Under 40 sponsors Paul Boers Manufacturing and Prins Greenhouses.
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Poinsettia pointers Lessons learned from the 2023 trial season
The 2023 Poinsettia season had its challenges but demand remains strong for quality product
BY MELHEM SAWAYA
Five years of university taught me only how to find answers to various questions and problems from literature and books or research. What it never taught me was how to learn from others: how to accept support from people around me, or who I can contact when needed. Luckily, I realized very early in life that there is almost always a person who knows how to do what I am planning to do much better than I and I’ve never hesitated to reach out to that person for help. More often than not, it was and still is a very positive experience. This is the LALA approach to learning: LOOK, ASK, LISTEN, ACT which I have come to perfect through the years. It is in this spirit that I share with Greenhouse Canada’s readers, the
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lessons I learned from last year’s poinsettia crop in an effort to help growers avoid mistakes and act on the new knowledge acquired.
POINSETTIA SEASON 2023 IN SUMMARY
Key takeaways:
• Poinsettia stock producers ship the cuttings almost white fly free.
• Shipping cost per unit still very high, lowering it only can be achieved by delivering more poinsettia racks per store or more mixes from the same grower.
• Eliminate shipping in boxes when possible.
• Stores should give enough display area for poinsettias, which will lead to less frequent smaller orders.
Mike Holmes and Sheila Holmes of Warren Greenhouses with their poinsettia crop.
Despite these few but costly hiccups, the season ended up with strong demand for this year’s poinsettia crop which was helped by mild weather or at least no snowstorms to stop shipping or shopping. Yes, poinsettia season is as dependent on the weather as much as the bedding plant season is!
Was there any profit in this year’s poinsettia crop?
It would have been a good year except the cost of production kept increasing due to many factors that normally you know about early in the season like shipping cost, heat, packaging and imported white flies. With all the increased costs, poinsettia prices next year must be increased by at least 15 to 20 per cent.
On the positive side, everything that was grown was sold, with a two- to three-per cent shortage. There were also no diseases through the whole crop, even without any fungicide applications.
This year, we saw no bract edge burn, which we haven’t seen for the past 15 years, which coincides with the adoption of biocontrol. This is a success story where we solved the problems by eliminating the cause and not concentrate on the treatment which is more economical and greener growing by avoiding the overuse of chemicals.
the hard way. We had close to 150 varieties and somehow the pressure of white fly was too great for the bio program to handle and we did not use chemical treatment until later in the production cycle which was too late to prevent the severe white fly damage.
If your crop has a high pressure of white fly infestation you have to control it with bio friendly pesticides or bio friendly application methods before the bio control can keep up or eliminate the white fly infestation. Also, the chemical I chose to control the white flies with was Rycar (a contact not systemic but translaminar insecticide that controls white flies and aphids and supposedly gentle on bios) and with one application the crop was almost white fly free of the adults and then bios kept up with any pressure up to the point most of the plants were salable white fly free.
PRODUCTION
It was the optimum weather conditions for flower initiation with cool nights and higher than average light levels. Every greenhouse crop was ready, on average, a week earlier than other years. In addition to the optimum weather conditions for flower initiation
In our poinsettia trials last year at Sawaya Gardens, we learned
Experience
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Image showing the very healthy roots of a Poinsettia that has not been treated with chemicals.
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the new varieties are bred to flower much earlier. In our trials this year 96 per cent of varieties were ready for sale by Nov. 1st. Micro drenches of Bonzi can be used at any stage of production and it will not decrease the bracts to be unsalable, proper application of Bonzi will produce a much better-quality product.
The use of Bonzi micro drenches is a standard procedure, so using it properly is important. This year I have seen some plants treated with Bonzi and not much of an effect while other operations the effect of Bonzi is too much.
Guidelines to consider for growth regulators and when you are using Bonzi:
• Application should be uniform especially if you are using drip system use lower rates with high volume, so the whole root ball is covered. This is also important in normal irrigations with drip systems.
• Treatments when the plants are in the fast-growing stage are more effective. This goes with using any growth regulator.
• Avoid any Bonzi applications overhead, but if that is the only way you can
apply it then rinsing with clear water using your sprayer not the watering nozzles.
• Timing is the best growth regulator. Saying that you cannot delay planting too much to have shorter plants because the bracts will not colour properly in low light conditions.
• If later crop sale date is required, use later flowering variety in its own section that you can control the temperature to suit without affecting other cultivars. Some crops that were shipped later in the season but not programed for that showed signs of Botrytis on the bracts, flowers or both.
Other factors to watch for:
• If you are spraying Cycocel be aware of your clear water EC because high water ECs added to the cycocel EC. This could be phytotoxic and will damage leaves.
• Still the best Botrytis control is lower humidity.
• Best crops when all aspects of production done on time. Doing things on time is a major part of growing green, because then fewer or no chemical treatments needed.
TRIALS
This is the third year the poinsettia trials took place at our greenhouse at Sawaya Gardens. It featured more than 150 varieties propagated by Linwell Gardens, planted in six-inch pots week 31, pinched wk. 34. There were 24 pots of each variety, all watered the same, no growth regulator, this way the true habit of every variety was clearly evident. Here are my observations:
• All varieties could be commercially acceptable to ship after the hard road to control the white flies.
• Varieties shippable varied from Oct. 15 to Nov. 25 but most of them were still shippable past Dec. 15th.
• Not long ago, we had maximum 20 varieties to choose from. Today, choices are vast which makes the trials more crucial so we can decide on the cultivars that suite our production practices, and more important our customers’ need.
• If we try some of these varieties in our production and present it to our customers, we can capitalize on different packaging with unique colours and habits that the breeders came up with. In bedding plants mixed containers are so popular that
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have almost 50 per cent of the large container market why not in poinsettia.
• In my opinion, 85 per cent of poinsettia sold are red. This is because we are not introducing the new cultivars like we do with bedding plants.
• After we were done with the trials, we open the greenhouse to the public for two days. We had a customer come looking for red poinsettia and leave with four colours and one red and that was the case for the majority. Poinsettia sales could be taken another 10 per cent increase if we market it like
bedding plants. Well displayed and taking advantage of all these new varieties.
PROBLEMS
Diseases
We saw no issues with any kind of diseases except for few Erwinea incidents that were directly related to the plant being stressed before sticking.
There were no issues with root problems and no preventative fungicides were applied. Diseases do not want anything to do with happy plants, and happy plants do not welcome diseases. Proper watering, checking ECs and pHs with proper environment conditions set the plants up to be healthy and no need for fungicides.
Insects
The bio control was sufficient to carry the crop all the way to the market without any white fly concerns except for a very few situations. This was the case in every other operation except our trials (talk about being humbled!)
My advice for next year is to check the cuttings thoroughly upon arrival and should be discarded if whiteflies are detected. No biocontrol or chemical is going to clean heavily infested cuttings. Before propagation and planting, the planting areas are to be cleaned thoroughly. And no pet plants or other crops around.
More tips for pest control:
• Open the boxes in a cool room and dip in Botanigard solution and put in a cool room at 10 degrees overnight or at least four hours before sticking, making sure the cuttings are never dehydrated.
• Before planting, dip the cuttings in a mixture of horticultural soap.
• Start bio treatment soon after sticking the cuttings until October 10-15
• Bios will carry the crop free or negligible amount of white fly unless they are overwhelmed with leaves loaded with eggs before they have a chance to do their job.
• Scouting and proper bios management is the only tool to combat the whitefly.
IN SUMMARY
• Grow varieties that you are familiar with and try new ones on a small scale.
• Calculate your cost for any required specs and do not forget about packaging and shipping.
• Take an order when there is still margin profit and not just dollar sales.
• Never grow on pure speculation.
• Running out of plants at the end of the season and you need to buy some is when you know you are starting to make headways profit-wise.
• Do not cheat on what the crop needs to grow properly, namely space and heat, it will cost you much more at the end if you do not.
Another important suggestion I have is to start a study group with the growers in your vicinity and if you are around southwestern Ontario join us by sending me an email to include you and hopefully this year, we can make this happen.
Any suggestions for what you might like to see at the poinsettia trials next year are welcome. 2024’s open house date at Sawaya Gardens is scheduled for November 19th.
2024-05-16 10:44 AM
Denis Vos, John Vos, and Peter Vos with their mpressive selection of Poinsettia grown at Vos Greenhouses in Freelton.
GUEST COLUMNIST
DANA WAGNER | dwagner@talentlift.ca
New way to recruit from the global refugee population
A new visa pathway is open to Canadian employers that is simpler than many alternatives, and has a humanitarian impact.
The visa pathway falls under Canada’s Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP), an immigration program that supports employers to recruit and relocate people to Canada who have needed skills and who are currently living in a refugee situation.
It’s a brilliant model because there are many thousands of people with competitive skills and experience who had to leave their home country for safety and are now part of the global refugee population. Take Afghanistan as an example: After the Taliban took power in August 2021, more than one million people crossed the border into Pakistan and others into Turkiye, Iran and beyond. Among them were nurses, electrical engineers, mechanics, and many other professionals.
A tragedy of displacement is that often the countries where people seek safety don’t have the resources or the political will to welcome them. Despite their skills and potential, many people in refugee situations don’t have work rights and may be working in informal or unrelated jobs to make a living. They can’t advance their careers or plan their futures. The EMPP program makes it possible for Canadian employers to hire from this talent pool. Employers can extend a life-changing job opportunity, and support a new colleague and their family to leave refugee circumstances.
Impact Assessment (LMIA) or other job-posting period. The processing time is six months, which is competitive with other alternatives like LMIA-backed work permits. It’s a permanent residence visa pathway meaning there is no downstream paperwork or renewals for employers, and the job candidate is able to bring their spouse and dependent children.
To get started, employers can reach out to an organization like TalentLift, a non-profit international recruitment agency dedicated to supporting Canadian employers to recruit and relocate talent from within refugee populations. Non-profit partners can find candidates and set up remote interviews, submit visa applications for successful candidates, and coordinate travel. Employers should be prepared to offer a fulltime, non-seasonal job, and to share costs of relocation.
A PROMISING TALENT POOL
The global refugee population is a promising talent pool for Canada’s greenhouse sector. Many are from countries with widespread farming and manufacturing industries. In a sample of 21,000 candidates registered with TalentLift, there are nearly 2,000 whose skills fall in natural resources and agriculture, including 571 managers in agriculture and horticulture, and 132 nursery and greenhouse professionals. Other attractive skill sets are the 2,665 engineers, 2,372 machine operators and mechanics, 1,203 truck drivers, 773 software developers, and 781 data scientists.
Get started meeting them. You’ll meet candidates
“Employers can extend a life-changing job opportunity.”
A SIMPLE, SWIFT VISA
First launched in 2018, the EMPP is the first program of its kind globally that is designed to overcome barriers that traditionally block people in refugee situations from successfully applying for a skilled visa, such as holding expired documents from their home country. The program has evolved over the years, getting increasingly easier to use. The latest visa pathway opened in the summer of 2023, and is slowly gaining awareness and momentum.
In brief, this visa is simple and swift. It’s open to employers in any location outside Quebec, and any job position at any skill level. There’s a single application to the federal government, and no Labour Market
like Najeeb, an electrical engineer from Afghanistan hired by a telecom company in London, Ont. Najeeb was living as a refugee with his spouse and their two young daughters when he had a Canadian job interview. The family has now settled into their new community. Najeeb shared: “it was a gift for me to be back to work in my field.”
Dana Wagner is the Co-Founder and Managing Director with TalentLift, a non-profit international recruitment agency supporting Canadian employers to recruit and relocate talent from within refugee populations as a solution to skills shortages in Canada and displacement worldwide.
Waste not, want not
Reaping the benefits of waste heat
BY J LYNN FRASER
Perspective is everything. A broad view of waste heat (WH), according to Wikipedia, is that it “is heat that is produced by a machine, or other process that uses energy, as a byproduct of doing work.”
Traditionally, the WH process is generally described as “heat that is either lost through the flue stack of an industrial operation, or which is rejected from a power generation station to improve the thermodynamic efficiency of the cycle.”1 A flexible perspective is that WH is actually not ‘waste’ but a ubiquitous, adaptable, ‘renewable’ resource with most of its applications yet to be discovered.
There are numerous examples of WH applications. In Bavaria a cement plant has reduced both its electricity use and its CO2 emissions by using its own WH.2 In Vancouver’s False Creek neighbourhood 6,210 apartments are heated by renewable energy resources that include sewage.3 Data centres, which account for “1% to 1.5% of
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global electricity use” and are rich sources of WH, are taking advantage of WH in France, the U.S., and Sweden for greenhouse applications.4
COMBINING ENERGY EFFICIENCY WITH SUSTAINABILITY
SaskPower’s Shand Power Station, located just outside of Estevan, Saskatchewan provides up to 276 megawatts of coal-fired electricity. “Equipment at the power station is cooled via a closed-loop, zero-discharge system, meaning no water escapes to the environment except through evaporation in a cooling tower,” states Shelley Heidinger, Environmental Consultant (SaskPower). “The cooling tower reduces the heat in the cooling water before it returns to the power station to continue cooling equipment.”
The heating/cooling process is circular. “The greenhouse accesses the cooling water supply via a
At the Shand Greenhouse, the primary crops grown there are native tree and shrub species used to create shelter belts and aid in conservation initiatives.
PHOTOS BY BRIAN ZINCHUK
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Crops grown at the Shand Greenhouse also offset the operation’s carbon footprint by removing C02 from the atmosphere.
pipe that links into the cooling water line prior to it reaching the cooling tower. It runs underground to behind the greenhouse where the line connects to each of three greenhouse bays,” notes Heidinger. Each bay is 500 sq. m., totaling 1,560 sq. m. under glass.
“We grow two crops per year, producing up to 600,000 native or mostly native coniferous and deciduous tree and shrub species,” Heidinger explains. Over 14.9-million seedlings of native species used to create shelter belts and conservation initiatives have been distributed. The shrubs and trees offer a natural climate solution that removes CO2 from the atmosphere.5
Heidinger notes that each bay has four heat exchangers. “The cooling water runs through tubes in the heat exchangers where fans move warm air off the tubes and distribute it out to the greenhouse via 76.2 cm diameter plastic poly vents. These vents run along the length of the greenhouse and have holes at regular intervals that release warm air. Once the water runs through each heat exchanger, it returns to the power station and is reused in the cooling process.”
“We utilize an Argus control system to monitor bay temperatures, and to control heating and cooling. The waste heat system is the primary heating system and is used to its fullest capacity before supplementing with an electric hot water boiler as a secondary heating source. In winter, we use both systems during the coldest periods. In the spring and fall nearly all the heating required comes from the waste heat system,” Heidinger comments. “We’re unable to get detailed use information from the system.” The “water temperature at the plant is roughly 3235oC.”
THE FUTURE
“As we move to electricity as a heat source there will be a phase out of gas heat in favour of heat pumps, which are more efficient—heat pumps are the future,” observes Dr. Sanjeev Chandra, Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto. This opinion is echoed in the International Energy Agency report The Future of Heat Pumps, “heat pumps,
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The inside of the Shand greenhouse is heated with ‘waste’ heat from the nearby Shand Power station.
are the key technology to make heating more secure and sustainable.”
A heat pump is a “device that can increase the temperature of a waste-heat source to a temperature where the waste heat becomes useful. The waste heat can then replace purchased energy and reduce energy costs. ... The goal is to design a system in which the benefits of using the heat-pumped waste heat exceed the cost of driving the heat pump.”6
When considering a heat pump growers should take into account “energy conservation” by “reducing infiltration, installing energy curtains, insulating sidewalls and the foundation perimeter, making good use of growing space and installing electronic controls.” This will establish the system’s parameters. 7
Greenhouses, Dr. Chandra notes, “need to be able to convey the waste heat to the cold side of the heat pump to increase the temperature at which the heat pump takes in heat. The higher this temperature the less the electrical
energy required to supply a given amount of heat. This requires the installation of a heat exchanger between the waste heat source and the heat pump. Ideally a heated fluid, either liquid or gas. This should be non-corrosive and at sufficiently high pressure to drive it through a heat exchanger.”
Chandra cautions that “up-front installation costs can be high, depending on the heat pump’s size. Maintenance costs are relatively low.” The advantages of heat pumps in greenhouses are that they replace gas or oil heaters, minimizing CO2 emissions.” Chandra notes, that “they use energy much more efficiently than combustion-based heaters, which reduces operating costs.”
“In the future, it is very likely there will be limits placed on CO2 emissions from agricultural operations. Electrification of greenhouse heating will become necessary to meet these standards, which will be possible through the use of heat pumps,” Chandra says.
Sources
1. R. Andrews & J. Pearce, Environmental and economic assessment of a greenhouse waste heat exchange, Journal of Cleaner Production 19, 1446-1454, 2011. http:// dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2011.04.016
2 N. Jones, Waste heat: Innovators turn to an overlooked renewable resource, Yale Environment 360, (2018). https://e360.yale. edu/features/waste-heat-innovators-turn-toan-overlooked-renewable-resource
3 A. Turns, The neglected clean heat we flush down the drains, 2024, BBC.com, https:// www.bbc.com/future/article/20240103sewage-a-low-cost-low-carbon-way-to-warmhomes
4 R. Pallardy, Reusing waste heat from data centers to make things grow, 2024, Information Week, https://www. informationweek.com/sustainability/reusingwaste-heat-from-data-centers-to-makethings-grow#close-modal
Food, and the Environment, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Geothermal heat for greenhouses, 2008, https://ag.umass. edu/greenhouse-floriculture/fact-sheets/ geothermal-heat-for-greenhouses.
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EDUCATION takes centre stage
Greenhouse technology firms join forces to support growers at ACT grower summits
BY KERSTIN POEHLEMANN
BELOW
Amos Bassi (right) with Philips LED Lighting and Andrew Lee (left) with Grodan presented their research and findings on energy efficient year-round tomato production with 40 per cent less heat input.
Considering how many aspects go into growing a healthy and profitable crop, the need to stay on top of technological developments is ever-present for growers, especially in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), where conditions need to be ideal at all times. Fortunately, education opportunities are available, such as the Grower Summits organized by the ACT group (Advancing Cultivation Technology). Well over 100 growers convened in March in Leamington (and another group of nearly 100 in late April in Langley, B.C.) to learn about aspects such as screening technologies, energy-efficient tomato production, crop diversification, and more. Here’s a look at some of the information presented, latest research results, and takeaway lessons learned.
The event kicked off with a presentation by Jan Westra, Strategic Business Developer at Priva, on the power of predictive growing in CEA. Greenhouse technology has come a long way from original glass or poly structures and hand watering to today’s high-tech operations. Westra sees a strong future in predictive growing, where simulated computer models are used to predict how changes in growing conditions and inputs affect crop performance, yield, and profitability. Known as “digital twin,” the computer model replicates current growing conditions in the greenhouse, which can then be manipulated in myriad ways to predict the ways climate- and other input changes can have on the crops. Since the amount of information processed is massive, the use of AI (artificial intelligence) helps
process and calculate the information and provide a regular feedback loop. This will allow growers to optimize growing conditions in a proactive way, rather than reactive if the crops don’t perform as desired. It will also allow growers to control and integrate more factors than in the past.
Next, the grower summit addressed energy efficient year-round tomato production with significantly less heat input, where Amos Bassi, Plant Specialist for Philips Horticulture LED Solutions, and Andrew Lee, Global Technical Knowledge Manager for Grodan, presented their latest research. The trial – conducted at Botany’s trial station in The Netherlands, and currently at the end of year one of three – aims to demonstrate the opportunities for realizing low heat input in a full LED tomato cultivation by aligning strategies for climate, irrigation, and nutrient management. Typically, under low heat input growing conditions, the plants’ transpiration is reduced, which leads to lower nutrient uptake and therefore reduced yield. The trial is aimed at ways to increase nutrient uptake and subsequently yield, and has shown very promising results to date.
It’s important to note that the light recipe being used was specifically developed after
Hydra
years of research and trialing by Philips horticulture LED team. The crop is lit with dimmable Philips toplighting compact in the spectrum of deep red white low blue (DWRLB), which offers an efficacy of 3.4 µmol/J.
By connecting the Philips GrowWise Control System to the climate computer, the LED lights were set to dim according to forecasted natural light levels. This integration of three technologies – LED lighting, Philips GrowWise, and the climate computer - ensured the total light level did not exceed the Daily Light Integral (DLI) of 22 mol/m2w/day.
One part of the trial is aimed at adjusting the nutrient strategy to optimize nutrient uptake under low heat conditions. The researchers used chloride to replace nitrate in the adjusted strategy, as it is better than sulphate for supporting total nutrient uptake. In doing so, the following differences in crop development were noted: smaller leaves and a lower Leaf Area Index (LAI); higher dry matter percentage, therefore, higher brix while maintaining the correct uptake ratio of individual nutrient elements.
Another key element of the trial was to implement active dehumidification allowing
Sprayer
Features
for more screen usage, which results in greater air movement and therefore, increased movement of nutrients and transpiration through the plant. Therefore, positively influencing energy savings.
While the trial was aimed at realizing a 40 per cent reduction in energy costs (heat, lighting, dehumidification), the actual results came in even better at a savings of more than 50 per cent The researchers will continue the trial for two more years to further fine-tune strategies and results.
The grower summit continued with a session on Leveraging Climate Screens for Plant Health and Energy Conservation through Advanced Screening Strategies, presented by Paul Arena and Pieter Mol, Greenhouse Climate Consultants for Svensson. Choosing the right screen is affected by many factors, including crop type, crop needs, growing strategy and objectives, location, outside climate data (sun radiation, temperatures, humidity), greenhouse type and cover, and greenhouse equipment. The speakers first addressed the potential for energy savings by using double screens. By double-screening, growers can realize energy savings of up to 63 per cent, versus up to 47 per cent with a typical single screen. But not all greenhouse structures have enough room for doublescreening. In this case, the use of what’s referred to as “cavity screens” is beneficial, where two layers are installed in one system with a two- to five-inch gap between the two layers, which acts as an insulating air pocket. Cavity screen systems provide about the same energy savings as a double screen system, with their only caveat being less flexibility to control internal climates. Aside from energy savings, screens are also a good option for humidity and moisture control, because the fabric can absorb moisture from the air below the screen and releases it above, therefore improving crop conditions. Arena pointed out that it is important to have the measurement device above the screen.
Arena and Mol continued their presentation with explaining the importance of light diffusion and the use of screens for this purpose. Diffuse light – versus direct light – leads to higher production because of better spread of the light over the whole plant, including the lower leaves, which increases photosynthesis. Diffuse light also leads to lower and more uniform crop temperatures. While diffuse glass is somewhat effective, using screens provides much more flexibility. Screens give control on light levels when needed (spring,
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•Optimizing Nutrition for Poinsettia Production
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summer, autumn), improve plant-head –truss temperature (2-4 oC lower), increase photosynthesis levels, improve greenhouse climate (RH – AH), and overall lead to stronger plants and less disease.
The presentation concluded with information on the benefits of closing energy screens at night, which helps maintain a warmer plant temperature, resulting in less condensation on the plants (therefore less disease pressure) and more efficient calcium uptake (calcium deficiency can lead to blossom end rot).
The last session of the day took a step away from technology and educated growers on Understanding Environmental Farm Plans, Biosecurity Plans and Funding for Greenhouse Operations, presented by Margaret May with the Ontario Crop & Soil Improvement Association (OSCIA). OSCIA’s vision is farmers actively seeking, testing and adopting optimal farm production and stewardship practices, and delivers several cost-share funding programs that support Ontario’s farmers in implementing best management and sustainability practices on their farms. The Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) began in 1993 as a pilot program and has since grown to over 35,000 participants
and has been adopted across Canada and around the world. The EFP is a selfassessment program that will help growers see their farm in a new way. Through the EFP process growers will increase their awareness of environmental strengths and identify areas of concern; set realistic action plans with timelines to reduce environmental risks; improve productivity and profitability; and learn how the EFP may be used in conjunction with costshare programs to begin implementing action plans. May stressed that this is a self-assessment tool and that all reviews are confidential. “Nobody can make you do anything,” as she put it.
Next, May presented information about biosecurity workshops and webinars offered by OSCIA that are designed to teach growers about on-farm biosecurity. Commodity-specific opportunities are offered as a one-day, in-person workshop, or as two, 2-hour webinars, where growers learn the benefits of having an on-farm biosecurity program and identify current practices that could be improved or actions that can be taken to reduce risks. Growers will then work with a technical expert, such as a vet or CCA, to help identify key practices to enhance biosecurity measures
on-farm, as well as reduce health and safety risks for employees and family.
Additional cost-share programs that May detailed include the Ontario On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF), the Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands (SARPAL), the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP), and the Grow Ontario Market Initiative. Significant cost-share funding is available for implementing any of these programs. Growers can find details at www.ontariosoilcrop.org.
The grower summit concluded with a panel discussion featuring Andrew Lee (Grodan), Amos Bassi (Philips LED Lighting), Jan Westra (Priva), Pieter Mol (Svensson) and Laust Dam (crop consultant). Much has yet to be done to communicate CEA food production’s significant technological advances to the end consumer. Today’s production methods represent tremendous energy savings compared to the production methods from years or decades ago, yet, our industry hasn’t done enough to communicate our sustainability efforts to the public. Of course, the continuous need for optimizing all aspects of growing is fueled by much more than public image. Input costs (including labor, energy costs, materials, etc.) are expected to continue to rise, as are demands for reliably high crop quality. In order to meet these needs, the panelists predict an increase in autonomous growing. Lee pointed to the importance of investment in knowledge today, which will lead to greater innovation and energy savings tomorrow. The growers in attendance certainly recognized this need when they decided to dedicate their time to an educational event, as did the organizing companies, which are dedicated to continue making knowledge sharing and grower education a priority.
About ACT: ACT is a collaboration of four horticulture industry-leading providers: Grodan, Philips LED lighting, Priva, and Svensson. The group partners in North America to bring together growers by offering education on the latest cuttingedge technologies and best practices, and provide networking opportunities. For more information, please visit www.actsummit.com, or contact one of the organizing companies. Kerstin Poehlmann is president of Pen & Petal, Inc., a marketing communications firm for the green industry. She can be reached at kerstin@penandpetal.com.
smarter grow The in Ontario way to
Record attendance at Vancouver CPMA show
The Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA)’s Annual Convention and Trade Show, held in April in Vancouver, brought in more than 4,000 participants.
“CPMA’s Annual Convention and Trade Show is the premier event for the fresh fruits and vegetable industry in Canada,” said CPMA president, Ron Lemaire, in a press release. “The event offers unique opportunities for companies in our sector to make valuable connections.
This year’s edition was another success as the attendance exceeded the size of all past shows in Vancouver.”
Leftover produce from the show, which featured hundreds of exhibitors from across the globe, filled five trucks and
RIDDER APPOINTS NEW CLIMATE SCREEN SPECIALIST FOR NORTH AMERICA
Ridder North America announced in April the appointment of Rob Hanifin as the new Product Specialist for Climate Screens.
energy, grow better crops and improve your bottom line
of greenhouse climate screens after six years as a climate consultant for Svensson.
Based on the U.S. East Coast, Hanifin will be supporting growers across North America and globally, with greenhouse climate management.
Save on Energy helps greenhouses in Ontario thrive. Connect with us to find out how you can take advantage of energy-saving upgrades that will transform the way you grow.
Hanifin brings to Ridder a wealth of expertise in the field
Horticulture top lighting and inter-lighting
Advanced lighting controls
“We are thrilled to have Rob join our team,” said Lynda Gallagher, Sales & Service Operations Manager at Ridder North America, in a press release. “His extensive background in greenhouse climate management and his passion for agricultural
Solar PV and battery storage*
Vancouver greenhouse tech supplier wins Deep Space Food Challenge
High-efficiency ventilation solutions
Following a three-year competition, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) announced this spring that Vancouver-based Ecoation Innovative Solutions Inc. is the winner of the Deep Space Food Challenge. As the Canadian grand prize winner, Ecoation will receive $380,000 for their CANGrow modular indoor food production system, which is designed to operate in remote environments like outer space and northern regions.
bio-regenerative Toolkit for Long Excursion Trips (MARTLET). Protein-rich crickets as a protein source for astronauts and humans in remote environments.
“CANGrow uses an innovative approach to producing a diverse range of fresh foods, including strawberries, cherry tomatoes, mycelial meat substitute, etc.,” CSA officials said. “With the potential to generate over 700 kg of nutrient-dense food annually, the system maximizes its produce and high-quality protein sources with minimal resources.”
Ecoation provides automated pest and crop
• University of Guelph (Ontario): Growth Options for Outer Space Environments (GOOSE). Controlled environment plant growth chamber designed to produce a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms.
• Concordia University (Quebec): AstroYeast Microfarm. Yeast strain specially adapted to produce nutrients and flavour molecules in an automated and optimized bioreactor system.
(Source: Canadian Space Agency)
When micros become macros
Diagnosing and correcting iron and manganese and magnesium deficiencies in greenhouse plants
BY DR. MOHYUDDIN MIRZA
Iron and Manganese deficiencies are the most common in greenhouse crops and did you know that the pH is the major reason for that?
When we talk about plant nutrients which are considered “essential” they are divided in two categories: micros or trace elements and macros or major elements. This classification of micros and macros is based on the quantities needed by plants for optimum growth and development. For example, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulphur are” macros” because they are needed in 50 to 300 mg/L in the root zone while all the “micros” range from 0.12 to 3 mg/L. Micros include iron, manganese, copper, zinc, boron and molybdenum.
Researchers are constantly adding more micros to the list of “essential” nutrients like silicon,
chloride and recently iodine.
The point is that plants are non-selective in root uptake of elements and their presence in plant tissues does not indicate they are essential for growth. Furthermore, any of the essential nutrients can become a limiting factor for growth and growers must be aware of visual symptoms so that corrective measures can be taken quickly rather than waiting for a growing medium test and leaf analyses.
WHAT ARE TYPICAL SYMPTOMS OF IRON AND MANGANESE AND MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCIES?
In Image 1, of a hanging basket of petunias, symptoms appeared on young leaves in the top four inches of shoots as leaves showing what
TOP Pumpkin seedling exhibiting signs of magnesium deficiency. BOTTOM
Another pumpkin seedling with younger leaves showing signs of iron and manganese deficiency.
is called “interveinal” chlorosis. Loss of colour in between the green veins. The degree of colour loss is progressive and if not corrected they will turn whitish in colour. The plant energy balance changes towards reduced photosynthesis up to 50 per cent and more. Even the flowers start showing loss of colour and they appear duller. This is typical iron deficiency and manganese may also be deficient.
Images 2 and 3 are from a pumpkin seedling crop destined for field planting. Image 2 shows symptoms of interveinal chlorosis but on more mature leaves. Veins are green and interveinal areas are yellow. So just that the symptoms are
present on recently mature leaves, it is in the sphere of magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is part of chlorophyll and photosynthesis is reduced. In image 3, younger leaves show iron and manganese deficiency. The netting pattern where smaller veins are green and the area around them is yellow indicates manganese deficiency as well.
Images 4 and 5 highlight the differences between magnesium and iron deficiencies in cucumber plants. Image 4 shows a field crop of cucumbers grown in a greenhouse and then planted outside and Image 5 is a picture of magnesium deficiency in regular long English cucumber crop with serious deficiency of magnesium. The reasons are different in both cases. The field cucumber crop showed magnesium deficiency symptoms due to very high potassium in soil, about fourtimes more potassium than magnesium and an antagonism occurred, while the greenhouse cucumbers fertilizer program had magnesium levels were less than half of that required.
the stock solution. I have seen mistakes happening when ‘magnesium’ and ‘manganese’ get confused and reversed the amounts added. For example, in one case, the person who prepared the stock solutions added manganese at amounts calculated for magnesium. Magnesium is required around 50 to 70 ppm while manganese needed is around 0.8 to 1.0 ppm. In this case, manganese became toxic and magnesium became deficient. Good management practices include keeping written records of amounts added for each batch of stock solution prepared.
• Know the facts about antagonism between calcium, potassium and sodium against magnesium, between iron and manganese. Proper ratios of elements are important from an uptake by the roots.
• The major factor in creating deficiencies and toxicities is the pH of the root zone where roots are functioning to absorb the nutrients. If the fertilizer program is perfect, delivery through irrigation is proper, climate
“The major factor in creating deficiencies and toxicities is the pH...”
REASONS AND MEASURES TO CORRECT THESE DEFICIENCIES
Once a tentative diagnosis is made from the visual symptoms the next step is to investigate why this is happening. That is where your expertise and experience is very important. Here are some steps to take to correct the problem:
• Review your fertilizer program and check if magnesium, iron and manganese have been miscalculated to prepare
is good, then remember that with commercial soilless growing media pH values going over 6.4, iron and manganese deficiencies will start showing up. The pH will start creeping up when plants are growing fast in the
a regular basis and make adjustments as quickly as possible. The fact is that iron and manganese uptake is reduced when pH starts going over 6.4 and uptake is significantly higher when the pH starts going below 5.5.
• Foliar feeding to correct magnesium deficiency does help although the major focus should be root zone adjustments. For iron and manganese deficiencies may also benefit but use proper rates of application.
Dr. Mirza is a greenhouse industry consultant in Alberta and can be reached at drmirzaconsultants@gmail.com.
For more information, check out these artticles in past issues of Greenhouse Canada magazine
Left: Field crop of cucumbers grown in a greenhouse and then planted outside showing signs magnesium deficiency symptoms due to very high potassium in soil. Right: An example of serious magnesium deficiency in regular long English cucumber crop.
Mocca (dark leaf). Nonstop Joy (23), which features a more trailing habit than the other Nonstops, also welcomes the new Mocca Rose colour to the series. Nonstops feature big, double flowers and are uniform in terms of vigour, habit
and flowering. Also new to Benary’s Big Begonia series, is the White Bronze Leaf. Just as the name says, Big has large flowers that reportedly bloom twoweeks earlier than most other competing varieties and is rain and heat tolerant.
Hishtil
Hishtil had some exciting and exclusive herbs on offer in California this year. Their new High Mountain Mint (24) variety is a more mounding, semi-trailing variety of mint that would make a very
Greenhouse cultivation has expanded in recent decades with increased demand for horticultural production. This book covers current technologies and management practices of general greenhouse production, with a particular emphasis on plastic greenhouses and vegetable growing.
Providing an integrated approach to greenhouse production this practical text aims to provide clear advice on optimising the yield and quality of crops grown under greenhouse conditions.
interesting addition to combo planters. It smells heavenly: like mint, yes, but earthier with hints of citrus. Hishtil says where it grows natively – mountainous regions throughout central Asia - it’s used to flavour foods like yogurt or brewed for tea. In the summer, it blooms with white and pink flowers.
Jaldety
Over at the Jaldety CAST 2024 display, visitors could not keep their hands off the new Selaginella Green Spikemoss (25). This is a low-growing evergreen perennial in zones 9 to 11 (annual or indoors outside of that). Its mossy, almost fluffy, bright green foliage demands to be touched. It exhibits a very high heat and humidity tolerance and a very dense, compact spreading habit. Gorgeous addition to any shade or rock garden.
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GARY JONES | greenhousewolf@gmail.com
Energy half-life?
I know you’re probably reading this in June (or later), but I’m writing having just thoroughly enjoyed the ‘ACT BC Grower Summit’ in Langley at the very end of April. ‘ACT’ (‘Advancing Cultivation Technology’), is the brainchild of a consortium of industry partners (Philips, Priva, Grodan, and Svensson) and the B.C. event was one of a series put on across Canada and the U.S. (You can read a much fuller report of the meetings elsewhere in Greenhouse Canada.)
Speakers included Jan Westra (Priva NL) who suggested our ultimate goal is ‘to get food production to be predictable and reliable’ and reminded us that when reviewing trials and production numbers, “Correlation does not equal causation”: while we need reliable data we also need the correct interpretation of that data. Jan predicted that ‘digital twins’ are the next big thing in greenhouse data management. About screen management, Paul Arena (Svensson) proposed that there’s a ‘15-20 per cent energy saving with a double screen compared to a single one, and the average return on investment is only one to two years’. New “cavity screens” may have even more potential for energy savings. And Andy Lee PhD (Grodan) and Amos Bassi (Philips LED Solutions) presented results from their combined research into growing tomatoes with 40 per cent less heat input and significantly reduced drain irrigation strategies (which was particularly intriguing).
One very enjoyable conversation occurred when presenter-turned-questioner Andy Lee asked the ‘Panel Discussion’ members to reflect on what they thought had been the most significant key technology advances for greenhouse horticulture over the last 50 years. Biological control for example. Andy pointed out that
growers financial assistance for greenhouse lighting upgrades. She reported that since their lighting upgrade program had begun, they had reviewed more than 50 project applications, approved and completed 30 of these, and subsequently calculated that these have enabled growers to save around 19 million kWh annually. OK, most of B.C.’s electricity is hydro generated (so is already considered to be ‘clean’), but nonetheless this represents a very significant saving on energy inputs for the industry. Additional BC Hydro bonus incentives are available for projects that can be submitted by July 15th and completed by the end of August, so reach out to Hydro quickly if you have a project you want to get done.
These days, provincial and federal Government targets are requiring everyone to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which is hard to argue against really. But discussions like those raised by Andy Lee’s observations about reductions in energy needs of the past few years, and Tanya’s reports of the savings in electricity needs encouraged by BC Hydro incentives, are significant testimony about where the industry has already made very substantial advances towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions for every kilo of fresh greenhouse produce that is grown. Throw in Andy’s potential for only eight per cent drain water, and we already have some seriously resourceefficient production systems.
Growers and industry partners have been, and always are trying to improve, find ways to reduce inputs, and be more efficient. Government greenhouse gas emission targets may be real, and challenging, but perhaps those outside the industry need to be aware of the huge improvements in
“Growers and industry partners have been, and always are trying to improve.”
growing greenhouse vegetables used to require about 30GJ/m2 natural gas, but current practices now provide an opportunity to require only about half of that (ballpark numbers for discussion purposes). Indeed, I remember research projects at the U.K. Efford Research Station looking at ‘low temperature growing regimes’ for tomatoes way back in about 1985! Also, in line with ACT’s goal (“driving innovation and efficiency in horticulture”1), Andy pointed out that their current research on reducing drain water volumes offers opportunity to require only eight per cent drain – how efficient is that for water use?!
Tanya Perewernycky from BC Hydro probably generated the most questions, which was not surprising as she was offering options providing
efficiency that have already been made and will continue to be made. Turning off the tap for fossil fuels to an absolute zero input won’t be possible overnight, but those pressing for this have to recognize the advances in efficiency already achieved, and perhaps think about measuring how much less input is now required to provide fresh, local delicious greenhouse vegetables that we all want to still have available on our tables.
1 Henry Vangameren, ACT event notes, Regional Marketing Manager, Priva.
Gary Jones sits on several greenhouse industry committees in BC and welcomes comments at greenhousewolf@gmail.com.
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