NE1335: Resource Management in Commercial Greenhouse Production

(Multistate Research Project)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

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Annual/Termination Reports:

[07/30/2014] [11/11/1111] [06/30/2015] [08/05/2016] [08/25/2017] [09/05/2018]

Date of Annual Report: 07/30/2014

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 06/03/2014 - 06/04/2014
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2013 - 09/01/2014

Participants

Mattson, Neil - Cornell University;
de Villiers, David - Cornell University;
Anderson, Tyler - Cornell University;
Shelford, Tim - Cornell University;
Giacomelli, Gene - University of Arizona;
Krug, Brian- University of New Hampshire;
Latimer, Joyce - Virginia Tech;
Devincentis, Alyssa - Rutgers University;
Brunfield, Robin - Rutgers University;
Manning, Tom - Rutgers University;
Both, A.J. - Rutgers University;
Burnett, Stephanie - University of Maine;
Gent, Martin - Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station;
McAvoy, Richard - University of Connecticut;
Adam, Sinclair - Penn State University;
Ling, Peter - Ohio State University;

Brief Summary of Minutes

Starting at 9:00 am and after a brief introduction about New Jersey, Rutgers University and some prior research activities on controlled environment agriculture at Rutgers, the meeting started with a round of introductions by the participants present.

Several names were mentioned of people we could invite to join our group (in addition to the people that are already on our extended mailing list):
Rosa Raudales (UConn, Greenhouse IPM)
Holly Scoggins (Virginia Tech, Greenhouse and Nursery Systems)
Chris Currey (Iowa State, Greenhouse Crop Production)
Mike Evans (University of Arkansas, Greenhouse and Nursery Systems)
David Slaughter (UC Davis, Instrumentation, Robotics, Control and Vision Systems)
Steve Hutton (Conard-Pyle Company)
Jim Faust (Clemson University)
John Dole (North Carolina State University)
Roberto Lopez (Purdue University)
John Lea-Cox (University of Maryland)
Truman Surbrook (Michigan State University)
Bob Morrow and/or Mike Bourget (Orbital Technologies Corporation)
Flip Sheridan (Cycloptics Technologies)
Other suggestions for potential new members included people working in indoor agriculture systems (vertical farming?), research managers for large greenhouse operations, and members of the National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association.

The 2013 meeting minutes (we only conducted a teleconference meeting that year) were tentatively approved. If there are no comments/revisions brought forward by July 1, 2014, the 2013 meeting will be approved by consensus at that time.

Our Administrative Advisor (Ed Ashworth, Maine) was not able to attend the meeting this year. He sends his regrets and hopes that we have a productive meeting. Stephanie made a few remarks on Ed’s behalf: This year’s formula funds (e.g., Hatch) should remain stable compared to last year. The 2014 federal budget removed the sequester cuts, and the newly approved farm bill includes increased funding for NIFA (including SCRI funds). The current round of SCRI proposals requires a 100% match from participating universities, but that match requirement will be removed next year.

Several collaborative efforts that involve NE-1335 members were discussed:
Peter Ling and A.J. both discussed the USDA-NIFA funded Higher Education Challenge Grant project that includes Ohio State, University of Arizona and Rutgers University. This project aims to develop a series of web-based teaching modules that together form an introduction to the plant science and engineering aspects of controlled environment agriculture (with an emphasis on engineering topics). The project is nearing completion (scheduled for August 2014), and completed modules can be made available for testing at other institutions. It was suggested that more publicity at the time of project completion would be helpful. Groups that might benefit from this effort include the ASHS Floriculture Working Group (FLOR; contact: Stephanie Burnett), the National Floriculture Forum (contact: Brian Krug) and ASABE (contact: Tim Shelford). In addition, Virginia Tech is teaching a class this summer that may be able to test some of the modules, and it was also suggested that we should inform Robert Berghage (Penn State).

Neil Mattson reported on a recently approved NYSERDA grant that aims to investigate LED lighting technologies for horticultural applications. Part of the project involves a collaboration with A.J. Both to conduct testing of various luminaires used for supplemental lighting of plants.

Neil Mattson also reported on a collaboration with Stephanie Burnett on the organic production of vegetables and vegetable transplants in greenhouses.

Now that our new NE-1335 project proposal is approved (the proposal narrative is available on the NIMSS web site), members are encouraged to consider and initiate collaborations with other members so that we can clearly demonstrate collaborative efforts. For example, people working on similar topics (e.g., plant water issues, supplemental lighting) should reach out to other members and establish appropriate linkages. For example, a common control treatment could be included in experimental designs so that results can be compared among participating stations. We can also consider jointly writing new research proposals (e.g., SCRI, NE-SARE), and/or write more trade journal article series (as we did in the past on the topic of plant water issues). We can also consider expanding collaborative work on specific crops (e.g., lettuce, tomato, petunia, Echinacea, Heuchera). Gene Giacomelli mentioned that his group is doing some work on floating lettuce and continues to work on hydroponic tomatoes. Neil Mattson mentioned that his group continues to work on baby-leaf spinach. It was mentioned that work on dandelion was performed at Ohio State. It was suggested that we could develop a common metrics table (including crops and environmental parameters of interest) that would help identify opportunities for collaborations and complementary efforts. Virginia Tech is organizing a ‘Greenhouse energy efficiency’ workshop in December 2014 and A.J. Both has been invited to participate. Finally, Tim Shelford mentioned his work on a new software tool (GEM, Greenhouse Energy Model) that can be used to determine how much supplemental light (and resulting energy cost) is needed for a specific crop grown at a particular location. The plan is to integrate this tool with Virtual Grower.

We continued the discussion about possibilities for collaborative research efforts within the NE-1335 framework. Suggested topics for a series of trade journal articles included energy and supplemental lighting. Perhaps these articles could be accompanied by webinars. Neil Mattson volunteered (in collaboration with Murat Kacira) to investigate opportunities. At this year’s Cultivate meeting, Mike Evans (University of Arkansas) is organizing two sessions on ‘Growing food in greenhouses’. It was suggested that the NE-1335 committee should propose their own topic/session for Cultivate15. Virginia Tech has hosted (and will do so again in the future) a ‘Getting started in the greenhouse business’ workshop. Robin Brumfield and colleagues are organizing an annual meeting for Annie’s project, and this year the emphasis was put on greenhouse production. Gene Giacomelli and colleagues are organizing annual controlled environment agriculture workshops, including a new one in July titled ‘The realities of growing plants indoors’. Finally, the comment was made that sharing teaching materials can be an excellent way of showing collaborative group efforts.

Neil Mattson reported on the recent NCERA-101 meeting in Fairbanks Alaska. It was proposed at that meeting that we should investigate a potential merger between NE-1335 and NCERA-101. However, this may not work well because NCERA-101 is an information exchange committee, while the NE-1335 is a research committee. Therefore, Hatch funding received by some of the NE-1335 participants that is intended to support this research may no longer be available. We did agree that it would be a good idea to investigate another joint meeting with the NCERA-101, and 2017 would be the earliest opportunity.

The NE-1335 unanimously elected Stephanie Burnett as our incoming secretary. Neil Mattson will serve as past chair next year and A.J. Both will become the chair in 2015.

Member announcements:
Gene Giacomelli distributed promotional material for the documentary titled ‘Earthlight’ that discusses the challenges of sustaining human life on the Moon & beyond and the lessons that can be learnt for sustainability on Earth.
Joyce Latimer mentioned the ‘Greenhouse energy efficiency’ workshop (December 2014) and the fact that it will include an overview and a discussion about the advantages of Virtual Grower.
Neil Mattson mentioned the upcoming Seeley Conference in Chicago with the theme ‘Water, horticulture’s next game changer?’ (June 22-24, 2014). He also mentioned the upcoming NE Greenhouse Conference and Expo in Springfield, MA (November 5-6, 2014).
Stephanie Burnett mentioned the upcoming FLOR working group meeting and an LED Lighting Workshop at the ASHS meeting in Orlando, FL (July 28-31, 2014).
A.J. Both mentioned the forthcoming publication of the ‘Guidelines for Measuring and Reporting Environmental Parameters for Experiments in Greenhouses’ that was written by the International Committee for Controlled Environment Guidelines.

After lunch, station reports from CT (Martin Gent and Rich McAvoy), NJ (Alyssa DeVincentis and Tom Manning), NY (Neil Mattson), AZ (Gene Giacomelli) and ME (Stephanie Burnett) were presented. The afternoon was concluded by a tour of the NJAES Research Greenhouses (hosted by greenhouse manager Joseph Florentine) and a lab used for testing lighting systems for horticultural applications (hosted by A.J. Both).

On the second day (June 4) of our meeting, we visited the roof-top greenhouse at the Whole Foods Market in Brooklyn (hosted by Jennifer Nelkin-Frymark of Gotham Greens, LLC) and we participated in a guided tour of the High Line Park in Manhattan.

Accomplishments

Topic 1: Water and Nutrient Management 1. Develop and test irrigation and fertilization practices to improve water and fertilizer use efficiency in greenhouse production A. Conduct research to further refine irrigation/fertilization systems CT (Gent, Elmer, Macherla and McAvoy) Effects of Salinity and Irrigation Management on Poinsettia: Two cultivars of Euphorbia pulcherrima were grown under partial or full saturation irrigation using a standard fertilizer solution, with or without the addition of 0.5 g/L sodium from NaCl. The volumetric water content averaged 0.25 and 0.33 L/L prior to irrigation, and 0.5 and 0.67 L/L following irrigation, for partial or full saturation regimes, respectively. At crop maturity, the electrical conductivity of the potting medium averaged 7.7 and 4.2 S/m for plants exposed to salinity or not, respectively. Sodium concentrations in bract, leaf and stem tissue were highest (P<0.05) in plants exposed to salinity and these plants accumulated less K in stems and less P and Fe in bracts. Plants had less dry weight with added salinity than without, regardless of irrigation regime. The cultivar ‘Prestige Red’ had more Na in bracts, and more P and Fe in leaves and bracts than ‘Peterstar Red’, but ‘Peterstar Red’ had more dry mass and larger total laminar area. In a second study with or without salinity and drip or partial saturation irrigation, ‘Peterstar Red’ had greater height and width than ‘Prestige Red’ but dry matter content and tissue contents of K, P and Na were greater for ‘Prestige Red’. For both cultivars, added salinity resulted in lower K and increased Fe concentrations in stems UMaine collaborated with the University of Georgia to utilize sensors that measure both substrate moisture and fertility in a system that automates irrigation and fertigation simultaneously (GS-3 Sensors, Decagon Devices). This research is ongoing, however, fertilizer applications for Hellebore ‘Champion’ grown in this system cost no more than $0.00435 for one month (electrical conductivities = 0.25 to 2.0 mS/cm). In a second study conducted at UMaine, we explored the effects of water, light, and nutrition on propagation of the native plant, Linnaea borealis or Twinflower. Optimum rooting was obtained when substrate moisture was 0.30 to 0.35 L/L, the daily light integral was 14 mol/m2/d, and a slow release fertilizer was pre-incorporated at a rate of 2.1 to 5.0 g/L of 14 N-4.2P-11.6K. At VTech, Drs. Jim Owen and Joyce Latimer have secured a M.S. student who will conduct a water use and irrigation practices survey of greenhouse and nursery operations during the fall of 2014. MI is investigating the management of Pythium and Phytophthora species in floriculture irrigation water by using filtration systems. A filtration system was constructed in a greenhouse on the campus of Michigan State University to assess the ability of filtration media to remove pythiaceous zoospores affecting ornamental crops from greenhouse irrigation water. In order to test the filters, six 4-ft x 8-ft bench-top ebb-and-flow irrigation systems were constructed. The two filtration media types to be tested were inserted into PVC filter columns. One media is a novel iron-coated porous media, the other is sand. The columns were connected to two 130-liter containers, which hold water. The first container is a “pre-filter” container where water collects after an irrigation cycle, the second is a post-filtration holding container where water is held prior to bench flooding. Non-pneumatic pumps will be used to pump the water onto the table and through the filter columns. Each filtration system is self-contained with its own water source that can be independently monitored for pH, EC, zoospore concentration, and water flow rate. There are two 15-minute irrigation cycles per day. Each of the six benches has room for up to 36 4-inch pots. A pre-trial is in progress using squash plants (Cucurbita pepo) and Phytophthora capsici zoospores. Starting around 1 September, 2014 an experiment will be started to investigate the impact of P. dreschleri zoospores on poinsettia plants that are grown commercially in Michigan flood floor greenhouses. NY has seen increased interest in organically grown vegetable transplants for use in field production and direct sales to consumer. Liquid applied organic fertilizers are available but typically cost 5 to 10 times more to apply than conventional fertilizers. Therefore we have focused on more cost effective granular organic fertilizers (GOFs) that can be incorporated into the substrate prior to transplanting. In our most recent study we investigated 4 different GOFs (Sustane 8-4-4, EcoVita 7-5-10, MicroStart 60 plus 7-7-2, and vermicompost 1.7-0.7-1.5) to conventional controlled release fertilizer (CRF, Osmocote Bloom) and water soluble fertilizer (WSF, 20-10-20) for production of tomato transplants at 3 different temperatures (10, 15, 20°C). the GOFs and CRF were incorporated at the same rate of N (400 mg/L). WSF was applied at 100 mg/L each time plants were watered. Plant development was significantly reduced at warmer temperatures. After six weeks, plant growth and N recover were assessed. At 20°C, CLF resulted in the largest sized plants; most GOFs resulted in moderate size marketable plants with similar N recovery to CRF. At 15°C, all GOFs, except vermicompost, performed as well as CRF and WSF. At 10°C plant growth was poor regardless of fertilizer treatment. GOFs appear to be a viable option for organic tomato production at 15 to 20°C. B. Test irrigation systems in parallel utilizing the same set of greenhouse crops and cultural conditions to develop metrics for their use UMaine developed a prototype fog system for propagation that utilized soil moisture sensors (EC-5, Decagon Devices) or leaf wetness sensors (LWS, Decagon Devices) to automate propagation. Fog was effectively controlled using both systems, however, control was more better with soil moisture sensors. It was possible to improve quality of rooting of the native plant Linnaea borealis using a soil moisture sensor automated fog system. Unfortunately, soil moisture sensors are too large to fit into plug cells, where as leaf wetness sensors are mounted in the air and have more promise for commercial applications. Initial work with these leaf wetness sensors propagating coleus and New Guinea impatiens indicates that small variations in the propagation microclimate greatly impact sensor accuracy. At UConn, over the past two years researchers have completed a series of experiments designed to test the effects of irrigation management on the growth and development of various ornamental plant species and under circumstances where raw water quality is poor. They compared plants grown under partial saturation sub-irrigation to plant produced under full-saturation sub-irrigation and top-irrigated drip irrigation and NaCl was added to the nutrient solution delivered to a portion of the crop to simulate poor raw water quality. In addition, water uptake dynamics were characterized for several media blends, using short and tall containers. These studies were conducted in collaboration with Drs. Gent and Elmer at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. The ornamental species evaluated included zinnia, pansy and poinsettia. These species have been identified as a salt sensitive (Pansy & Zinnia -Villarino and Mattson, 2011; Poinsettia - Wallender and Tanji, 2012). The water uptake and retention characteristics for various medium formulations under sub-irrigation were determined for two commercial medium formulations (MetroMix 510 and Fafard 3B) and coconut coir (Fibre Dust), and for blends of coconut coir and Fafard 3B. Water uptake in sub-irrigation was tested in containers of similar diameter but different heights (9 and 12 cm). Short containers attained higher gravimetric water content than tall containers. Coconut coir held much more water than the other media and Fafard 3B held the least. In addition, the effects of salinity on water uptake, growth and tissue nutrient content in zinnia under sub-irrigation were evaluated. Zinnia plants plugs were transplanted in a medium blend of 75% coconut coir/25% Fafard 3B and grown under sub-irrigation until flowering. Plants were irrigated with a standard fertilizer solution and supplemented with NaCl at 0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2, or 1.5 g/L to simulate poor water quality situations. Earlier studies had shown that Na accumulated more rapidly under full-saturation irrigation than under partial-saturation irrigation and the total accumulation was directly related to the total water uptake volume over time. When plants were grown under a range of salinity concentrations, reduction in plant growth and a decline in plant health became evident in four to five weeks. A reduction in leaf area was initially detected and after five weeks physical leaf began to appear at the highest salt levels. Leaf chlorosis was soon followed by leaf necrosis. Visible injury occurred as Na accumulation in the leaf tissue approached 8,000 ppm and the electrical conductivity in the rooting medium approached 10 mS/cm. Plant exposed to Na at 0.9 g/L or higher retained more moisture in the medium prior to irrigation than containers exposed to lower Na concentrations. AZ is installing a new fertigation system, with programmable and recirculating system capabilities, in the teaching greenhouse for educational use and also evaluating the system performance with vegetable high wire crops. C. Develop outreach materials for commercial greenhouse operations for effectively implementing these systems to save water and fertilizer resources At VTech, Drs. Jim Owen and Joyce Latimer hosted a 2-day workshop in collaboration with the Water Education Alliance for Horticulture to share knowledge and strategies for dealing with regulations in Virginia, implementing BMPs to ensure water quality and quantity, monitor water quality and manage/audit irrigation delivery. Thirty-one production managers attended. All attendees indicated they currently perform “little” of the management practices covered prior to the program, but had a deeper understanding of water management and the ability and intent to use what they had learned. Follow-up indicated that two operations have begun to adopt/implement the new technology. NY has seen increased requests for information on fertilizer recipes for hydroponic greenhouse production of leafy greens and tomatoes. An article was authored and published in a national trade journal article on fertilizer recipes found effective for these crops. Easy to prepare fertilizer recipes using 1 to 3 fertilizer materials and 2 stock tanks were included targeting small to medium size operations. More advanced recipes in which several fertilizer salts are used were also included for larger operations or those interested in more precisely controlling plant fertility. Several operations have reported using the information. Topic 2: Alternative Energy Sources and Energy Conservation 2. Develop guidelines and approaches to improve greenhouse heating system efficiency In April 2014, VTech was funded by the Tobacco Commission to conduct greenhouse energy efficiency audits, studies and workshops. Agents, energy auditors, and select growers will be trained in the use of the Virtual Grower software. Case studies will be conducted to determine the accuracy of the software in predicting improvements in energy efficiency in audited greenhouses which incorporate suggested improvements. NJ developed an Extension publication titled ‘Assessing on-farm equipment efficiency and energy use’. 3. Develop guidelines and approaches for the use of alternative energy sources AZ had a 1,100 ft2 greenhouse roof glazed with a new glazing technology that has photo-selective and electricity producing capability. Crop responses and resource use efficiency in the greenhouse system have been evaluated under the new glazing technology. Topic 3: Sensors and Control Strategies 4. Evaluate and develop novel sensors and environmental control strategies In NE, a strawberry production study was funded primarily by the WALMART foundation and undertaken in eastern Nebraska using a typical and existing Quonset, double polyethylene commercial style production greenhouse design. A university research greenhouse (ENT-3) was used on the University of Nebraska East Campus. A second double poly commercial house was constructed at Dwight Nebraska. Each house featured simple, clear-span construction, a commercial natural gas or propane-fired heat source, hand-constructed benches, improved night-time insulation techniques, improved immersion of plants onto light (PAR) using a white plastic reflective mulch, and an automatic, efficient watering/fertigation system using a capillary mat system (CapMat II™, Phytotronics, Inc., Earth City, MO USA). The CapMat systems appeared to perform quite differently in the cooperator house versus ENT-3. Downstream pots in the cooperator house were apparently drier and thus not providing as much fertilizer. It is not clear at this point, whether factors such as water distribution, cultivar usage differences, insect predation, or disturbed root attachment to the capillary mat fabric had any bearing on production performance. The plants at the UNL greenhouse may have benefited from more PAR off the reflective white mulch than the closer spaced plants in the commercial cooperator’s house. However, this is not a certainty due to the fluctuations in the water/fertilizer levels (as measured every 10-minutes by the GS-3 sensor and a Campbell CR1000 data logger (Campbell Scientific, Inc., Logan, Utah), the lack of consistent root medium temperatures, and the fluctuations in the air temperatures due to the different heating systems were noted in both houses, under a rather harsh winter conditions during January 2014. In AZ, Fei Jia (PhD candidate) and Kacira designed and built two multi-wavelength in-line optical density sensor systems for real-time monitoring of microalgae concentration and health, and for control applications in photo bioreactors and raceway systems. Initial experiments with the sensor unit showed promising results for in real time algae concentration monitoring. The research is ongoing. In AZ, David Story (PhD candidate) and Murat Kacira developed a multi-spectral based machine vision system for crop health and growth monitoring. A methodology for a multi-camera based machine vision system was developed and evaluated to timely identify crop water stress. The developed methodology included multiple variables used to determine the location of the emerging water stress and was tested as a visual stress detection system for lettuce plants, while dealing with the uncertainty of light intensities and incidents of shadows over the plant canopy in a greenhouse setting. A web based platform was also developed and implemented to serve as a decision support and management module, serving as interface between the NASA Steckler Space Grant Program’s Lunar Greenhouse (LGH) Prototype (as BLSS) with capabilities of real time data and system monitoring, data analysis, access point for operational and processed data, system alarms setting and monitoring, and inputs/discussions from system operators for improved management of the LGH system. The development of this web based platform also targeted future transfer and potential applications of decision support and production system monitoring to improve food production capabilities and resource utilization efficiency of Earth based CEA production systems. 5. Outreach activities (presentation, publications, demonstrations) to stakeholders Sheehy, C. and G. Giacomelli. 2014. “Earthlight” Documentary and the Lunar Greenhouse Prototype. Documentary created by C. Sheehy (videographer) and Giacomelli (NASA Steckler Technical PI) for PBS and social media campaign. The documentary features interviews with NASA scientists (Ray Wheeler, KSC), UA researchers (M. Kacira, R. Furfaro, G. Giacomelli) and students (M. Downing, C. Hall, T, Jensen, E. Hernandez, M. Yanes, S. Gellenbeck) exploring the urgency of sustainable living and how projects like the lunar greenhouse are key to maintaining our planet. “Earthlight” premiered at Loft Cinema, Tucson, AZ May 7th; and honored the 45th year anniversary of the first Apollo landing on July 20th. http://cals.arizona.edu/earthlight/ twitter @earthlightdoc and facebook.com/earthlightdoc Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NE-1335 Multistate Research Project objectives: UMaine investigated the impact of irrigation practices during production on cold hardiness of tender perennials in the landscape. At VTech, a research project is underway to study the improvement of greenhouse production of ornamental herbaceous perennials through cultural and chemical growth regulation of rooted liners and finished plants. NJ presented a variety of lectures and presentations to both national and international audiences. Some of these were done as traditional presentations (standing in front of an audience and delivering a PowerPoint presentation), others were done as webinars, and yet others were delivered as video presentations. OH, AZ, and NJ Developing Teaching Modules for Controlled Environment Plant Production Engineering/Technology Course using Camtasia Studio platform with video/audio embedded power point presentations. The effort is a part of multi-state projected (Ohio State University, Rutgers University and the University of Arizona) funded by a USDA-Higher Education Challenge Grant. [2010-2014]. Total of 48 teaching modules are being developed targeting future online and other special course offerings.

Publications

Dissertations, Theses (Published) Foster, J.J. 2014. Effects of light, volumetric water content, and soil nutrition in greenhouse propagation of the clonal sub-shrub Linnaea borealis. MS thesis. University of Maine Libraries. Zhen, S. 2013. Production of rosemary, Canadian columbine, cheddar pink, and English lavender. MS thesis. University of Maine Libraries. Martin, A. 2013. Development of a decision support system to operate the greenhouse lighting and shading systems powered by a distributed generator. PhD dissertation. Rutgers University Libraries. 182 pp. Book Chapters (Published) Kubota, C., A. Balliu, and S. Nicola. 2013. Quality of planting materials. In: Good Agricultural Practices for Greenhouse Vegetable Crops. Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. pp 355-378. Montero,J. I., M. Teitel, E. Baeza, J. C. Lopez and M. Kacira. 2013. Greenhouse designs and covering materials. In: Good Agricultural Practices for Greenhouse Vegetable Crops. Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. pp 35-62. Refereed Journal Articles (Published) Seginer, I. and M.P.N. Gent. 2014. Short and long term vegetative growth response to temperature, interpreted by the dynamics of a carbohydrate storage. Scientia Horticulturae 171:14-26. Gent, M.P.N. 2014. Effect of Daily Light Integral on Composition of Hydroponic Lettuce. HortScience 42:173-179. Zhen, S., S. Burnett, S.E. Burnett, M.E. Day, and M.W. van Iersel. 2014. Effects of substrate water content on morphology and physiology of rosemary, Canadian columbine, and cheddar pink. HortScience 49:486-492. Papparozzi, E., N. Mattson, M. Grossman, and S. Burnett. 2013. Creative thinking, creative funding: Research, extension, and teaching consortiums – the 2013 National Floriculture Forum. HortTechnology 23:794-795. Ding, J., H. Duan, Z. Deng, D. Zhao, G. Yi, R. McAvoy, and Y. Li. 2014. Molecular Strategies for Addressing Gene Flow Problems and Their Potential Applications in Abiotic Stress Tolerant Transgenic Plants. Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences, 33:190–204, 2014. Grossman, M., J. Freeborn, H. Scoggins, J. Latimer. 2013. Timing of benzyladenine and sodium dikegulac application affects branching of liners and finished herbaceous perennial plants. HortScience 48:875-882. Villarino G.H., Bombarely, A., Giovannoni J.J., Scanlon M.J., and N.S. Mattson. 2014. Transcriptomic analysis of Petunia hybrida in response to salt stress using high throughput RNA sequencing. PLoS ONE 9(4): e94651. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0094651. Jandricic, S.E., N.S. Mattson, S.P. Wraight and J.P. Sanderson. 2014. Within-plant distribution of foxglove aphid, Aulacorthum solani (Kaltenbach) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), on various greenhouse plants with implications for control. Journal of Economic Entomology. 107:697-707. Hernández, R. and C. Kubota. 2014. Growth and morphological response of cucumber seedlings to supplemental red and blue photon flux ratios under varied solar daily light integrals. Scientia Horticulturae, 173: 92-99. Lewis, M., C. Kubota, R. Tronstad, and Y.-J. Son. 2014. Scenario-based cost analysis for vegetable grafting nurseries of different technology and size. HortScience (accepted for publication) Meng, C., X. Dong, Y.-J. Son, C. Kubota, M. Lewis, and R.E. Tronstad. 2014. An integrated simulation and AHP approach to vegetable grafting operation design. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. 102:73-84. Tamimi, E., M. Kacira, C. Choi, and L. An. 2013. Analysis of climate uniformity in a naturally ventilated greenhouse equipped with high pressure fogging system. Transactions of ASABE, Vol. 56(3): 1241-1254. (ASABE Superior Paper Award) Villarreal-Guerrero, F., M. Kacira, E. Fitz-Rodríguez, R. Linker, G. A. Giacomelli, A. Arbel, C. Kubota. 2013. Implementation of a greenhouse cooling strategy with natural ventilation and variable fogging rates. Transactions of ASABE. Vol. 56(1): 295-304. Lee, I.B., J. Pascual, P. Bitog, S. Hong, I. Seo, K. Kwon, T. Bartzanas, M. Kacira. 2013. The past, present and future of CFD for agro?environmental applications, Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. Vol. 93: 168–183. Symposium Proceedings Articles (Published) Meyer, G.E., E.T. Paparozzi, S.A. Adams, and D.S. Voltan. 2014. Evaluation of Soilless Media Sensors for Managing Winter-time Greenhouse Strawberry Production using a CapMat System. ASABE and CSBE/SCGAB Annual International Meeting, Montreal, Canada. Meng, C., S. Kim, Y.-J. Son, and C. Kubota. 2013. A SYSML-based simulation model aggregation framework for seedling propagation system. Proceedings of the 2013 Winter Simulation Conference, Washington DC, 8–11 December 2013 Hernández, R. and C. Kubota. 2014. LEDs supplemental lighting for vegetable transplant production: spectral evaluation and comparisons with hid technology. ActaHorticulturae, 1037: 829-835. Hernández, R., A. Dragotakes and C. Kubota. 2014. Pulsing effects of supplemental LED lighting on cucumber seedlings. ActaHorticulturae, 1037: 875-879. Juang, P. and M. Kacira. 2014. System dynamics of a photovoltaic integrated greenhouse. ActaHorticulturae, 1037: 99-104. Story, D. and M. Kacira. 2014. Automated machine vision guided plant monitoring system for greenhouse crop diagnostics. ActaHorticulturae, 1037: 635-641. Villarreal-Guerrero, F., M. Kacira, J. Flores-Velazquez. 2014. Comparative performance of a greenhouse cooling strategy with natural ventilation and fogging under different outside climates. ActaHorticulturae, 1037:57-64. Bartzanas, T., M. Kacira, T. Boulard, J. C. Roy, H. Fatnassi, P. E. Bournet, N. Katsoulas, C. Kittas. 2014. The use of user define functions in CFD simulations for greenhouse environment. ActaHorticulture, 1037 (Invited Oral Presentation, GreenSys 2013, Jeju, S. Korea) Fatnassi, H., T. Boulard, T. Bartzanas, N. Katsoulas, M. Kacira and C. Poncet. 2014. CFD modeling of microclimate in the leaf boundary layer, ecological niche of pests. ActaHorticulturae, 1037: 1027-1034. Kittas, C., N. Katsoulas, N. Tsiropoulos, T. Bartzanas, M. Kacira. 2014. Exposure of greenhouse workers to pesticide. ActaHorticulturae, 1037. Popular Articles (Published) McAvoy, R. 2013. 2014 Easter Lily Schedule: Plan now for a late Easter season. Greenhouse Manager 33 (9): 32-34, 51-52. Latimer, J. 2013. Get your Echinace off to an early start. e-GRO Alert Bulletin 2(3):1-4. Latimer, J., M. Grossman, and H. Scoggins. 2013. Improve branching of upright sedums with PGRs. e-GRO Alert Bulletin 2(13):1-4. Latimer, J. 2013. Comparing Concise application methods for height control of Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’. e-GRO Alert Bulletin 2(16):1-4. Latimer, J. 2014. More ethephon options with Collate on herbaceous perennial liners. e-GRO Alert Bulletin 3(4):1-4. Latimer, J. 2014. Use branching agents early to improve quality of herbaceous perennials. e-GRO Alert Bulletin 3(9):1-6. Latimer, J. 2014. Using PGR liner soaks for early growth regulation. e-GRO Alert Bulletin 3(18):1-6. Latimer, J. 2014. PGRs for growth control and reducing shrinkage in a late spring year. e-GRO Alert Bulletin 3(28):1-4. Manning, T., A.J. Both, and J. Rabin. 2014. Assessing on-farm equipment efficiency and energy use. (Rutgers Cooperative Extension Web Publication). Available at: http://njsustainingfarms.rutgers.edu/PDF/Assessing%20On-Farm%20Equipment%20Efficiency%20and%20Energy%20Use-1.pdf Mattson, N., M. Bridgen, and N. Catlin. 2014. Using controlled release fertilizers to produce garden mums. Greenhouse Grower Magazine. 32(8). Mattson, N., J. Sanderson, and E. Lamb. 2014. How cultural factors impact fungus gnat populations. Greenhouse Grower Magazine. 32(5). Owen, G., R. Lopez, S. Beeks, and N. Mattson. 2014. Vermicompost Validity. GrowerTalks. 77(11):68-70. Beeks. S., N. Mattson, and R. Lopez. 2014. Vermicompost 101. GrowerTalks. 77(10):66-71. Mattson, N. and C. Peters. 2014. A Recipe for Hydroponic Success. Inside Grower. January:16-19. Kacira, M. 2013.Choose The Right Greenhouse Style. Greenhouse Grower Magazine. http://www.growingproduce.com/article/32536/choose?the?right?greenhouse?style Kacira, M. 2013. Natural Ventilation And Fog Increase Cooling Efficiency. Greenhouse Grower magazine. http://www.greenhousegrower.com/structures-equipment/natural-ventilation-and-fog-increase-cooling-efficiency/ Presentations (Papers) Zhen, S. and S. Burnett. 2013. Water use and cold hardiness of English lavender. HortScience Abstract 48:383. Gent, M., W. Elmer, K. Macherla, and R. McAvoy. 2014. (in press) Effects of Irrigation Management on Poinsettia Under Elevated Sodium. Presented at the 29th International Horticultural Congress 2014. Brisbane Australia (Abstract). McAvoy, R. 2014. Hydroponic Tomato Production, FarmTek Technology Center East: Controlled Environment Agriculture School, Windsor CT. April 11. McAvoy, R. 2014. Hydroponic Tomato Production, FarmTek Technology Center East: Controlled Environment Agriculture School, Windsor CT. February 20. McAvoy, R. 2013. Optimizing greenhouse tomato production, University of Rhode Island Vegetable Growers Conference, Kingston RI. November 14. Both, A.J. 2014. Greenhouses. Proceedings of the 59th New Jersey Agricultural Convention and Trade Show. February 4. Atlantic City, NJ. pp. 1. (Abstract). Giacomelli, G. 2013. “New Technologies On Environmental Control, Energy-Saving and Crop Production in Greenhouses in USA” (Invited Oral Presentation, GreenSys 2013, Jeju, S. Korea) Rojano, F., P.E. Bournet, P. Robin, M. Hassouna, C. Y. Choi, M. Kacira. 2014. Predicting Sensible and Latent Heat Generation with CFD in Animal Housing for Dairy Cattle. International Conference of Agricultural Engineering (AgEng2014) on Engineering for improving resource efficiency, Zurich, Switzerland. Paper no: C0547 G. Boscheri, M. Lamantea, C. Lobascio, L. Patterson, E. Hernandez, T. Jensen, M. Kacira. 2014. Poly-culture food production mass balances prediction in a semi-closed lunar greenhouse prototype (LGH). 44th International Conference on Environmental Systems (ICES 2014), Tucson, AZ, USA. Story, D., C. Hall, M. Kacira. 2014. Decision support system enabled lunar greenhouse system monitoring, control and management. 44th International Conference on Environmental Systems (ICES 2014), Tucson, AZ, USA. Patterson, R.L., G. Giacomelli. E. Hernandez, M. Yanes, T. Jensen. 2014. Poly-Culture Food Production and Air Revitalization Mass and Energy Balances Measured in a Semi-Closed Lunar Greenhouse Prototype (LGH). 44th International Conference on Environmental Systems (ICES 2014), Tucson, AZ, USA. Munday, M., G. Giacomelli, M. Yanes, R.L. Patterson. 2014. Development of an Outreach and Teaching Module (LGH-OTM) Based On Prototype Lunar Greenhouse Program. 44th International Conference on Environmental Systems (ICES 2014), Tucson, AZ, USA. Furfaro, R., S. Gellenbeck, P. Sadler. 2014. Fresnel-based Solar Concentration Power System for Mars and Lunar Outposts. 44th International Conference on Environmental Systems (ICES 2014), Tucson, AZ, USA. Both, A.J., Robin Brumfield, Emily Buck, Peter Davidson, Gene Giacomelli, Murat Kacira, Chieri Kubota, Peter Ling, Peg McMahon. 2014. Online Greenhouse Systems & Production Training. Cultivate’14, Columbus, OH. 7/12-15. Cultivate’14 (formerly OFA Short Course) Both, A.J., Robin Brumfield, Emily Buck, Chieri Kubota, Peter Ling, Peg McMahon. 2014. Online Greenhouse Systems & Production Training – Lab. Cultivate’14, Columbus, OH. 7/12-15. Ling, Peter, A.J. Both, Murat Kacira, Emily Buck, Robin Brumfield, Peter Davidson, Gene Giacomelli, Chieri Kubota, and Margret McMahon. 2014. Greenhouse Engineering/Technology Learning Modules. North America College and teachers of Agriculture Conference, Bozeman, MT. 6/25-28. Ling, Peter and Murat Kacira. 2014. Controlled Environment Engineering/technology Teaching Modules. NCERA-101 regional committee meeting, Fairbanks, Alaska. 4/14-16. Other Creative Works Latimer, J. and M. Grossman. 2013. Branching agents enhance herbaceous perennial plant liners. Greenhouse Grower’s FloriCAST. December 2013. Both, A.J. 2014. A total of eight video presentations were delivered as part of the multi-institutional USDA-HEC project (Ohio State, University of Arizona and Rutgers University). The titles include: Alternative Energy and Resource Use; Carbon Dioxide Enrichment; Evaporative Cooling and Shading; Greenhouse Heating Basics; Greenhouse Heating Systems; Greenhouse Location and Structures; Supplemental Lighting and Shading; Greenhouse (Mechanical) Ventilation. Both, A.J. 2014. The greenhouse industry and its design standards in the USA. Presented for the Korean Society for Bio-Environment Control, Chuncheon, Korea. May 16. Both, A.J. 2014. Controlled environment agriculture, research and thoughts. Department of Landscape Architecture and Rural Systems Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea. May 14. Both, A.J., 2014. Presented two 90-minute webinars (Greenhouse Heating and Ventilation Considerations; Evaporative Cooling, Supplemental Lighting and Shading) for the On-Farm Energy Quality Assurance Program. New Brunswick, NJ. April 9 and 30. Both, A.J. 2014. Natural and supplemental lighting for plant production. Presentation for the short course: Hydroponic fruit and vegetable production, practical information for novice growers. EcoComplex, Columbus, NJ. March 7. Both, A.J. 2014. Hydroponic lettuce production. Presentation for the Mid Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention. Hershey, PA. January 29. Both, A.J. 2014. Presented two lectures (Greenhouse Structures and Systems; Greenhouse Energy and Irrigation Issues) and one webinar (Supplemental Lighting and Shading) for Annie’s Project. Westampton and New Brunswick, NJ. January 28, 30. Workshop Sponsor McAvoy, R. Agricultural Energy Summit: Hartford CT. November 5, 2014. With Bonnie Burr, Richard Mienert, Joyce Meader, Kevin Sullivan. Owen, J. and J. Latimer. Water Management for Ornamental Crops: Irrigation, Water Quality and Treatment, BMPs, Pond Management, October 2013. UA-CEAC organized the 13th Greenhouse Crop Production and Engineering Design Short Course (March 23-24, 2014) with ~70 participants. Hands-on workshops were given to attendees during the short course. These workshops included demonstrating vegetable grafting techniques, hydroponics crop production and systems basics, greenhouse sensors and instrumentation basics with theory and practical use. Rorabaugh, Lewis & Giacomelli organized the 3rd Annual Intensive Greenhouse Tomato and Lettuce Crop Production Short Course (January 5-12, 2014) with 32 participants. The program include morning classroom lectures and afternoon hands-on practice with crops. Two one-day workshops of ‘Arizona Strawberry Day’ were held (December 7, 2013 and February 22, 2014) attracting 62 participants from AZ, CA, CO, NM, OH, OR, WA and Mexico. Workshop Participant Burnett, S., M. van Iersel, and J. Lea-Cox. Irrigation Requirements, Parts 1 and 2. July 15, 2013. Short Course for OFA and ANLA. Columbus, OH. Lopez, R., N. Mattson, B. Krug, and S. Burnett. Bedding Plants 101. July 15, 2013. Short Course for OFA and ANLA. Columbus, OH. Burnett, S. Wet and Wild: Impact of Irrigation Practices on Nursery Operations. Long Island Horticulture Conference. Jan. 25, 2013. Ronkonkoma, NY. Burnett, S. Growing Cold: Production Strategies to Reduce Fuel. Maine Agricultural Trades Show. January 8, 2014. Latimer, J. International e-GRO Webinar Conference 1/21/14 Participant, Branching Out with PGRs webinar. Refereed Journal Articles (Pending) Gent, M.P.N., W.H. Elmer, K. Macherla and R. J. McAvoy. Effects of Salinity and Irrigation Management on Poinsettia. Acta Horticulturae. Story, D. and M. Kacira. 2014. Design and implementation of a computer vision guided greenhouse crop diagnostics system. Machine Vision and Applications. Juang, P. and M. Kacira. 2014. System Dynamics of an Off-the-Grid Greenhouse in Semi-arid Climate. Renewable Energy.

Impact Statements

CT: Research on the effects of salinity and irrigation management on zinnia, pansy and poinsettia demonstrated that partial saturation is an effective water management regime even when raw water quality is poor as represented by elevated salinity.
CT: Whether using a partial-saturation or full-saturation irrigation management regime, dissolved sodium (Na) has dramatic deleterious effects on zinnia health that become visually evident as the electrical conductivity approaches 10 mS/cm and tissue Na concentrations approach 8,000 ppm.
VTech: Effective growth regulation and enhanced branching during liner production improves subsequent growth and appearance of finished plants while reducing the production time on the bench. Reduced production time and improved appearance increases greenhouse profitability.
UMaine: English lavender, which is marginally cold hardy in the Northeastern United States, had greater freezing tolerance after it was grown in drier substrates during greenhouse production (0.10 L/L).
NJ: Greenhouse energy use and conservation presentations and written materials have been prepared and delivered to a variety of audiences. Greenhouse growers who implemented the information resulting from our research and outreach materials have been able to realize energy savings of at least 25%.

Date of Annual Report: 11/11/1111

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 06/03/2014 - 06/04/2014
Period the Report Covers: 11/11/1111 - 11/11/1111

Participants

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

Publications

Impact Statements

Date of Annual Report: 06/30/2015

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 03/28/2015 - 03/28/2015
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2014 - 09/01/2015

Participants

Kacira, Murat - University of Arizona;
Giacomelli, Gene - University of Arizona;
Raudales, Rosa - University of Connecticut;
Mattson, Neil - Cornell University;
Ebling, James - University of Arizona;
Brumfield, Robin - Rutgers;
Both, AJ - Rutgers, chair;
Meyer, George - University of Nebraska;
Pawar, Sangita - University of Arizona;
Gent, Martin - The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station;
Burnett, Stephanie - Maine, secretary;
Ebeling, James - Aquaculture Consulting;
Mar Rongo, Ysabella - University of Arizona;
Kern, Roger - Agate BioSciences;
Jia, Feij (Jeff) - University of Arizona;
Zhang, Ying - University of Arizona;
Tollefson, Stacey - University of Arizona;
Hernandez, Erica - University of Arizona;
Hernandez, Ricardo - University of Arizona;
Quinlan, Conor - University of Arizona;
Kacheris, William - University of Arizona;
Baras, Tyler - The GrowHaus;
Latimer, Joyce (distance presentation) - Virginia Tech;

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

Attachment

Accomplishments

Topic 1: Water and Nutrient Management 1. Develop and test irrigation and fertilization practices to improve water and fertilizer use efficiency in greenhouse production A. Conduct research to further refine irrigation/fertilization systems Our research in 2015 looked at a variety of irrigation and fertilization systems including ebb-and-flow irrigation and sensor-automated irrigation. One benefit of our group is that we have diverse facilities. Collaboration allows us to provide recommendations to growers on a variety of efficient irrigation and fertilization systems that would not be in place at a single university due to cost and space limitations. One goal for the next few years is to survey water use and irrigation practices at greenhouses and nurseries. There is currently little information on the use of water in greenhouses and nurseries and irrigation practices. To address this, a graduate student from Virginia Tech is in the process of conducting a water use and irrigation practices survey of greenhouse and nursery operations. This will help inform future research for our group and others. One new, efficient irrigation system that we tested in 2015 automates delivery of water and fertilizer simultaneously in greenhouses through drip irrigation using sensors (GS3, Decagon Devices). This novel system was tested on Hellebore. We applied fertilizer at a range of electrical conductivities (0.25-2.0 dS?m-1) and water at two water contents (0.4 or 0.5 L?L-1). Control of both water and fertilizer was effective. However, plants fertilized at the lowest three electrical conductivity thresholds (0.25-0.75 dS?m-1) were never fertilized; fertility from starter fertilizer was sufficient to maintain those substrate electrical conductivity levels. Symptoms of crown rot, which our grower collaborator identified as a significant problem, did not appear on any plants. We also conducted research on partial or full saturation ebb and flow irrigation systems. The goal of this project was to determine the whether ebb and flow watering alleviate the effects of salinity stress on Poinsettia. Two cultivars of Poinsettia were grown under partial or full saturation irrigation using a standard fertilizer solution, with or without the addition of sodium. The volumetric water content averaged 0.25 and 0.33 L.L-1 prior to irrigation, and 0.5 and 0.67 L.L-1 following irrigation, for partial or full saturation regimes, respectively. At crop maturity, the electrical conductivity of the potting medium averaged 7.7 and 4.2 S.m-1 for plants exposed to salinity or not, respectively. Plants had lower dry weight with partial than full saturation. ‘Peterstar Red’ had greater dry mass and larger total laminar area than ‘Prestige Red’. Sodium concentrations in bract, leaf and stem tissue were highest (P<0.05) in plants exposed to salinity and these plants accumulated less K in stems and less P and Fe in bracts. Plants had less dry weight with added salinity than without, regardless of irrigation regime. In a second study with poinsettia, eight cultivars, including the two mentioned above, were grown with or without salinity from 1.2 g.L-1 NaCl and drip or ebb and flow watering. Cultivar and watering had effects on plant fresh weight, but salinity did not. ‘Peterstar Red’ had greater height and width than ‘Prestige Red’ and all other cultivars except ‘Snow Cap’, and more fresh weight that all except ‘Maren’ and ‘Snow Cap’. ‘Maren’ and ‘Peterstar Red’ had greater weight with salinity than with no salt under drip irrigation. ‘Snow Cap’ was the only cultivar that was heavier with no salt than with salinity under both drip and ebb and flow. Only ‘DaVinci’ had greater height under no salt compared to salinity under ebb and flow irrigation. ‘DaVinci’ ‘Premium Piccassa’ and ‘Prestige Red’ had the highest sodium in bracts under salinity with drip irrigation, while ‘Snow Cap’ had the least. ‘Ruby Frost’ had the most sodium in stems while ‘Snow Cap’ had the least. ‘Marble Star’, ‘Maren’, and ‘Peterstar Red’ had more sodium in stems under salinity with ebb and flow compared to drip irrigation. For all cultivars, added salinity resulted in lower K in leaves and stem. ‘Snow Cap’ was the cultivar with the least sodium in stems and in bracts under salinity, with either drip or ebb and flow irrigation. This cultivar also had the greatest plant height and fresh weight, under drip irrigation. The lack of sodium in all parts of ‘Snow Cap’, and low sodium in bracts and leaves of ‘Ruby Frost’, should be studied to find other cultivars that would thrive under conditions of poor water quality. Partial saturation watering can be used as an effective water management option when control of plant height and overall crop growth are desirable, and it limits the accumulation of sodium when raw water contains elevated salinity. We also explored filters for use in a variety of efficient irrigation systems. Laboratory column experiments were conducted to identify promising filter media that could be used in greenhouse filtration tests. Sand media containing nano-sized iron oxide particles embedded on the media surface, which carry positive charge at acidic or neutral pH, were packed into plastic columns. As plant pathogens are usually negatively charged, the hypothesis was that the positively-charged sites should attract pathogen spores and remove them from the water. The preliminary laboratory column studies used Phytophthora capsici zoospores suspended in solutions of 0.4 mM NaHCO3 + 9.6 mM NaCl or 0.4 mM NaHCO3 + 3.2 mM CaCl2. Results showed that the zoospores were readily attached to synthesized nano-sized iron oxide surface coating of filter sand (0.5–0.8 mm). The removal of motile zoospores was significantly less than that of the encysted zoospores, and the presence of NaCl or CaCl2 in water had no effect for the encysted (non-motile) zoospores. In general, nano-sized iron oxide coating enhanced the zoospore removal. The results suggest that through controlling parameters of zoospores (e.g., encystment), solution chemistry (e.g., ion type), or filter media type, zoospore removal can be optimized. B. Test irrigation systems in parallel utilizing the same set of greenhouse crops and cultural conditions to develop metrics for their use Six self-contained irrigation units were constructed. Each irrigation unit consisted of an ebb and flow benchtop connected to a filtration unit via two hydraulic pumps and two 130-liter holding reservoirs. This enabled water to be pumped through the filters, into the post-filter holding reservoir, onto the benchtop, and back into the pre-filter holding reservoirs automatically at a predetermined irrigation schedule via timers. Water levels in the holding reservoirs and water pressure in the filter unit were monitored at real time, along with the water and air temperature, and relative humidity. The filtration system consisted of capped 6-inch PVC columns filled with either (a) sand or (b) a novel iron oxide coated porous media. The design replicated, at research scale, a method of filtration that could be instituted in commercial greenhouses. For the preliminary trial, a known crop/pathogen system which would guarantee results was tested: squash/Phytophthora capsici. Twelve-day-old acorn squash (Cucurbita pepo) seedlings grown in 5-inch greenhouse pots in peat potting mix were placed onto the benchtop. Five hundred ml of zoospore suspension (4x105, P. capsici isolate SP98) was added to the pre-filter holding reservoir, resulting in a concentration of 5x103. The squash plants were irrigated twice daily for 10 minutes to prevent oversaturation of the growing media. Water samples were taken every 4 days from the holding tank, plated onto selective media, and enumerated after 2 days. The two-week trial was concluded upon 100% plant death in the inoculated control bench in the absence of a filtration unit. Fresh and dry weights were recorded. The iron oxide medium performed significantly better (P < 0.01) than the sand column and positive control according to data that were recorded as plant fresh weight (the fresh weight of the control plants was 72% less than the plants grown using the iron oxide media). The concentration of zoospores in both the iron oxide and sand media holding tanks were reduced after the initial filtration to < 90% of the control and remained low for the duration of the experiment compared to the inoculated control. At the final zoospore measurement, the sand media contained 83% fewer zoospores than the control, while the iron oxide media contained no zoospores in solution. Pythium was also tested in the filtration system using ‘Prestige Red’ poinsettia as the host-plant. In this trial, 15 poinsettia plants in 6-in pots were placed onto each of 6 benches. A sand filter and an activated carbon filter were tested using the same filtration design as outlined above. Additional treatments included Terrazole WP added to the water tank at the labeled rate, and a ‘diseased plant’ treatment that had 3 infected plants placed onto the bench to observe an alternate mode of pathogen spread. Pythium aphanidermatum zoospores were added to the holding tanks and were passed through the filters and irrigated onto the ebb and flow bench tops to initiate the experiment. Plants were irrigated 2x daily for 15 min to increase disease pressure. The trial was concluded after two months. The inoculated control displayed severe root rot and stunting. The sand filter, Terrazole treatment, carbon filter, and ‘diseased plant’ treatment, all had significantly higher (P < 0.05) foliar fresh weight and plant height than the inoculated control treatment. These results suggest that filtration may be useful in a greenhouse setting. The second run of the Poinsettia-Pythium experiment are currently in progress. After the completion of the experiment, the next trial will be initiated using a novel copper coated filter media and Pythium. Previous studies have shown copper to be effective at reducing zoospore mobility and attachment to roots. A copper filter media not only filters out zoospores but also inhibits growth of the fungus ? C. Develop outreach materials for commercial greenhouse operations for effectively implementing these systems to save water and fertilizer resources We have developed a variety of regional and national outreach materials to assist growers in reducing water and fertilizer usage in greenhouses. Two trade journal articles were published on the efficient use of water and fertilizer. One provided water and fertilizer recommendations for Hellebore that will help reduce resource use while minimizing disease problems. The second trade article discussed the use of sensors to save water in commercial greenhouse operations. New York has developed an outreach website on substrates and fertilizers for organic vegetable transplant production, available at: http://www.greenhouse.cornell.edu/crops/organic.html The website contains several trade journal articles, extension bulletins and videos. Results and grower recommendations from plant pathology work will be presented at extension meetings, such as the Michigan Greenhouse Growers Expo, a regional meeting held annually in conjunction with the Great Lakes Expo every December in Grand Rapids, MI. This meeting was attended by over 4,200 people from 42 states and 8 Canadian provinces in 2014. Proceedings from these meetings are published online (http://glexpo.com/education-program/session-summaries), and results and grower recommendations will also be published in extension newsletters such at the Michigan State University Extension News for Agriculture ? Floriculture (http://msue.anr.msu.edu/topic/info/floriculture). Topic 2: Alternative Energy Sources and Energy Conservation 2. Develop guidelines and approaches to improve greenhouse heating system efficiency Several regional and state wide projects are under-way to improve greenhouse heating system efficiency. In New Jersey, through various presentations, the operation and efficiency of various greenhouse heating systems has been discussed. These presentations were often accompanied by handout materials that provide additional information on heating systems, their proper operation and strategies for maximum conversion efficiencies. In New York, two software engineering projects (funded by the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority) are underway to develop tools used to determine energy use in Controlled Environment Agriculture operations. The first tool is, Greenhouse Energy Management (GEM), is a computerized tool to optimize electrical and thermal energy use in greenhouses. The tool allows highly selectable user settings for the greenhouse environment (heating, lighting, and carbon dioxide parameters) and estimates electrical and heating costs for locations across the U.S. using typical meteorological year data. The second project is developing an energy model for vertical farms in a warehouse environment including lighting, cooling, heating, and fan costs. The project is still in preliminary stages, early results have indicated that the energy costs of plant lighting are substantially higher than supplemental lighting in a greenhouse environment. Cooling and fan costs are also significant. Cooling costs can be reduced by enabling increased ventilation with outside air during months of the year when outside air is cooler than indoors. However, this options reduces the ability to use carbon dioxide enrichment. Funding was secured to develop a software tool that will compare the energy use and greenhouse gas emissions of producing vegetables in a greenhouse versus a warehouse environment, the results will be used to inform business and policy decision making. In Virginia, in continuing our greenhouse energy efficiency project funded by the Tobacco Commission, we conducted a November 2014 workshop for producers on greenhouse energy efficiency principles and what to look for onsite. A licensed auditor conducted a tour of a recently audited greenhouse. In January 2015, we conducted an in-service training for VCE agents and energy auditor professionals with detailed presentations by Dr. A.J. Both on heating and ventilation systems as well as by Dr. Jennifer Boldt and Adam Hall on the USDA Virtual Grower software. The speakers also led a greenhouse energy efficiency tour of ACF Greenhouses, one of the greenhouse operations participating in the grant program. Energy efficiency improvements at ACF will be estimated using the Virtual Grower software and then evaluated over the next season for actual energy savings attributed to the upgrades. In Virginia, a session on ‘Greenhouse Energy Conservation Practices and Opportunities’ was presented at the 2014 ‘Getting Started in the Greenhouse Business School’ in Blackstone, VA (Nov. 11-12, 2014) to the greenhouse industry and Extension agents. In Maine, a sustainable year-round agriculture group is studying solar panels, LEDs, and other energy saving technologies used in greenhouses. There are five demonstration greenhouses being built throughout Maine with various levels of energy saving technology (most include semi-transparent solar panels). Data will be collected on energy savings from solar panels and other technologies, which will be presented to the industry, Extension, and agriculture and horticulture students. This effort to increase year-round agriculture in Maine will take place over several years. The University of Maine horticulture program is collaborating with the Climate Change Institute to study energy savings at a new building under construction on campus. 1. Develop guidelines and approaches for the use of alternative energy sources An ongoing collaboration with colleagues in Japan has resulted in a publication on using heat pump systems for greenhouse cooling. Funding was secured to set up a demonstration wood biomass furnace in a greenhouse to reduce fossil fuel use and produce agricultural charcoal (biochar). The furnace, from ClearStak LLC, has been installed in a commercial greenhouse operation. During winter 2014-2015 wood biomass from municipal wood chips and willow chips from a willow biomass project have been secured. The furnace has significantly reduced operational reliance on fossil fuels. The project has reinforced that woodchip quality is important for the auto feed delivery system and efforts are now underway to perfect the grinding, screening, and drying process of the woodchips. In addition, experiments using the biochar projects as a soil or potting mix amendment have been initiated. Topic 3: Sensors and Control Strategies 2. Evaluate and develop novel sensors and environmental control strategies As part of the USDA SCRI LED project, an integrating sphere was used to evaluate the total light output and electric energy consumption of a variety of light sources. We also tested and evaluated instrumentation for electrical monitoring in greenhouses (USDA/NRCS project). 3. Outreach activities (presentation, publications, demonstrations) to stakeholders In New Jersey, a presentation was delivered on greenhouse environment control during the Greenhouse Production Short Course, NJ EcoComplex. Columbus, NJ. March 2-3, 2015. In 2014 seventeen New York State and four national presentations were made reaching more than 1,000 commercial greenhouse, high tunnel, and vegetable growers. Six trade journal articles reaching a national commercial greenhouse audience were published. A greenhouse open house on campus and a summer floriculture field day were held reaching more than 125 participants. Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NE-1335 Multistate Research Project objectives: None

Publications

Publications Attachment:

Attachment

Impact Statements

Written materials regarding efficient irrigation and fertilization in greenhouses have been shared with growers through trade press. Growers who utilized these practices would reduce water and fertilizer usage. Further, pesticide usage on Hellebore would be reduced or eliminated through management of fertilization and irrigation.
Presentations and written materials on greenhouse energy systems, their energy use and conservation strategies have been delivered to a variety of audiences. Greenhouse growers who implemented the information resulting from our research and outreach materials have been able to realize energy savings of 15-25%.
Salinity and alkalinity can reduce greenhouse crop production, by reducing the uptake of essential plant nutrients, and increasing non-essential ions such as sodium. Geremia Greenhouse in collaboration with True Leaf developed a short-cycle irrigation system for potted ornamental plants that restricts water uptake and achieves partial saturation of the root medium. Ornamental crops grown under partial-saturation accumulate less biomass and develop the compact stature most desired by the industry. Ebb and flow watering can alleviate the effects of salinity stress on Poinsettia. Cultivar and watering had effects on plant fresh weight, but salinity did not. Only plant height and width were affected by salinity. Partial saturation watering was an effective water management option when control of plant height and overall crop growth were desirable, and it limited the accumulation of sodium when raw water contained elevated salinity.
Greenhouse Management was revised at one university due to NE-1335 collaborations. This course now includes information on greenhouse vegetable production, hydroponics, organic production, and passive structures. This course has been taken by a total of 340 students since fall of 2003, the first offering. Thirty-five percent were off-campus, including Extension faculty, teachers of Agriculture/Horticulture, industry professionals, and others have taken the course. The revised course was offered Fall 2014, with a record class size of 35 students. Many were non-majors, looking for a restricted or free elective of interest. With the growth of interest in controlled environment (greenhouse) food production, especially local foods, enrollment will continue to rise.

Date of Annual Report: 08/05/2016

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 06/22/2016 - 06/24/2016
Period the Report Covers: 04/01/2016 - 06/22/2016

Participants

Allred, Jonathan (jaa337@cornell.edu) - Cornell University; Altland, James (james.altland@ars.usda.gov) - USDA-ARS; Bayer, Mandy (abayer10@umass.edu) - University of Massachusetts Amherst; Both,A. J. (both@aesop.rutgers.edu) - Rutgers University; Bridgen, Mark (mpb27@cornell.edu) - Cornell University; Brumfield, Robin (brumfield@aesop.rutgers.edu) - Rutgers University; Burnett, Stephanie (sburnett@maine.edu) - University of Maine; Cabrera, Raul ( cabrera@aesop.rutgers.edu) - Rutgers University; Fernandez, Tom (fernan15@msu.edu) - Michigan State University; Fields, Jeb (jsfields@vt.edu) - Virginia Tech; Fisher, Paul (pfisher@ufl.edu) - University of Florida; Gent, Martin (martin.gent@ct.gov) - CT Ag Experiment Station, New Haven; Giacomelli,Gene (giacomel@ag.arizona.edu) - University of Arizona; Grant, George (gagrant@ufl.edu) - University of Florida; Harbick, Kale (harbick@cornell.edu) - Cornell University; Kim, Hye-Ji (hjikim@purdue.edu) - Purdue University; LeBude, Anthony (avlebude@ncsu.edu) - NC State University; Ling, Peter (Ling.23@osu.edu) - The Ohio State University; Majsztrik, John (jmajszt@clemson.edu) - Clemson University; Manning, Tom (manning@njaes.rutgers.edu) - Rutgers University; Oki, Loren (lroki@ucdavis.edu) - University of California; Owen, Jim (jsowen@vt.edu) - Virginia Tech; Raudales, Rosa (rosa.raudales@uconn.edu) - University of Connecticut; Shreckhise, Jake (jshreck@vt.edu) - Virginia Tech; White, Sarah (swhite4@clemson.edu) - Clemson University

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes: Joint Meeting NE 1335 & NC 1186 Working Groups

Location: Cornell Cooperative Extension, Riverhead, NY

Date: June 23, 2016

9:00 am: Welcome by Mark Bridgen, Cornell University.

9:15am: Station Reports: Reports from each member in attendance on current status of their research and extension efforts related to their working group (3 minutes per person with PowerPoint) connected via Webex (Adel Shirmohammadi).

A.J. Both, Rutgers University: Dr. George Wulster, Floriculture Specialist from Rutgers University passed away this year. A.J. is developing a series of horticultural lighting labels to assist growers in the decision-making process.

Kale Harbick (representing Neil Mattson), Cornell University: The team conducted several experiments relating light efficiency. The team compared LED with HPS in greenhouses, plant response to three light combinations using LEDs, energy costs of producing in greenhouse compared with plant factory, and compared two algorithms to compare daily light integral accumulation on lettuce.

Gene Giacomelli, University of Arizona: The Univ. of Arizona Controlled Environment Agriculture Center team has been conducting research on advanced sensing and climate control, economic analysis of supplemental lighting, and algae biofuels. Dr. Giacomelli also mentioned that the Lunar and South Pole project are ongoing.

Ellen Paparozzi and George Meyer, University of Nebraska: Sent video. They presented the research on greenhouse production and modeling of basil for growth and essential oils.

Mandy Bayer, University of Massachusetts: Her research program is related to sensor-controlled irrigation. Dr. Bayer will conducting growth control of container-grown ornamentals by applying timed drought stress using sensor-controlled irrigation both in the greenhouse and outdoors.

Stephanie Burnett, University of Maine: Stephanie announced that the University of Maine is hiring a Landscape Design specialist. She presented her research comparing sub-mist compared to overhead mist in propagation.

Sarah White, Clemson University: Introduced Clean WateR³ (http://cleanwater3.org/), project that resulted from the NC1186 working group interactions. The goal of the project is to encourage recycling and reuse of remediated runoff. Research is conducted on several aspects of contaminant (Pesticides, pathogens or nutrients) management. Her research program at Clemson, focuses on evaluating different plants that trap contaminants. Currently screening 7 plants in channels for removal of contaminants and that also have commercial value.

John Majsztrik, Clemson University: Research consists on consolidating data collected by the Clean WateR³group and develop decision support tools based on models to help growers make informed-decisions.

Hye-Ji Kim, Purdue University: Research program focuses on managing N and P levesl in aquaponics systems. They are evaluating vegetable crops to remove nitrate from the solution. Another project evaluated parboiled hulls substrates affected growth and water use in zinnias and petunias. Experiment 2: Inert media with vermiculite and perlite which does not have P and tested different rates of P from 1- 30 mg/L on lantana. Optimum growth observed at 20mg/L P, under this rate plants were overall significantly smaller.

James Altland, USDA ARS: Conducted research on rice hulls for weed control. Rice hulls retained very little water and dehydrated very quickly. The layer of rice hulls provided a physical barrier between the seeds and growing media and the low water content at the top might also prevented weed seeds to germinate. A thick layer (0.5 inch, 500 g/m²) reduced weed germination on established containers. Ongoing research to determine optimum temperature of hot water and steam to control weeds left on old containers.

Jim Owen, Virginia Tech: Research program focuses on mineral nutrient fate, soilless substrate and agrochemical remediation. Filter socks to clean P and sediments. Currently, building experimental nursery and will evaluate water quality of runoff. Results from previous experiments: Evaluated CRF placement in the container, when placed on the top layer less leachate was captured. Developed Gro Zone Tracker which is designed to track water and soil quality on a map and will be launch at Cultivate ‘16. Jeb Fields (Ph.D. Candidate) research on how the amount of P affects the final concentration of P levels in the substrate. Jake Shreckhise (Ph.D. Candidate) evaluating how hydraulic properties of substrates affect water retention.

Anthony LeBude, North Carolina State University: Conducted water quality survey of water sources in North Carolina. Most samples had high pH and alkalinity. He discussed Wilkinson and Davies research that showed how pH of the solution can affect transpiration rates. As a follow up study, he will evaluate how water quality affects plant physiology at the farm level.

Martin Gent, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station: Effect of standard or partial saturation (75% of the full saturation) in sub irrigation combined with silicon application on incidence of Pythium root rot of poinsettias. Plants inoculated with Pythium sp. under standard saturation did not recover had higher diseases rating and lower dry weight.

Raul Cabrera, Rutgers University: Evaluating short and long term effects of graywater (“soapy”) irrigation on ornamental plants in the landscape. Ongoing project, recently established project and will be collecting chemical and physical properties of soil. Also involved with the Colombian national association of cut flowers to increasing nutrient efficiency (currently the efficiency is 50%) and reduce runoff. Will submit a grant to evaluate plasma as an alternative water treatments option.

Rosa Raudales, University of Connecticut: Research program focuses on understanding how water quality affects biofilm buildup on the inside of irrigation pipes, and how biofilm affects plant health. Presented water quality data from survey conducted to growers who indicated having biofilm clogging problems. Also presented preliminary results on how biofilm affect plant disease incidence in poinsettias.

Paul Fisher and George Grant, University of Florida: Remediation of paclobutrazol using granular activated carbon. Tested how different contact times and granular activated carbon materials affect removal efficacy of 50 ppb paclobutrazol. Based on a bioassay studies, increased contact time of removed the biological active residual concentration of paclobutrazol and no difference was observed between bituminous coal and coconut coir.

Loren Oki, UC Davis: Virus (TMV) removal with slow sand filtration after week 6 (sustained for 6 more weeks). Ongoing research is part of the Clean WateR³ project: Nursery runoff characterization will measure flow rate, residual chlorine, etc. Measuring salinity tolerance using microcalorimentry.

Peter Ling, The Ohio State University: New education program (2-year) on Greenhouse Engineering Technology at ATI. Plant health monitoring and passive watering: NASA project including sensors to monitor water use and prevent water leakage. Energy harvesting greenhouse: Recycle extra energy from daytime and use it at night.

Tom Fernandez, Michigan State University: Clean Water3 project: Currently, establishing an experimental nursery. First experiments are looking at the movement of P and pesticides and tracing residual concentrations. Runoff system will be catched at the pond and then treat with a bioreactor. Then they will irrigate with recaptured, remediated and fresh water. Project will include customer willingness to pay (Bridget Behe). RFID technology that reads all the tags of plants on the cart without unloading. Readers get 98% efficiency of readings. Drawback is that water impedes the signal, max distance 16 feet. Potential use to map where plants are located, and use it a precision agriculture in container agriculture.

12:40 pm: Break for lunch

1:50 pm: Collaborative efforts led by John Majsztrik

The group divided in three groups and then reported to the rest of the group:

Remediation of water sources: The group discussed the importance of characterizing water around the country and proposed doing a water source mapping to predict how growers would have to manage water in those regions. Potential idea for developing a grant (John Majsztrik offered to lead the effort). It was suggested to collect data by: (1) sampling, (2) data from commercial analytical labs, and (3) USDA geological groundwater survey.

Organic fertilizers and predictability of nutrient release: The group discussed how one of the limitations of organic production is the unknown predictability and lack of control on when nutrients are released. They discussed that it might be a good start to understand N balance. Previous research by Univ. of Maryland, found big gaps in N balance. Proposed future steps were to develop nitrogen curves for organic fertilizer, control nitrification, and interaction with microbes. A second topic, was to develop a decision tree to standardize management of composts (Hye-Ji Kim).

Controlled Environment and Conservation: The group discussed the importance on conducting research that compares plant factories with semi-close greenhouses in terms of ET modelling, recapturing wastewater and blending, semi-close energy and water systems and include economics of the different options.

4:00 pm: BUSINESS MEETING: NE 1335

Attendees: Gene, A.J. Both, Martin Gent, Tom Manning, Rosa Raudales, Stephanie Burnett (Preside meeting), Robin Brumfield, and Peter Ling

Approval of 2015 minutes: A.J. Both made a motion to accept 2015 minutes, P. Ling second, all accept.

Suggestions for new members: U. of Illinois Paul Davidson (engineer water and soil), Celina Gomez (Purdue graduate, Univ. of Florida), Ryan Dickson (New Hampshire). Stephanie will invite them to join (explain how it works). Send letter to Experimental Station director to invite your new faculty. Send a message to other groups with new hires in CEA: Purdue, Michigan, OSU, New Hamp. Florida, Colorado, Iowa (Chris Currey), NCSU (Ricardo), Roberto Lopez (MSU)

Involve industry partner help identify gaps in knowledge.

Administration report: Adel Shirmohammadi from the University of Maryland is the new NIFA Advisor. He could not make it to the meeting.

Meeting dates and locations: June 2017, unless it is in Ohio.

Adel Shirmohammadi from Maryland. Contact faculty (John Lea-Cox) in Univ. of Maryland about potential meeting there next year.

If Maryland does not agree to host, Connecticut (R. Raudales) will host 2017.

OSU (P. Ling) offered to host. Potentially at the same time as Cultivate.

Invite growers to help identify gaps in knowledge. Encourage industry, growers and students to join the meeting next year.

Nomination and election of incoming secretary:

A.J. Both nominated Neil Mattson for secretary. A.J. Both will serve as a backup if Neil does not accept.

Member announcements:

Cultivate’16 will take place in two weeks (July 9-12)

NCERA-101 meeting will be in Australia on Sept 3. The group submitted a grant to support travel grants. Anybody interested in attending, must submit abstract and travel grant before the end of the month (June 30).

J. Both: NCERA-101 (and two international sister organizations) developed a booklet titled “Guidelines for measuring and reporting environmental parameters for experiments in the greenhouses”. The information contained in this booklet is also discussed in the open-source publication: Both, A.J., L. Benjamin, J. Franklin, G. Holroyd, L.D. Incoll, M.G. Lefsrud, and G. Pitkin. 2015. Guidelines for measuring and reporting environmental parameters for experiments in greenhouses. Plant Methods 11(43). 18 pp.

Ling: Online courses for greenhouse engineering is completed. Search: Horticulture Engineering Technology channel in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsD2oKzVv1B_GtumyKKE8LA

Consider doing an international trip in 2018: Potential locations: Mexico, Canada, Italy (AgroSpace Meeting, around Memorial Day weekend for 2018), Turkey (R. Brumfield has projects).

Work on a joint project:
- Involve with the NC1186 working group on the water mapping project.
- Write a review paper.
- Collaborative research.
- Trade journal series
- Write a series of articles and combine them under a book: exchange information about best practices. How do you teach a specific audience, for example teachers, growers, bankers, etc.
- Potential topics: Hydroponics, aquaponics, urban agriculture.
- Peter Ling currently working on alarms for high-tunnels that get high temperature.
- Make a statement for urban agriculture: rooftop greenhouse, community gardens, vertical farming. Educational programs around the country.
- Stephanie will contact the group to coordinate writing a group article.

Hye-Ji Kim joined the meeting and expressed interest in joining.

4:50 pm: Meeting adjourn.
———————————————————————————————————
Notes taken by secretary: Rosa Raudales- University of Connecticut

Minutes Attachment:

2016 Minutes NE1335.pdf

Accomplishments

<h2>Topic 1: Water and Nutrient Management</h2> CT (Storrs): The University of Connecticut is conducting a series of experiments to understand how biofilm accumulates in irrigation pipes and how biofilm interacts with pathogens and nutrients in the nutrient solution. Preliminary research indicates that pipe materials affect the rate and final accumulation of biofilm and that biofilm may serve as a buffer that results in lower disease incidences caused by Pythium. In addition, research on the effects of salinity and irrigation management on growth and nutrient concentrations in poinsettia was publsihed in HortScience. CT (CAES, New Haven): Poinsettia grown for sale in 2014 were inoculated with Pythium shortly after they were set out on 28 Aug 2014.  Half of all plants were inoculated, and half received silicon for one month. Plants were grown with ebb and flow watering: half were watered for 15 min, or full saturation, and half were watered for 7 min, or partial saturation PSEFW. We then analyzed the plants shortly after inoculation, one month later, and at a final harvest on 5 December. Inoculated plants started showing symptoms on 12 Sept, and inoculated plants continued to go downhill until 13 Oct 2014. Although few of these plants died by 12 Dec 2014. they gained little weight, and did not show enough bracts to be profitably sold. Inoculated plants on the PSEFW floor were about twice as large as those on the full saturation floor and had some bracts, but not enough to sell. Plants on the full saturation floor that were not inoculated were the largest, and those grown under PSEFW had less biomass. In the past we showed that plants watered with PSEFW were about 30% smaller than those giving more saturation of the root medium. Plants fed with silicone had the same weight as those not fed with silicone. Application of silicone did not have much effect on disease or size of plants after treatment with silicone, or on silicone in the plants. When assayed on 12 Sept 2014, only the root medium differed between inoculated and non-inoculated plants. Non-inoculated plants had more silicone. There were no differences between watering treatments when analyzed on 13 Oct 2014. Root had the most silicone, 2.4 mg/g, while stems and leaves had 1.0 and 1.3 mg/g. These amounts dropped by 10 to 20 fold by the time plants were analyzed on 5 Dec 2014. Leaves and roots had about 0.1 mg/g, while bracts and stems had 0.05 and 0.04 mg/g, respectively. This was only slightly more than the amounts on 12 Sept. There was an effect of floor; plants under full saturation had more silicone in each part, than those watered with PSEFW. There was an effect of application of silicone in leaves on 5 Dec 2014. There were effects of inoculation x floor and inoculation x silicone for the amount of silicone in leaves. Silicone added to the root medium increased the amount of silicone available to the plant. However sand in the medium was also a source of silicone for the plants later in the season. It is possible that silicone had no effect on disease spread in these plants. PSEFW did have an effect, limiting the disease in inoculated plants on the PSEFW floor to half that on the saturated floor.  NY: A project continues studying the intersection of greenhouse fertilization practices and control of a common greenhouse pest: aphids. Integrated Pest Management practices for aphids are of increasing importance due to public pressure to reduce use of neonicotinoid pesticides. Pepper and pansy plants were grown with low and high rates of liquid fertilizer (LF), controlled release fertilizer (CRF), and organic slow release fertilizer (OSRF). A controlled number of green peach or foxglove aphids were then placed on each plants and aphid populations were counted 10-14 days later. For pepper, LF plants had substantially more green peach aphids than CRF or OSRF plants. Aphid population numbers correlated closely to leaf tissue nitrogen. The results suggests that moderate fertility (such as low rates of liquid feed or CRF/OSRF) can result in marketable plants while substantially reducing aphid infestations. More work is now in progress looking at the intersection of plant fertility and aphid biological control.  Maine: The University of Maine is testing a prototype propagation system that has the potential to reduce water use. One of these, sub-mist aeroponics, has the potential to reduce water use in propagation compared to traditional mist. During an entire experiment, one third of the amount of water was used in sub-mist aeroponics that would be used during a single mist cycle for traditional propagation.  Nebraska: A seven-month winter greenhouse experiment focusing on eight cultivars of basil grown at three levels of fertilizer application was conducted and completed during 2014-2015 to model basil growth.  Initial efforts have shown that subtractive clustering of the data along with training of rules can result in good correlation (R2 = 0.95) with 23 rules between actual and predicted growth. FCM (GENFIS3) has not shown good results to date, probably due to limitations in the clustering properties.  GENFIS1 generates too many rules (100) and overfitting of the data occurs. Predicting how quickly each plant of basil will reach marketable size (100 g dry weight) will help growers know when to harvest basil or any medicinal plant grown with our system for optimal yield and hopefully predictable quantity of essential oil. If one can predict reliably how much essential oil will be produced then the method and resultant product can be proposed for USP or FDA (depending on the active ingredient) approval. Currently most medicinal and herbal oils and other supplements vary too widely in composition for that kind of approval. We are working towards changing that situation. Given the nature of this modeling research and involvement with a real greenhouse experiment, Dr. Meyer has been able to attract an undergraduate female student and obtain a UCARE grant to employ her. Test irrigation systems in parallel utilizing the same set of greenhouse crops and cultural conditions to develop metrics for their use Maine: The University of Maine grew two cultivars of English lavender ‘Hidcote’ and ‘Munstead’ in a sensor automated drip irrigation system. Out of the two cultivars, ‘Munstead’ appeared more drought tolerant than ‘Hidcote’ because plants survived at a lower substrate moisture content (0.10 LL-1). Although it is widely recommended to grow English lavender in dry conditions, plants were larger and had more flowers (for ‘Hidcote’) when they were grown in substrates with a higher substrate moisture content. Develop outreach materials for commercial greenhouse operations for effectively implementing these systems to save water and fertilizer resources CT: Published as co-author three articles as part of the Water Treatment Series in Greenhouse Grower Magazine (readership >18K), two articles for e-Gro on management of algae and pathogens in hydroponics (readership >3K) and is currently developing an online decision support tool to interpret water quality analysis. Delivered 14 presentations to target greenhouse growers on topics relating water quality or nutrient management. Maine: Recommendations for growing English lavender with less water were shared with growers through a trade publication in Greenhouse Grower and a presentation at New England Grows. <h2>Topic 2: Alternative Energy Sources and Energy Conservation</h2> Develop guidelines and approaches to improve greenhouse heating system efficiency NY, NJ: A collaborative research project is investigating energy efficiency and plant growth of greenhouse supplemental lighting with high pressure sodium (HPS) lamps versus new light-emitting-diode (LED) lamps. Five models of LED fixtures and 2 HPS fixtures were evaluated at Rutgers to quantify light output vs. electrical consumption. Interestingly, despite popular claims of LED efficiency, only two LED fixtures had greater efficiency than the HPS fixtures. Plant performance of baby leaf arugula, kale, and lettuce was evaluated at Cornell. Each luminaire had a PAR light sensor and was connected to a computer control system to light to the same constant daily light integral. Very little difference in plant yield was found by light treatment, suggesting that in a greenhouse with supplemental light, energy efficiency is a more important metric than light spectrum.  NY: A simulation tool was developed to compare energy costs and carbon footprint for hydroponic plants grown in a CEA greenhouse versus a vertical/warehouse farm. Vertical farms are gaining popularity due to the ability to grow plants in a small area footprint in an urban area. However, our results indicate that vertical production has much higher energy costs and carbon footprint than CEA greenhouse production due to the need to provide all the plants light needs from electricity as well as due to the cooling and dehumidification costs. Nebraska: A publication is currently being developed for the high plains. Maine: Recommendations for growing English lavender with less water were shared with growers through a trade publication in Greenhouse Grower and a presentation at New England Grows Develop guidelines and approaches for the use of alternative energy sources NJ: An ongoing collaboration with colleagues in Japan has resulted in one published and one accepted publication on open-roof greenhouses. NY: work has continued on a project using a wood furnace to heat a small nearby commercial greenhouse. The furnace can also produce biochar (agricultural charcoal). Initially the project was to use municipal waste wood chips (from yard trimmings). However, size and moisture quality of these chips was not adequate for the furnace. The furnace is currently operating using locally produced wood pellets and in the future we hope to use graded micro-wood chips as a more cost effective solution. The biochar from the furnace has been tested as a substrate amendment for container grown plants. Biochar from some of the feedstocks tested incorporated into a peat/perlite substrate at 10% by volume led to a significant increase in growth of basil and lettuce. <h2>Topic 3: Sensors and Control Strategies</h2> Evaluate and develop novel sensors and environmental control strategies Completed a three year evaluation of energy monitoring hardware and its utility in assessing energy use and efficiency in greenhouses and other agricultural facilities (Rutgers).  Outreach activities (presentation, publications, demonstrations) to stakeholders NJ: A presentation was delivered on greenhouse heating, cooling, ventilation and control systems during the Greenhouse Production Short Course, NJ EcoComplex. Columbus, NJ. March 7-8, 2016 (Rutgers).  NY: Thirteen New York State and twelve national presentations were given reaching more than 1,366 commercial greenhouse/high tunnel industry members. Two webinars reaching a national audience of 210 were given. Four trade journal articles, and four website extension bulletins reaching a national commercial greenhouse audience were published. A summer floriculture field day was held reaching more than 125 participants. Nebraska:   The Nebraska strawberry and basil projects are using the Decagon® GS3 media sensor with a Campbell CR1000® data logger.  The GS3 provides volumetric water content, media temperature, and media electric conductivity. Our greenhouse has a computer in a temperature controlled cabinet hooked to the internet. The greenhouse sensors can be remotely interrogated form anywhere in the world through passwords and a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which provides users a secure, encrypted connection to UNL internal resources. <h2>Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NE-1335 Multistate Research Project objectives:</h2> NJ: After a seven-year international collaborative effort the publication titled: ‘Guidelines for measuring and reporting environmental parameters for experiments in greenhouses’ was published in an open-access journal (Plant Methods). CT: Obtained a grant from the USDA-Specialty Crop Block Grant to collaborate between the two CT experiment stations (UConn Storrs and CAES New Haven). The project will seek to identify non-chemical options for control of Pythium root rot in hydroponics.

Publications

Dissertations, Theses (Published) Isabel Armas Gutiérrez, M.S. 2015. Thesis title: Nutritional enhancement of lettuce using mutation breeding. Rutgers University Library. A.J. Both served as a member of the thesis advisory committee. Book Chapters (Published) <ul style="list-style-type: square;"> <li>Mitchell, C.A., J.F. Burr, M.J. Dzakovich, C. Gómez, R. Lopez, R. Hernández, C. Kubota, C.J. Currey, Q. Meng, E.S. Runkle, C.M. Bourget, R.C. Morrow, and A.J. Both. 2015. Light-Emitting Diodes in horticulture. Horticultural Reviews 43:1-87. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, NJ.</li> </ul> Refereed Journal Articles (Published)  <ul style="list-style-type: square;"> <li>Altland, J.E., L. Morris, J. Boldt, P. Fisher, and R. Raudales. 2015.  Sample container and storage for paclobutrazol monitoring in irrigation water. HortTechnology 25:769-773.</li> <li>Both, A.J.,  L. Benjamin, J. Franklin, G. Holroyd, L.D. Incoll,  M.G. Lefsrud, and G. Pitkin. 2015. Guidelines for measuring and reporting environmental parameters for experiments in greenhouses. Plant Methods 11(43). 18 pp.</li> <li>Brumfield, R.G., A. J. DeVincentis, X. Wang, R. T. Fernandez, S. Nambuthiri, R. L. Geneve, A. K. Koeser, G. Bi, T. Li, Y. Sun, G. Niu, D. Cochran, A. Fulcher, J.R. Stewart. 2015. Economics of Utilizing Alternative Containers in Ornamental Crop Production Systems. HortTechnology 25(1):17-25. http://horttech.ashspublications.org/content/25/1/17.full.pdf</li> <li>Balal, R. M., Shahid, M. A., Javaid, M. M., Iqbal, Z., Anjum, M. A., Garcia-Sanchez, F., & Mattson, N. S. 2016. The role of selenium in amelioration of heat-induced oxidative damage in cucumber under high temperature stress. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 38(6), 1-14.</li> <li>Burnett, S. E., Mattson, N. S., & Williams, K. A. 2016. Substrates and fertilizers for organic container production of herbs, vegetables, and herbaceous ornamental plants grown in greenhouses in the United States. Scientia Horticulturae. doi:10.1016/j.scienta.2016.01.001</li> <li>Bombarely, A., Moser, M., Amrad, A., Bao, M., Bapaume, L., Barry, C.S., Bliek, M., Boersma, M.R., Borghi, L., Bruggmann, R. and Bucher, M. Mattson, N.S. 2016. Insight into the evolution of the Solanaceae from the parental genomes of Petunia hybrida. Nature plants, 2, p.16074.</li> <li>DeVincentis, A. J., R. G. Brumfield, P. Gottlieb, J. Johnson, 2015. Cost Analysis of Recycling Water in Greenhouses in Southern New Jersey. HortScience 50(8):1–6. 2015.</li> <li>Furtini E.D., K.V. Furtini, N.S. Mattson. 2015. Nutrition and quality in ornamental plants. Advances in Ornamental Horticulture and Landscaping. 21(2):139-150.</li> <li>Gent, M.P.N., W.H. Elmer, K. Macherla and R.J. McAvoy. 2016. Effects of Salinity and Irrigation Management on Poinsettia. HortScience 51:427–434</li> <li>Gent, M.P.N. 2016. Effect of irradiance and temperature on composition of spinach. HortScience 51:133-140.</li> <li>Gent, M.P.N., W.H. Elmer, K. Macherla, R.J. McAvoy. 2015. Effects of Salinity and Irrigation Management on Poinsettia. Acta Horticulturae 1104:41-47.</li> <li>Gerovac, J.R., R.G. Lopez and N.S. Mattson. 2015. High tunnel versus climate-controlled greenhouse: transplant time and production environment impact growth and morphology of cold-tolerant bedding plants. HortScience. 50:830-838.</li> <li>Johnson, M., T.S. Villani, A. Azmat, J.E. Simon, and A.J. Both. 2015. Evaluation of algal biomass production on vertical aeroponic substrates. Algal Research 10:240-248.</li> <li>Li, Y. and N.S. Mattson. 2015. Effects of seaweed extract application rate and method on post-production life of petunia and tomato transplants. HortTechnology. 25:505-510.</li> <li>Zhen, S. and S. Burnett. 2015. Effects of substrate volumetric water content on English lavender morphology and photosynthesis. HortScience 50:909-915.</li> </ul> Symposium Proceedings Articles (Published) <ul style="list-style-type: square;"> <li>Harbick, K. and Albright, L.D. 2016. Comparison of energy consumption: greenhouses and plant factories. Acta Hortic. 1134, 285-292 DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2016.1134.38</li> <li>Ishii, M., L. Okushima, H. Moriyama, S. Sase, N. Fukuchi, and A.J. Both. 2015. Experimental study of natural ventilation in an open-roof greenhouse during the summer. Acta Horticulturae 1107:67-74.</li> <li>Kubota, C., M. Kroggel, A.J. Both, J.F. Burr, and M. Whalen. 2016. Does supplemental lighting make sense for my crop? – Empirical evaluations. Acta Horticulturae 1134:403-411.</li> <li>Wallace, C and A.J. Both 2016. Evaluating operating characteristics of light sources for horticultural applications. Acta Horticulturae 1134:435-443.</li> </ul> Popular Articles (Published)  <ul style="list-style-type: square;"> <li>Burnett, S. and S. Zhen. 2016. Irrigating English lavender. Greenhouse Grower (In Press) http://www.greenhousegrower.com/production/manage-soil-moisture-for-proper-irrigation-of-english-lavender/.</li> <li>DeVincentis, A., R.G. Brumfield, and P. Gottlieb. 2015. A clear vision: Years before state mandates, Overdevest Nursery started capturing and cleaning irrigation runoff. Nursery Management 31(1):36-40. http://www.nurserymag.com/nm0115-irrigation-runoff-overdevest-nursery.aspx.</li> <li>DeVincentis, A., R.G. Brumfield, and P. Gottlieb. 2014. A step ahead: Centerton Nursery’s water recycling system provides 30 million gallons each year. Nursery Management 30(9):24-26, 44-45. http://www.nurserymag.com/digital/201409/index.html.</li> <li>DeVincentis, A., R.G. Brumfield, and P. Gottlieb. 2014. H2O in the ozone. Greenhouse Management 34(8):18-22. http://www.greenhousemag.com/digital/201408/index.html.</li> <li>DeVincentis, A., R.G. Brumfield, and P. Gottlieb. 2014. Keeping water clean with copper. Greenhouse Management 34(10):42-47. http://www.greenhousemag.com/gm1014-kube-pak-water-disinfection.aspx.</li> <li>DeVincentis, A., R.G. Brumfield, and P. Gottlieb. 2014. 10 tips for recycling irrigation water. Greenhouse Management 34(12):21-23. <a href="http://www.greenhousemag.com/gm1014-kube-pak-water-disinfection.aspx">http://www.greenhousemag.com/gm1014-kube-pak-water-disinfection.aspx</a>.</li> <li>Fisher, P., Raudales, R. E., Huang J. 2016. Select the Right Filter for Ebb-and Flood Irrigation. Greenhouse Grower Magazine: New Technology Development in Water Treatment Series. Greenhouse Grower July 2016: 46-50</li> <li>Fisher, P., Raudales, R.E. 2016. Minimize iron build-up on your water pipes. Greenhouse Grower. June 2016:66-70</li> <li>Fisher, P., Grant, G., Zayaz, V., Raudales, R. E., Altland, J., Boldt, J. 2016. New Technology Development in Water Treatment. Greenhouse Grower Technology. May/June 2016: 20-22</li> <li>Hutchins, K., W. Miller, N. Mattson, Cheni Filios. 2016. Combos that are pretty & tasty. GrowerTalks. 79(9):90-91.</li> <li>Mattson, N. 2015. Growing greenhouse tomatoes in containers. Inside Grower. October:20-22.</li> <li>Mattson, N. 2015. Selecting fertilizer rates for several spring bedding plants. Greenhouse Grower Magazine. 33 (August).</li> <li>Mattson, N. 2015. 10 tips to improve retail shelf life of bedding plants. Greenhouse Grower Magazine. 33 (June).</li> <li>Wallace, C. and A.J. Both. 2016. Putting lights to the test. GrowerTalks, June issue. pp. 60, 62, 64.</li> <li>Raudales, R. E., Pundt, L. 2016. Maintaining high quality plants in retail settings. E-Gro Alerts 5(31):1-6</li> <li>Raudales, R. E. 2016. Algae on the nutrient solution and surfaces. E-Gro Edibles 1(6):1-44</li> <li>Raudales, R. E., McGehee, C. 2016. Pythium root rot of hydroponic crops. E-Gro Edibles 1(4):1-5</li> </ul> Presentations (Papers)  <ul style="list-style-type: square;"> <li>Allred, J. and N. Mattson. 2016. Effects of varying daily light integral and carbon dioxide concentration on the growth and nutritional characteristics of three microgreen species of the Brassicaceae family. ISHS Eighth International Symposium on Light in Horticulture. 22-26 May, 2016. East Lansing, Michigan.</li> <li>Both, A.J. 2015. A video presentation titled ‘Greenhouse Energy Efficiency’ was delivered as part of the NE-SARE funded Farm Energy IQ project (collaboration with Penn State and the University of Vermont).</li> <li>Brumfield, R.G. 2015. Cost Accounting, Financial Statements, and Ratios. Horticultural Engineering You Tube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQfiNY2U9fk.</li> <li>Brumfield, R.G. 2015. How to price your products. Horticultural Engineering You Tube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3HxeoRzrRg.</li> <li>Brumfield, R.G. 2015. Production Plan. Horticultural Engineering You Tube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXz5iT0qSmI.</li> <li>Brumfield, R.G. 2015. SWOT Analysis: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. Horticultural Engineering You Tube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sZNTwEPoCI.</li> <li>Brumfield, R.G. 2015. Writing a business plan. Horticultural Engineering You Tube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kciVgK_NtTM.</li> <li>Brumfield, R.G., S. Komar, and J. Carleo. 2015. Why have a business plan? Horticultural Engineering You Tube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBtirLAuJhs.</li> <li>Burnett, S. December, 4, 2015. Growing Lovely Lavender. New England Grows. Boston, MA.</li> <li>Butterfield, A., W.Wei, M. E Conley and E. T. Paparozzi. 2015. Winter production of basil (Ocimum spp.) for essential oils.  HortScience 50(9): S265. (Abstr.)</li> <li>Carleo, J., R.G. Brumfield, and S. Komar. 2015. Developing a Mission Statement. Horticultural Engineering You Tube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0V7cQxIycEk.</li> <li>DeVincentis, A., R.G. Brumfield, and P. Gottlieb. 2015. Recycling Waste Water videos. We developed a series of videos to help greenhouse and nursery owners with costs and systems for recycling their waste water: http://aesop.rutgers.edu/~farmmgmt/recycling-water/index.html.</li> <li>Foster, J., Burnett, S., and L. Stack. 2016 (abstract). The effects of light and soil moisture on propagation of Linnaea borealis. HortScience (In Press).</li> <li>Kubota, C. and R.G. Brumfield. 2015. Vegetable Greenhouse Overview. Horticultural Engineering You Tube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gn8YKTj9018.</li> <li>Peterson, B.J., O. Sanchez, S. Burnett, and D.J. Hayes. 2016. (abstract) Sub-Mist is an effective alternative to overhead mist for the propagation of coleus by stem cuttings. HortScience (In Press).</li> <li>Harbick, K. and Albright, L.D. 2016. Comparison of energy consumption: greenhouses and plant factories. ISHS Eighth International Symposium on Light in Horticulture. 22-26 May, 2016. East Lansing, Michigan.</li> <li>Kranti Macherla and Richard J. McAvoy. 2015. The Effect of Salinity on the Growth and Nutrient Status of Zinnia Grown Under Regulated Deficit Irrigation. ASHS 2015 (August 3-7, 2015) (<a href="https://ashs.confex.com/ashs/2015/webprogramarchives/Paper21915.html">https://ashs.confex.com/ashs/2015/webprogramarchives/Paper21915.html</a>)</li> <li>McAvoy, R. Growing greenhouse tomatoes for optimum yield and quality, New England Vegetable and Fruit Growers Conference Manchester NH Dec 17, 2015</li> <li>Raudales, R. Nutrient Management for Hydroponics. Greenhouse Production Short-course. Bordertown, NJ. March 7, 2016.</li> <li>Raudales, R. PGRs from start to finish. Bedding Plant Meeting. Vernon, CT. February 25, 2016.</li> <li>Raudales, R. PGRs from start to finish. Bedding Plant Meeting. Torrington, CT. February 23, 2016.</li> <li>Raudales, R. Nutrient program: Selecting fertilizer, monitoring growing media, and diagnosing nutrient disorders. Hands-on Plant Nutrition Workshop: In-house testing of water and growing media. New Haven, CT. February 11, 2016</li> <li>Raudales, R. Monitoring water quality for irrigation. Long Island Greenhouse & Floriculture Conference. Long Island, NY. Jan 19, 2016</li> <li>Raudales, R. Plant diseases in container-grown ornamentals. Connecticut Nursery and Landscape Association Winter Meeting. Plantsville, CT. Jan 15, 2016</li> <li>Raudales, R. Developing a nutrient program for greenhouse crops. Maine State Florist’s and Growers’ Association. Augusta, ME. January 13, 2016.</li> <li>Raudales, R. Maintaining high quality plants in postharvest. Maine State Florist’s and Growers’ Association. Augusta, ME. January 13, 2016.</li> <li>Raudales, R. Understanding water quality for irrigation. SiFLOR. Quito, EC. November 23-27, 2015</li> <li>Raudales. Maintaining high quality plants in retail. Smart Marketing= More Customers. New Haven, CT. November 3, 2016</li> <li>Raudales, R. Water conservation options and resources. Twilight Workshop. Climate Change Adaptation Strategies for CT. Windsor, CT. September 29, 2015</li> <li>Raudales, R. Water conservation options and resources. Exploring Climate Change Adaptation Strategies for CT Agriculture. Woodbridge, CT. September 23, 2015</li> <li>Raudales, R. E. Water disinfestants interacting with nutrient solutions and substrates. XVIII International Plant Protection Conference. International. Berlin, Germany August 26, 2015</li> <li>Raudales, R. Waterborne pathogens: Problem and management. It’s All About Water and Increasing Your Bottom Line Workshop.  Grand Rapids, Michigan. July 28, 2015</li> </ul> Other Creative Works <ul style="list-style-type: square;"> <li>Both, A.J. 2016. Crop lighting (abstract). Proceedings of the 61th New Jersey Agricultural Convention and Trade Show. February 9. Atlantic City, NJ. pp. 32.</li> <li>Brace, S.A. and N.S. Mattson. 2015. Webinar: Vermicompost as organic nutrient and substrate amendment. Oct. 30, 2015 Hosted by electronic grower resource online (e-Gro.org). 110 participants. Available online: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Jq-FebidUw">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Jq-FebidUw</a></li> <li>Mattson, N. 2015. Infographic: How indoor agriculture is a boon to New York’s foodies. Created jointly with Indoor Ag Con. <a href="http://www.cornellcea.com/images/indoor-ag-infographic42x12.pdf">www.cornellcea.com/images/indoor-ag-infographic42x12.pdf</a> </li> <li>Mattson, N. and T. Merrill. 2015. Symptoms of common nutrient deficiencies in hydroponic lettuce. e-Gro Research Update #2015.09. 10 pp.  <a href="http://e-gro.org/pdf/Mattson_Lettuce_2015_9.pdf">http://e-gro.org/pdf/Mattson_Lettuce_2015_9.pdf</a> </li> <li>Mattson, N. 2015. Tipburn of hydroponic lettuce. e-Gro Alerts 4.31. 7 pp. <a href="http://www.e-gro.org/pdf/2015_431.pdf">http://www.e-gro.org/pdf/2015_431.pdf</a> </li> <li>Mattson, N. 2015. Ethylene in the greenhouse. e-Gro Alerts 4.15. 5 pp. <a href="http://www.e-gro.org/pdf/2015_415.pdf">http://www.e-gro.org/pdf/2015_415.pdf</a></li> <li>Mattson, N.S. 2015. Webinar: Silicon as a beneficial nutrient in greenhouse production. Hosted by electronic grower resource online (e-Gro.org). Oct. 30, 2015. 110 participants. Available online: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzez3yIvARI">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzez3yIvARI</a></li> <li>Mattson, N.S. 2016. Webinar: Lighting Strategies and Cost. Hosted by electronic grower resource online (e-Gro.org). Feb. 22, 2016. 105 participants. Available online: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=253lk2DmewE">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=253lk2DmewE</a></li> <li>Mattson, N.S. 2016. Webinar: Managing nutrient solutions for hydroponic leafy greens and herbs. Hosted by electronic grower resource online (e-Gro.org). Jan. 19, 2016. 110 participants. Available online: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHatTEQydZQ">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHatTEQydZQ</a></li> <li>Paparozzi E. and Meyer,G. 2016. Revision/updating of CEA website – <a href="http://www.agronomy.unl.edu/cea-grant">www.agronomy.unl.edu/cea-grant</a></li> <li>Raudales, R.E., B. MacKay, P.R. Fisher. Waterborne Solutions: Online searchable database on efficacy of water treatments to control plant pathogens <a href="http://www.backpocketgrower.com/waterbornesolutions.asp">http://www.backpocketgrower.com/waterbornesolutions.asp</a></li> </ul> Workshop Sponsor <ul style="list-style-type: square;"> <li>Both, A.J. and D. Specca. Greenhouse Production Short Course, NJ EcoComplex. Columbus, NJ. March 7-8, 2016. Robin Brumfield made a presentation on the basics for developing a greenhouse business plan, Rosa Raudales (UCONN) made a presentation on nutrient management for hydroponics.</li> <li>Johnstonbaugh, E., D. Ciolokoz, G. Musgarve, G. Roth, C. Callahan, S. Hawkins, A.J. Both, Z. Helsel, T. Manning. Farm Energy IQ workshops (In-service training). Columbus, NJ. April 8-10, 2015.</li> <li>McAvoy, R. The Innovation Connection Growing Green: Technology & Challenges Wednesday, March 30, 2016 Grower Direct Farms, Inc. Somers, CT 06071 Co-sponsored by UConn School of Business, School of Engineering, and the College of Agriculture Health and Natural Resources</li> <li>Campbell, B, L. Pundt, R. Raudales. Smart Marketing= More Customers. New Haven, CT. November 3, 2016</li> <li>Pundt, L., Raudales, R. Bedding Plant Meeting. Vernon and Torrington, CT. February 23-25, 2016.</li> <li>Raudales, R. L. Pundt. Hands-on Plant Nutrition Workshop: In-house testing of water and growing media. New Haven, CT. February 11, 2016</li> </ul> Workshop Participant <ul style="list-style-type: square;"> <li>Both, A.J. 2016. Urban agriculture. Presented at the 2016 Urban Agriculture as an Economic Tool Conference, hosted by the New Jersey Urban Mayors Association. Trenton, NJ. May 5.</li> </ul> Refereed Journal Articles (Pending) <ul style="list-style-type: square;"> <li>Johnson, M., T.S. Villani, J.E. Simon, A.J. Both. 2016. Effects of nitrogen, CO2 and harvesting method on various algae species grown on vertical substrates. Submitted for publication in the Journal of Applied Phycology. </li> <li>Ishii, M., L. Okushima, H. Moriyama, S. Sase, N. Fukuchi, T. Maruo, and A.J. Both. 2015. Evaluating environmental conditions in open-roof greenhouses. Accepted for publication in Acta Horticulturae.</li> <li>Raudales, R.E., P. Fisher, C. Hall. 2016. Cost Analysis of Water Treatments in Irrigation. Submitted for publication in the journal of Irrigation Science (accepted with minor revisions on July 11, 2016).</li> </ul> Book Chapters (Pending) <ul style="list-style-type: square;"> <li>Both, A.J., J.M. Frantz, B. Bugbee. 2016. Carbon dioxide enrichment in greenhouses. Submitted for publication in ‘Light Management in Controlled Environments’ (R. Lopez and E. Runkle, eds.) to be published by Meister Media.</li> <li>Runkle, E. and A.J. Both. 2016. Delivering long-day lighting – Technology options and costs. Submitted for publication in ‘Light Management in Controlled Environments’ (R. Lopez and E. Runkle, eds.) to be published by Meister Media.</li> <li>Both, A.J. and J.E. Faust. 2016. Light transmission: The impact of glazing material and greenhouse design. Submitted for publication in ‘Light Management in Controlled Environments’ (R. Lopez and E. Runkle, eds.) to be published by Meister Media.</li> <li>Fisher, P., A.J. Both, and B. Bugbee. 2016. Supplemental lighting technology, costs and efficiency. Submitted for publication in ‘Light Management in Controlled Environments’ (R. Lopez and E. Runkle, eds.) to be published by Meister Media.</li> <li>Raudales, R.E. Nutritional disorders of florists’ crops. Ch.2. In: McGovern R.J. and W.H. Elmer. Handbook of Florists’ Crop Diseases. Springer, Berlin, Germany.</li> </ul>

Impact Statements

Nebraska: Predicting how quickly each plant of basil will reach marketable size (100 g dry weight) will help growers know when to harvest basil or any medicinal plant grown with our system for optimal yield and hopefully predictable quantity of essential oil.

Date of Annual Report: 08/25/2017

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 06/29/2017 - 06/30/2017
Period the Report Covers: 06/24/2016 - 06/30/2017

Participants

A.J. Both, Rutgers University, both@aesop.rutgers.edu
Ryan Dickson, University of New Hampshire, Ryan.Dickson@unh.edu
Hye-Ji Kim, Purdue University, hyejikim@purdue.edu
Joyce Latimer, Virginia Tech, jlatime@vt.edu
Peter Ling, Ohio State University, ling.23@osu.edu
Neil Mattson, Cornell University, nsm47@cornell.edu
George Meyer, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, gmeyer1@unl.edu
Ellen Paparozzi, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, etp1@unl.edu
Rosa Raudales, University of Connecticut, rosa.raudales@uconn.edu
Adel Shirmohammadi, University of Maryland, ashirmo@umd.edu

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

2017NE 1335 Annual Meeting minutes.docx

Accomplishments

Annual Meeting University of Nebraska, Lincoln Lincoln, NE June 29-30, 2017   Multistate Research Project Annual Station Accomplishments Report   PROJECT NUMBER:             NE-1335           TITLE:                                    Resource Management in Commercial Greenhouse Production   PROJECT DURATION:         October 1, 2013 – September 30, 2018   REPORTING PERIOD:         June 24, 2016 – June 30, 2017   REPORT DATE:                    August 25, 2017   OBJECTIVES (included as a reminder):   <ol> <li>To develop up-to-date water and nutrient as well as energy management guidelines for greenhouse crop production and provide stakeholders with educational opportunities that teach proper implementation at their own facilities.</li> <li>To develop these guidelines using research and development involving sensors and control strategies devised by current team members, and through and future collaborations among team members who may become part of this research project.</li> </ol>   METHODS (please include your accomplishments where appropriate):   Topic 1: Water and Nutrient Management <ol> <li>Develop and test irrigation and fertilization practices to improve water and fertilizer use efficiency in greenhouse production</li> <li>Conduct research to further refine irrigation/fertilization systems</li> </ol>   UNH: Project results indicated that peat-based substrates amended with wood fiber and coconut coir may require growers to adjust their fertilizer and irrigation program. Recommendations on fertilizer nitrogen form, substrate lime type and rate, and irrigation frequency for different blends of peat, coir, and wood fiber blends were developed.   CTNH: Temperature changes the composition of plants through its effects on metabolism and nutrient uptake. Hydroponic lettuce growing in naturally sunlit greenhouses was subjected to two temperature treatments. Minimum temperatures were 20° or 10°C, and ventilation temperatures were 26 and 16oC, for warm and cool treatments, respectively. Tissue composition data for three plantings were subjected to analysis of variance with fixed effects of warm or cool temperature, high or low daily light integral, and am or pm harvest time. Plant size was included as a covariate. Warm compared to cool temperature increased relative growth rate by 85% for small plants of 2 to 5 g fw, compared to 30% for medium plants of 20 to 60 g fw. Warm temperature increased specific leaf area for plants grown under a low light integral of 4.5 mol.m-2.d-1, compared to a high light integral of 15 to 17 mol.m-2.d-1. Dry matter content was 20% greater for plants grown under cool compared to warm conditions. Total reduced nitrogen was 7% less under cool temperature. The concentration of nitrate was 40% lower, while the concentration of sugars was about 50% higher, under cool compared to warm temperature. Cool temperature increased the tissue concentrations of malic acid and potassium, but had no effect on phosphorus.   Maine has been researching a propagation system that applied water to the base of the stem in an enclosed container (aeroponics), rather than overhead as in traditional mist. Aeroponics was compared to over-head mist for vegetative propagation of a variety of plants including Lantana camara and Hydrangea paniculata. For the plants tested, the benefit of this system appears to be that roots form sooner in aeroponics compared to over-head mist. Plants propagated in aeroponics generally have longer roots, and roots have a greater dry mass compared to over-head mist. There is the potential to save water when propagating plants in aeroponics as well. Solenostemon scutellarioides (Coleus) propagated using overhead mist used the same amount of water for three typical mist cycles (30 seconds) as plants would use in aeroponics for an entire propagation cycle (several weeks).   Virginia Tech surveyed nursery and greenhouse operators to evaluate their use of BMPs and barriers to implementing new BMPs to assist us in developing publications and resources to assist producers in improving production efficiency and reduce environmental impact.   NE: A total of five cultivar studies of Basil (Ocimum spp.) were conducted in late fall 2014 through spring 2015, fall 2015, spring 2016, fall 2016 and spring, 2017 where plants were grown using a capillary mat (CapMat) irrigation/fertigation bench system (a sandwich of white reflective /black plastic polyethylene top, capillary mat, black 6 mm polyethylene), in a double polyethylene-glazed Quonset style greenhouse (ENT-3), located on the east campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  Decagon GS3® electronic sensors were installed in the root balls of selected 8 pots (2 cultivars) to sense and monitor volumetric water content, electrical conductivity, and media temperature. The primary hypothesis for these studies was to predict final herbage (dry weight) of basil, based on electronic sensor inputs and other factors.  A growth parameter (height of the sensor plants) as an outcome was initially tested.  Height data was collected for each of the sensor plants in 2017, involving the cultivars: Mrs. Burns Lemon and Italian Large Leaf.  There were three plants per pot in this study. Basically these plant height responses do not necessarily follow a classical sigmoidal growth model. However, approximate reasoning modeling (Fuzzy Logic discussed under objective 2) should follow the growth process closely.  There has been considerable statistical analysis interest from researchers relative to large amounts of data from electronic sensors and subsequent plant growth responses.  During the final year of this project, Dr. Walt Stroup (UNL) and one of his statistics graduate students have agreed to work with our sensing data, as a RCBD repeated measures experiment.   NY: Microgreens (young leafy greens harvested at the emergence of a true leaf are a relatively new profitable niche crop for greenhouse operations. However, very little information is available in the scientific literature regarding cultural practices. The influence of liquid fertilizer (applied at 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 ppm N from a complete liquid fertilizer) was evaluated on three brassica microgreens (arugula, mustard and mizuna). All species exhibited increased fresh weight as fertilization increased from 0 to 200 ppm N, with fresh weight about double at 200 ppm N than the unfertilized control. Seeds were sown in a peat/perlite based soilless media. Substrate depth within a flat was also studied and significantly enhanced yields were found when a flat was filled nearly to the top (as opposed to shallow filling to save on substrate).   CT (Storrs): The University of Connecticut finalized a series of experiments to understand how biofilm accumulates in irrigation pipes and how biofilm interacts with pathogens and nutrients in the nutrient solution. Results indicate that pipe materials affect the rate and final accumulation of biofilm and that diseases incidence is lower when biofilm is present in the pipes.   CT (Storrs): The University of Connecticut finalized a trial to estimate the phytotoxicity threshold of Impatiens walleriana to residual concentrations of 2-32 mgl/L of free chlorine in the irrigation water. Plants irrigated with 2 mg/L were no different than plants irrigated with no chlorine residues. Plants irrigated with 4 mg/L of free chlorine exhibited reduced plant weight, but no visual lesions on the foliage or flowers. Plants irrigated with 8-32 mg/L presented clear phytotoxicity symptoms. Results indicate that irrigation water with chlorine threshold for Impatiens walleriana is 2 mg·L−1 of free chlorine.     <ol> <li>Test irrigation systems in parallel utilizing the same set of greenhouse crops and cultural conditions to develop metrics for their use</li> </ol>     <ol> <li>Develop outreach materials for commercial greenhouse operations for effectively implementing these systems to save water and fertilizer resources</li> </ol>   Maine presented information on water requirements of various herbaceous perennials at New England Grows, which is a large regional trade show. This information was a summary of research in Maine over the past ten years regarding how much water a variety of perennial plants need for growth and development. These recommendations were developed by growing perennials in a moisture sensor automated irrigation system at various soil moisture levels (varying from 5% to 40% soil moisture).   Virginia Tech conducted a workshop on hydroponic production of greenhouse vegetables that included lectures and hands-on demonstrations for about 40 people. Comments after the workshop included appreciation for the training and decision support tools. As a result of the workshop, one attendee has joined our team as an online graduate student starting this fall. All presentations have been posted on the Fresh Produce Food Safety YouTube channel   NY: A series of three extension articles regarding visual symptoms of nutrient deficiencies in hydroponic lettuce, basil, and arugula was developed. The project was completed by a female undergraduate student who grew plants in hydroponic nutrient solutions lacking particular elements of interest. Photos and written symptoms of nutrient deficiencies were documented. The article series has been published both at e-Gro.org and Inside Grower magazine.   CT (Storrs): Delivered a total of 17 formal presentations (equivalent to approximately 340 contact hours) to growers on topics directly or indirectly related to water quality and nutrient management.   CT (Storrs): Published a total of 17 articles on popular press magazines with readerships of ~20K (Greenhouse Grower Magazine and GPN magazine), and ~4K (e-Gro).   CT (Storrs): Co-sponsored five workshops in CT and co-chaired education program in the northeast which provided a total of 60 contact hours to approximately 1232 individuals.   CT (Storrs): Provided a total of 71 individual recommendations on water, nutrient and environmental management to greenhouses growers in the US .     Topic 2: Alternative Energy Sources and Energy Conservation <ol start="2"> <li>Develop guidelines and approaches to improve greenhouse heating system efficiency</li> </ol>   <ol start="3"> <li>Develop guidelines and approaches for the use of alternative energy sources</li> </ol>   Virginia Cooperative Extension provided access to and funding for energy audits and renewable feasibility studies for 66 agricultural operations in Southside and Southwest Virginia. Between 2014 and 2016, 71 farms were accepted into the energy program, 5 farms withdrew, 64 of the 66 remaining farms completed an energy audit with 2 farms delaying their audits, 31 farms have used approximately $214,000 in grant funding along with over $610,000 in individual funds to implement energy retrofits, and 35 farms have funds remaining in their energy accounts for additional improvements. The 64 completed farm energy audits identified potential annual energy savings of 873,968 kWh in electricity and 429,847 gallons of propane with efficiency improvements resulting in a projected 3,151 MTCO2e greenhouse gas emissions reductions and an annual energy-cost savings of $850,734. Approximately 46% of the energy conservation measures had a payback period of less than 5 years. The Agriculture Energy Efficiency Initiative has delivered 20 educational programs on energy efficiency practices and technologies. Partnerships are in place with USDA Rural Development, Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, Old Dominion Electric Cooperative, and other organizations to support this project. Updated by Dr. Martha Walker on 13 Jan 2017   NY: During a multi-year research project, several commercially available HPS and LED fixtures were obtained and tested for PAR efficacy and light distribution (collaborator A.J. Both at Rutgers) and plant growth responses of baby leaf greens. In initial trials, plant performance of baby leaf greens was quite similar between LED and HPS (under a background of sunlight in a greenhouse). Based on PAR efficacy (µmol/J), the most efficacious LED fixture was 40% more efficacious than the top performing HPS fixture. However, due to the high initial cost, a simple payback for LED was estimated to be about 12 years (in a scenario regarding lighting greenhouse lettuce in upstate New York. Following the initial phase of the project 1 LED (Philips GreenPower LED Toplighting DR/B – Low. B) and 1 HPS model (Gavita Pro 6/750e DE FLEX) were chosen for additional greenhouse trials lighting a larger crop area based on PAR efficacy and plant performance. A lighting array above a ca. 340 square foot growing area in the greenhouse was designed for each of the two models. Using AGi32 lighting design software we were able to achieve 95% light uniformity across the array. The two arrays will be used for a year-long study on energy efficiency and plant morphology of hydroponic baby leaf greens.   Topic 3: Sensors and Control Strategies   <ol start="4"> <li>Evaluate and develop novel sensors and environmental control strategies</li> </ol>   NJ: As a result of our lamp testing, we proposed a product label that contains key product information useful to greenhouse growers interested in using supplemental lighting for crop production.    NE: The use of approximate reasoning such as fuzzy set theory could be a useful mathematical tool for plant and horticultural production studies. Plant harvest weights and electronic sensor data that were recorded were used for training and internally validating fuzzy logic inference and classification models, MATLAB® (Mathworks, Nattick, MA) ANFIS and the Fuzzy Logic Toolbox.  Studies showed that GENFIS2 ‘subtractive clustering’ of data, prior to ANFIS training, resulted in good correlations for predicted growth (R2 > 0.85), with small numbers of effective rules and membership functions.  Cross-validation and internal validation studies also showed good correlations (R2 > 0.85).   Using a neural-network and fuzzy logic, a simple fuzzy inference model was found to fit the 2017 growth height hypothesis for GS3 sensors and two cultivars as inputs, quite well.  Additional approximate reasoning modeling through testing and validation will include the actual individual plant heights (3 per pot).  A detailed discussion of this modeling approach and it’s used for these cultivar horticultural studies will be presented in an upcoming American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineering paper in July 2017, and further updated and refined for a refereed journal article.   <ol start="5"> <li>Outreach activities (presentation, publications, demonstrations) to stakeholders</li> </ol>   NJ: The proposed lighting label has been presented to scientific and grower audiences across the US and at a scientific conference in Australia. Several lighting manufacturers have responded positively and indicated they would be adding the proposed label to their products. We plan to continue our outreach efforts for expanded implementation of the label.   NY: In New York State the greenhouse vegetable industry continues to grow at a rapid pace. According to the latest data available (USDA Census of Agriculture) whole value of greenhouse vegetables increased by 10.6% annual between 2007 and 2012. A meeting was organized for diverse members (producers, suppliers, produce buyers, and financiers) of the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) industry. The board has semiannual meetings and has formed four working committees: Association/Policy, Education, Finance, Research & Development.   NY: Eight presentations were given reaching more than 835 commercial greenhouse/controlled environment agriculture industry members. Two webinars (one on nutrition for hydroponic crops and one on greenhouse lighting) reaching a national audience of 215 were given. Four trade journal articles, and three website extension bulletins reaching a national commercial greenhouse audience were published. A summer floriculture field day was co-organized reaching 100 attendees. n Integrated Pest Management hands-on workshop was coorganized with 45 participants. The workshop included session on alternatives to liquid fertilizer to reduce nutrient leaching and decrease fertilization costs. Regarding an academic audience, five relevant peer reviewed journal articles were published and five presentations were given at academic meetings. week-long training program for six USDA Cochran Fellows from Jordan was held (in collaboration with UC Davis colleagues) on hydroponic production methods to improve water use efficiency in vegetable production.   Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NE-1335 Multistate Research Project objectives:   UNH: A variety of outreach presentations on crop fertility, managing the greenhouse environment, integrated pest management have been delivered in New Hampshire and out of state. Private funding has been secured to conduct research and educate growers on using new wood fiber substrates. University of New Hampshire research and extension are collaborating with the USDA and commercial greenhouses in New Hampshire to model light, carbon dioxide, and temperature interactions in the greenhouse. University of New Hampshire research and extension personnel are looking into improving postharvest quality of flowering and edible crops produced in greenhouses.   CTNH: We previously developed a steady-state model of vegetative growth based on the hypothesis that growth is the minimum of the supply of non-structural carbohydrate, NSC, from photosynthesis, and the demand of NSC to synthesize new tissue. Here we incorporate sink inhibition of photosynthesis in a dynamic model of growth hour by hour, and assume that starch synthesis and breakdown provides sufficient NSC for growth and respiration during both day and night. It is not clear whether photosynthesis inhibition changes within the photoperiod or only from one day to the next. When this dynamic model was applied to tomato plants which had been pre-adapted under high or low light, respiration in darkness was first predicted to be constant, and then decreased with time, when NSC fell below the value needed for maximum growth. When predicting growth for tomato seedlings in a growth chamber at various temperatures between 9 and 36oC, the correlation between predicted and actual minimum values of NSC was greater for the dynamic model (R2 = 0.83) than the steady-state model (R2=0.65). A large fraction of photosynthesis must be inhibited to predict NSC accurately under demand-limited conditions, in contrast with little inhibition under supply-limited conditions.  This combination could be achieved only by relating inhibition to the minimum NSC content over a diurnal cycle, rather than NSC hour by hour during the day.   NJ: A variety of outreach presentations on high tunnel construction, greenhouse lighting, energy consumption, and electrical safety have been delivered at local and out-of-state venues. A $50K travel grant was secured from the USDA to help support travel expenses of NCERA-101 members who attended the 5th International Controlled Environment Meeting (AusPheno) in September 2016 in Australia. Rutgers University is contributing to a consortium headed by Cornell University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, that is funded by NYSERDA and aims to study greenhouse lighting and systems engineering.   NE: Additional impact – Training future female horticultural and biological systems engineers (STEM) as well as male undergraduate future scientists Two UCARE undergraduate female biological systems engineering students (Funded in part by gifts from the Pepsi Quasi Endowment and Union Bank & Trust, that support UNL undergraduate research) performed studies in basil leaf response studies to thermal stress and basil leaf cultivar identification, using machine vison methods and LeafGUI (Price, et al, 2012).  NE1335 funding also supported a third undergraduate student. Four additional undergraduate horticulture students (2 female) were employed through NE 1335 and Horticulture Specialty Block grant funding.  Impact: two students graduated and are employed in a job of their choice based on experience gained by participating in this project. Two (1 female) are continuing through this next year.

Publications

Impact Statements

NE: Search for a secondary market – our fresh basil producer currently sells ‘basil seconds’ to be made into pesto, but still discards fresh product. Basil oil which retails for $11 per ounce could be a market for ‘basil seconds. Decisions on basil cultivar selection and forecasting as to how quickly a basil crop will reach marketable size will help growers to know when to harvest, for optimal yield (minimum 100g dry weight) and predictable quantity of essential oils. If one can predict reliably how much essential oil will be produced then the method and resultant product can be proposed for USP or FDA (depending on the active ingredient) approval. Currently most medicinal and herbal oils and other supplements vary too widely in composition for that kind of approval. We are working towards changing that situation.

Date of Annual Report: 09/05/2018

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 07/17/2018 - 07/18/2018
Period the Report Covers: 07/01/2013 - 07/17/2018

Participants

Adel Shirmohammadi ashirmo@umd.edu MD University of Maryland
A. J. Both both@aesop.rutgers.edu NJ Rutgers University
Celina Gomez cgomezv@ufl.edu FL University of Florida
Chieri Kubota kubota.10@osu.edu OH Ohio State University
Chris Currey ccurrey@iastate.edu IA Iowa State University
Ellen Paparozzi etp1@unl.edu NE University of Nebraska
Gene Giacomelli giacomel@ag.arizona.edu AZ University of Arizona
Hye-Ji Kim hjikim@purdue.edu IN Purdue University
Joyce G Latimer jlatime@vt.edu VA Virginia Cooperative Extension
Murat Kacira mkacira@email.arizona.edu AZ University of Arizona
Neil S. Mattson nsm47@cornell.edu NY Cornell University -Ithaca
Paul Davidson pdavidso@illinois.edu IL University of Illinois
Peter P. Ling ling.23@osu.edu OH Ohio State University
Ricardo Hernandez rhernan4@ncsu.edu NC North Carolina State University
Richard Gates rsgates@illinois.edu IL University of Illinois
Roberto Lopez rglopez@msu.edu MI Michigan State University
Rosa E Raudales rosa.raudales@uconn.edu CT University of Connecticut -Storrs
Ryan Dickson ryan.dickson@unh.edu NH University of New Hampshire
Stephanie E. Burnett sburnett@maine.edu ME University of Maine
Jennifer Boldt Jennifer.Boldt@ARS.USDA.GOV OH USDA ARS
John E Erwin erwin001@umn.edu MN University of Minnesota
Meriam G Karlsson mgkarlsson@alaska.edu AL University of Alaska
Richard McAvoy richard.mcavoy@uconn.edu CT University of Connecticut -Storrs
William B. Miller wbm8@cornell.edu NY Cornell University -Ithaca
Robin Brumfield brumfield@aesop.rutgers.edu NJ Rutgers University

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

NE1335 Minutes from annual meeting 7_18_2018.docx

Accomplishments

Annual Meeting The Ohio State University Columbus, OH July 17-18, 2018   Multistate Research Project Annual Station Accomplishments Report   PROJECT NUMBER:   NE-1335            TITLE:                                     Resource Management in Commercial Greenhouse Production   PROJECT DURATION:            October 1, 2013 – September 30, 2018   EXPERIMENT STATION:        New Hampshire Agriculture Experiment Station   PARTICIPANTS:                     Ryan Dickson   REPORTING PERIOD:            July 1, 2017 – July 17, 2018   REPORT DATE:          5 September 2018           OBJECTIVES (included as a reminder):   <ol> <li>To develop up-to-date water and nutrient as well as energy management guidelines for greenhouse crop production and provide stakeholders with educational opportunities that teach proper implementation at their own facilities.</li> <li>To develop these guidelines using research and development involving sensors and control strategies devised by current team members, and through and future collaborations among team members who may become part of this research project.</li> </ol>   METHODS (please include your accomplishments where appropriate):   Topic 1: Water and Nutrient Management <ol> <li>Develop and test irrigation and fertilization practices to improve water and fertilizer use efficiency in greenhouse production</li> <li>Conduct research to further refine irrigation/fertilization systems</li> </ol>   CT: We conducted a series of experiments to understand the role and buildup of biofilm on irrigation pipes. We observed more biofilm on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes compared with polyethylene pipes when water flowed at higher frequency. We also observed that biofilms changed the initial surface properties of the PVC pipes. Since biofilm is prevalent in irrigation systems, we wanted to understand the relationship between biofilm and plant disease. Our first replicated experiment on this series indicated poinsettia-root rot incidence was lower in the presence of mature biofilms compared with newly established biofilms. We have conducted experiments to evaluate the feasibly to adopt microbial biofungicides in hydroponics systems. We learned that some biofungicides are incompatible with hydroponic systems because they significantly clog the emitters. We observed that some products reduce plant biomass by more than 30%.   Virginia Tech: Virginia Tech surveyed nursery and greenhouse operators to evaluate their use of BMPs and barriers to implementing new BMPs to assist us in developing publications and resources to assist producers in improving production efficiency and reduce environmental impact (2017). Rachel Mack has begun an M.S. program under Dr. Jim Owen. I am a member of her committee. Rachel is in the process of conducting a water use and irrigation practices survey of greenhouse and nursery operations. (2015) Dr. Jim Owen and I have secured a M.S. student who will conduct a water use and irrigation practices survey of greenhouse and nursery operations this fall. (2014)   Nebraska: Winter-time greenhouse experiments, focusing on cultivars of basil (Ocimum basilicum) (and previously strawberries), grown on a CapMAT II fertigation and watering system, with various levels of fertilizer application were conducted during 2014-2017. The greenhouse used was a classical double-polyethylene tunnel design, with gas heating and mechanical ventilation, located on the University of Nebraska, East Campus. The goal was to discover high value crops that can be grown in Nebraska at these times (Report Date 05/31/2018 Page 1 of 4 United States Department of Agriculture Progress Report Accession No. 1003777 Project No. NEB-21-164 Multistate No. NE1335). Each cultivar and fertilizer study was a factorial, randomized complete block design with six replications. Dry weight, plant oils, and electronic sensor data were analyzed and used for the development, testing and testing of a fuzzy logic inference and classification model, based on the results of the studies. Each greenhouse crop study included a CR1000 (Campbell Scientific, Logan, UT) data logger and   sensors monitoring and recording soil volumetric water content, electric conductivity (EC), soil temperatures Selected flag pots used the Decagon GS3 sensor (Decagon Devices, Pullman, WA ), which were calibrated by Decagon using submitted soil media samples.  Air and relative humidity were measured using the Campbell CS215, Swiss made digital sensor. Photosynthetically-Active Radiation (PAR) was measured using the LiCor LI 190 (LiCor, Inc., Lincoln, NE) at canopy level. The LI 190 sensor was cross-checked with a Hydroafarms Basic Quantum meter (Paradigm Gardens, Omaha, NE). Greenhouse plant production studies can be very complex as the environment, even though controlled by heating and cooling can introduce many uncertain environmental factors, where growers need to plan, adapt, and react appropriately.   Forecasting how quickly a basil crop will reach marketable size will help growers to know when to harvest, for optimal yield and predictable quantity of essential oil. Production timelines were developed for all basil types studied and will be made available on our CEA website (<a href="http://agronomy.unl.edu/cea">http://agronomy.unl.edu/cea</a>).  Additionally we determined that the commonly grown pesto basils do not produce as much oil as the specialty basils given our off-season growing conditions. Thus, it would take a lot of herbage to make oil distillation cost effective.   If one can predict reliably how much essential oil will be produced from a given amount of dried tissue, then the method and resultant product can be proposed for USP or FDA (depending on active ingredient) for approval. Currently most medicinal and herbal oils and other supplements vary too widely in their composition for that kind of approval. What we determined was that most basil types need a low level of fertilization (100 ppm N from 20-10-20) via capillary mat plus a slow release charge (added when plants are potted) of 9 grams per 6-inch pot.  Doubling the slow release charge may be helpful for fall – winter grown basils, but definitely not for the winter-spring grown crops.  It is questionable whether the added fertilizer was cost effective.   OSU: The Ohio State University began implementing a solar radiation based drip irrigation control for greenhouse strawberry production. The control framework will be refined for the next cropping season. The Ohio State University uses an under-bench misting system for control of tipburn on strawberry plants. During the 2017/2018 season, we have demonstrated that controlling nighttime relative humidity for 5-day integration time worked reasonably well, saving misting water by approximately 40%. The Ohio State University found chlorine/chloramine phytotoxicity when specific cultivars of lettuce are grown using municipal water with specific types of hydroponic system and substrate. We confirmed that young seedlings of butterhead type lettuce were sensitive and a symptom of yellowing/wilting leaves was typically visible within a week of transplanting. Use of NFT with non-organic substrate (such as rockwool plugs) tends to accumulate more chlorine/chloramine in the root zone inside the plug, while DWC system can help in avoiding accumulation in plug (due to its large volume of nutrient solution).  We also demonstrated that treating source water by mixing sodium thiosulfate at 2.5 mg/L concentration eliminated chlorine/chloramine phytotoxicity.   UNH: Project results indicated that peat-based substrates amended with wood fiber and coconut coir may require growers to adjust their fertilizer and irrigation program. Recommendations on fertilizer nitrogen form, substrate lime type and rate, and irrigation frequency for different blends of peat, coir, and wood fiber blends were developed.   NY has seen increased interest in organically grown vegetable transplants for use in field production and direct sales to consumer. Liquid applied organic fertilizers are available but typically cost 5 to 10 times more to apply than conventional fertilizers. Therefore we have focused on more cost effective granular organic fertilizers (GOFs) that can be incorporated into the substrate prior to transplanting. In our most recent study we investigated 4 different GOFs (Sustane 8-4-4, EcoVita 7-5-10, MicroStart 60 plus 7-7-2, and vermicompost 1.7-0.7-1.5) to conventional controlled release fertilizer (CRF, Osmocote Bloom) and water soluble fertilizer (WSF, 20-10-20) for production of tomato transplants at 3 different temperatures (10, 15, 20 °C). the GOFs and CRF were incorporated at the same rate of N (400 mg/L). WSF was applied at 100 mg/L each time plants were watered. Plant development was significantly reduced at warmer temperatures. After six weeks, plant growth and N recover were assessed. At 20 °C, CLF resulted in the largest sized plants; most GOFs resulted in moderate size marketable plants with similar N recovery to CRF. At 15 °C, all GOFs, except vermicompost, performed as well as CRF and WSF. At 10 °C  plant growth was poor regardless of fertilizer treatment. GOFs appear to be a viable option for organic tomato production at 15 to 20 °C.   NY: A research project was conducted intersection of greenhouse fertilization practices and control of a common greenhouse pest: aphids. Integrated Pest Management practices for aphids are of increasing importance due to public pressure to reduce use of neonicotinoid pesticides. Pepper and pansy plants were grown with low and high rates of liquid fertilizer (LF), controlled release fertilizer (CRF), and organic slow release fertilizer (OSRF). A controlled number of green peach or foxglove aphids were then placed on each plants and aphid populations were counted 10-14 days later. For pepper, LF plants had substantially more green peach aphids than CRF or OSRF plants. Aphid population numbers correlated closely to leaf tissue nitrogen. The results suggests for pepper that moderate fertility (such as low rates of liquid feed or CRF/OSRF) can result in marketable plants while substantially reducing aphid infestations. Interestingly aphid populations were much less response to fertility treatments of pansy (potentially because it is a lower feeder) suggesting that the use of fertility to control aphid populations may be species specific.   NY: Microgreens (young leafy greens harvested at the emergence of a true leaf are a relatively new profitable niche crop for greenhouse operations. However, very little information is available in the scientific literature regarding cultural practices. The influence of liquid fertilizer (applied at 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 ppm N from a complete liquid fertilizer) was evaluated on three brassica microgreens (arugula, mustard and mizuna). All species exhibited increased fresh weight as fertilization increased from 0 to 200 ppm N, with fresh weight about double at 200 ppm N than the unfertilized control. Seeds were sown in a peat/perlite based soilless media. Substrate depth within a flat was also studied and significantly enhanced yields were found when a flat was filled nearly to the top (as opposed to shallow filling to save on substrate).     <ol> <li>Test irrigation systems in parallel utilizing the same set of greenhouse crops and cultural conditions to develop metrics for their use</li> </ol>   <ol> <li>Develop outreach materials for commercial greenhouse operations for effectively implementing these systems to save water and fertilizer resources</li> </ol>     ME: Research at the University of Maine focused in two primary areas over the past five years. We researched capacitance sensor-automated irrigation systems, and we also researched novel propagation systems that utilize less water than conventional plant propagation systems. UMaine’s sensor automated irrigation research focused on developing recommendations for perennial plants, including English lavender, columbine, dianthus, and rosemary. The majority of these plants grow best at 0.25 L.L-1 of water in the substrate. The herbs, rosemary and English lavender, do not survive low substrate moisture contents (less than 0.10 L.L-1) of water in the substrate. UMaine collaborated with the University of Georgia to utilize sensors that measure both substrate moisture and fertility in a system that automates irrigation and fertigation simultaneously (GS-3 Sensors, Decagon Devices). This system was tested using Hellebore. We found that GS-3 sensors reliably automate substrate moisture, but not fertility. However, there was no incidence of the crown rot in Hellebore during this study. UMaine used two different novel propagation systems to reduce water and improve efficiency of rooting. We propagated Linnaea borealis or Twinflower in a capacitance sensor automated propagation system. Optimum rooting was obtained when substrate moisture was 0.30 to 0.35 L.L-1. We have also propaged plants in a propagation system that applied water to the base of the stem in an enclosed container (aeroponics), rather than overhead as in traditional mist. We have used this system to propagate plants including Solenostemon scutellarioides (Coleus), Lantana camara, Syringa pubescens ssp. patula, and, Ilex glabra. For the plants tested, the benefit of this system appears to be that form sooner compared to over-head mist. Plants propagated in aeroponics generally have longer roots, and roots have a greater dry mass compared to over-head mist. There is the potential to save water when propagating plants in aeroponics as well. Coleus propagated using overhead mist used the same amount of water for three typical mist cycles (30 seconds) as plants would use in aeroponics for an entire propagation cycle (several weeks).   CT: CT co-organized 17 education programs focused on basic greenhouse practices and technologies reaching an audience of 2,033 and delivering 42,691 instruction hours. CT published articles 25 on trade magazines and have indirectly reached a total audience of 274,066, delivered 62 outreach presentations on water-related topics, and provided 264 individual diagnoses and recommendations since Feb 2014. I provided individual diagnoses and recommendations to greenhouse growers in CT and outside of CT via direct communication channels (phone, email, or face-to-face visit). We also developed two tools to assist growers in water management: <ul> <li>Raudales RE, PR Fisher, B MacKay. (2018) WaterQual in Clean WateR3. <a href="http://cleanwater3.org/wqi.asp">http://cleanwater3.org/wqi.asp</a></li> <li>Raudales RE, PR Fisher, B MacKay. (2014) Waterborne solutions in Back Pocket Grower. <a href="http://backpocketgrower.com/waterbornesolutions.asp">http://backpocketgrower.com/waterbornesolutions.asp</a></li> </ul>   UNH: Grower workshops, grower presentations, and grower publications are being prepared for fall 2017 and spring 2018.   Virginia Tech: Virginia Tech conducted a workshop on hydroponic production of greenhouse vegetables in March 2017 that included lectures and hands-on demonstrations for about 40 people. Comments after the workshop included appreciation for the training and decision support tools. As a result of the workshop, one attendee has joined our team as an online graduate student starting this fall. All presentations have been posted on the Fresh Produce Food Safety YouTube channel. Dr. Jim Owen and I hosted a 2-day workshop in collaboration with the Water Education Alliance for Horticulture to share knowledge and strategies for dealing with regulations in Virginia, implementing BMPs to ensure water quality and quantity, monitor water quality and manage/audit irrigation delivery. Thirty-one production managers attended. All attendees indicated they currently perform “little” of the management practices covered prior to the program, but had a deeper understanding of water management and the ability and intent to use what they had learned. Followup indicated that two operations have begun to adopt/implement the new technology. (2014)   Nebraska: We have a website established for all Controlled Environment Agriculture information. This current fiscal year from October 1, 2017 to August 15 there were a total of 164 page views with 129 unique views.  From October 2016 to September 30, 2017 there were 233 total page views with 185 unique views. Compared to January 2015 through December 2015, this was a 221% increase in activity (105 page views Jan-Dec 2015) and 264% increase in unique views (70 unique views Jan-Dec 2015). The viewing time average was 2:13 minutes which was similar to Jan-Dec 2015 (2.17 minutes). At the American Society for Horticultural Science meetings, posters were presented on winter greenhouse production of basil. They are cited below and posted on our website <a href="http://agronomy.unl.edu/cea">http://agronomy.unl.edu/cea</a>. We keep in contact with Leafy Greens in Waterloo, Nebraska. We continue to share information about scheduling, cultivar choices and insect and disease control. They are very interested in the essential oil research as a use for damaged basil that cannot be sold or turned into pesto and now plan to add additional facilities.   NY: has seen increased requests for information on fertilizer recipes for hydroponic greenhouse production of leafy greens and tomatoes. An article was authored and published in a national trade journal article on fertilizer recipes found effective for these crops. Easy to prepare fertilizer recipes using 1 to 3 fertilizer materials and 2 stock tanks were included targeting small to medium size operations. More advanced recipes in which several fertilizer salts are used were also included for larger operations or those interested in more precisely controlling plant fertility. Several operations have reported using the information.   NY: developed an outreach website on substrates and fertilizers for organic vegetable transplant production, available at: <a href="http://www.greenhouse.cornell.edu/crops/organic.html">http://www.greenhouse.cornell.edu/crops/organic.html</a> The website contains several trade journal articles, extension bulletins and videos. NY: A series of three extension articles regarding visual symptoms of nutrient deficiencies in hydroponic lettuce, basil, and arugula was developed. The project was completed by a female undergraduate student who grew plants in hydroponic nutrient solutions lacking particular elements of interest. Photos and written symptoms of nutrient deficiencies were documented. The article series has been published both at e-Gro.org and Inside Grower magazine.   Topic 2: Alternative Energy Sources and Energy Conservation <ol start="2"> <li>Develop guidelines and approaches to improve greenhouse heating system efficiency</li> </ol>   NJ: A report on greenhouse energy use was developed for the USDA-NRCS. It discusses the potential for using simulation tools in assessing heat energy use and, in conjunction with other methodologies, improving the efficiency of greenhouse heating. Through various presentations, the operation and efficiency of various greenhouse heating systems has been discussed. These presentations were often accompanied by handout materials that provide additional information on heating systems, their proper operation and strategies for maximum conversion efficiencies.   NY: two software engineering projects (funded by the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority) are underway to develop tools used to determine energy use in Controlled Environment Agriculture operations. The first tool is, Greenhouse Energy Management (GEM), is a computerized tool to optimize electrical and thermal energy use in greenhouses. The tool allows highly selectable user settings for the greenhouse environment (heating, lighting, and carbon dioxide parameters) and estimates electrical and heating costs for locations across the U.S. using typical meteorological year data. The second project is developing an energy model for vertical farms in a warehouse environment including lighting, cooling, heating, and fan costs. Energy costs of plant lighting are substantially higher than supplemental lighting in a greenhouse environment. Cooling and fan costs are also significant. Cooling costs can be reduced by enabling increased ventilation with outside air during months of the year when outside air is cooler than indoors. However, this options reduces the ability to use carbon dioxide enrichment. Overall, our results indicate that vertical production has much higher energy costs and carbon footprint than CEA greenhouse production due to the need to provide all the plants light needs from electricity as well as due to the cooling and dehumidification costs. A comparison was conducted (and paper presented) across 4 diverse geographic locations in the U.S.   NY, NJ: A collaborative research project is investigating energy efficiency and plant growth of greenhouse supplemental lighting with high pressure sodium (HPS) lamps versus new light-emitting-diode (LED) lamps. Five models of LED fixtures and 2 HPS fixtures were evaluated at Rutgers to quantify light output vs. electrical consumption. Interestingly, despite popular claims of LED efficiency, only two LED fixtures had greater efficiency than the HPS fixtures. Plant performance of baby leaf arugula, kale, and lettuce was evaluated at Cornell. Each luminaire had a PAR light sensor and was connected to a computer control system to light to the same constant daily light integral. Very little difference in plant yield was found by light treatment, suggesting that in a greenhouse with supplemental light, energy efficiency is a more important metric than light spectrum. Based on PAR efficacy (µmol/J), the most efficacious LED fixture was 40% more efficacious than the top performing HPS fixture. However, due to the high initial cost, a simple payback for LED was estimated to be about 12 years (in a scenario regarding lighting greenhouse lettuce in upstate New York. Following the initial phase of the project 1 LED (Philips GreenPower LED Toplighting DR/B – Low. B) and 1 HPS model (Gavita Pro 6/750e DE FLEX) were chosen for additional greenhouse trials lighting a larger crop area based on PAR efficacy and plant performance. A lighting array above a ca. 340 square foot growing area in the greenhouse was designed for each of the two models. Using AGi32 lighting design software we were able to achieve 95% light uniformity across the array. The two arrays were used for a year-long study on energy efficiency and plant morphology of hydroponic baby leaf greens.   NY: A simulation tool was developed to compare energy costs and carbon footprint for hydroponic plants grown in a CEA greenhouse versus a vertical/warehouse farm. Vertical farms are gaining popularity due to the ability to grow plants in a small area footprint in an urban area. However,     <ol start="3"> <li>Develop guidelines and approaches for the use of alternative energy sources</li> </ol>   NJ: An ongoing collaboration with colleagues in Japan has resulted in a publication on using heat pump systems for greenhouse cooling.   Virginia Tech: Virginia Cooperative Extension provided access to and funding for energy audits and renewable feasibility studies for 66 agricultural operations in Southside and Southwest Virginia. Between 2014 and 2016, 71 farms were accepted into the energy program, 5 farms withdrew, 64 of the 66 remaining farms completed an energy audit with 2 farms delaying their audits, 31 farms have used approximately $214,000 in grant funding along with over $610,000 in individual funds to implement energy retrofits, and 35 farms have funds remaining in their energy accounts for additional improvements. The 64 completed farm energy audits identified potential annual energy savings of 873,968 kWh in electricity and 429,847 gallons of propane with efficiency improvements resulting in a projected 3,151 MTCO2e greenhouse gas emissions reductions and an annual energy-cost savings of $850,734. Approximately 46% of the energy conservation measures had a payback period of less than 5 years. The Agriculture Energy Efficiency Initiative has delivered 20 educational programs on energy efficiency practices and technologies. Partnerships are in place with USDA Rural Development, Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, Old Dominion Electric Cooperative, and other organizations to support this project. Updated by Dr. Martha Walker on 13 Jan 2017. In continuing our greenhouse energy efficiency project funded by the Tobacco Commission, we conducted a November 2014 workshop for producers on greenhouse energy efficiency principles and what to look for onsite. A licensed auditor conducted a tour of a recently audited greenhouse.  In January 2015, we conducted an inservice training for VCE agents and energy auditor professionals with detailed presentations by Dr. A.J. Both on heating and ventilation systems as well as by Dr. Jennifer Boldt and Adam Hall on the USDA Virtual Grower software. The speakers also led a greenhouse energy efficiency tour of ACF Greenhouses, one of the greenhouse operations participating in the grant program. Latimer J. organizer and presenter. 2014. "Greenhouse Energy Conservation Practices and Opportunities", Getting Started in the Greenhouse Business School, Southern Piedmont AREC, Blackstone, VA, Nov. 11-12, 2014. Audience industry and Extension agents. In April 2014, we were funded by the Tobacco Commission to conduct greenhouse energy efficiency audits, studies and workshops. Agents, energy auditors, and select growers will be trained in the use of the Virtual Grower software. Case studies will be conducted to determine the accuracy of the software in predicting improvements in energy efficiency in audited greenhouses which incorporate suggested improvements.   NY: funding was secured to set up a demonstration wood biomass furnace in a greenhouse to reduce fossil fuel use and produce agricultural charcoal (biochar). The furnace, from ClearStak LLC, has been installed in a commercial greenhouse operation. Initially the project was to use municipal waste wood chips (from yard trimmings). However, size and moisture quality of these chips was not adequate for the furnace. The furnace is currently operating using locally produced wood pellets and in the future we hope to use graded micro-wood chips as a more cost effective solution. The furnace has significantly reduced operational reliance on fossil fuels. The project has reinforced that woodchip quality is important for the auto feed delivery system and efforts are now underway to perfect the grinding, screening, and drying process of the woodchips. In addition, experiments using the biochar projects as a soil or potting mix amendment have been conducted. Biochar from some of the feedstocks tested incorporated into a peat/perlite substrate at 10% by volume led to a significant increase in growth of basil and lettuce.     Topic 3: Sensors and Control Strategies   <ol start="4"> <li>Evaluate and develop novel sensors and environmental control strategies</li> </ol>   NJ: Due to of our lamp testing and the resulting product label that contains key product information useful to greenhouse growers interested in using supplemental lighting for crop production, stakeholders (growers, manufacturers) are better informed about the capabilities of plant lighting systems.   Nebraska: Using the sensor data from the spring 2017 basil greenhouse study, we began research with Dr. Walt Stroup, statistician and his graduate student to analyze our GS3 sensor data on soilless mix temperature, moisture and electrical conductivity, by plotting smoothing splines to characterize each variable's response (each variable had over 1400 data points for one growing period). Overall, this process was then be used to relate the data trends to plant growth responses (change in height, total dry weight), in order to propose a generalized additive model. This model, was then used to demonstrate how simultaneous, multiple, changing variables can interact to predict plant response. If successful, such a model could be used to facilitate messy data, involving time series. Broadly speaking this could include climate change, pharmaceutical studies and other problems involving complex systems as well as our controlled environment plant responses. In a sense, we are proposing to "rethink" how extreme time series and big data may be analyzed.   Specifically, the process used to interpret extreme time series (often called messy or big data) involved using the statistical procedure: Generalized Additive Models (GAM).  Using tensor product smoothing equations, we were able to plot the data so we could see the changes in volumetric water content within the pots.  A change point was identified where after about 28 days the amount of water content substantially decreased (blue arrow).  This corresponded to tall plants and lots of roots – thus less space and mix to hold water.  We were also able, using this statistical method, to demonstrate a daily change in the amount of water present within the mix.  This pattern accurately reflected the number of irrigation times each day when the capillary mat delivered water and nutrients. Thus, improved statistical models show promise for accurate prediction of biological events.   Crop Approximate Reasoning Models   <table> <tbody> <tr> <td width="619"> A non-statistical modeling approach was also investigated, based on the principles of mathematical fuzzy set theory. A data driven, fuzzy inference and classification model was developed, trained, and internally validated for two seasons of production and GS3 sensor data.  Initial studies have shown that subtractive clustering of these data, along with the MATLAB ANFIS® (fuzzy-neural network) training with fuzzy inference rules (e.g. 23 rules) can result in good predictive correlations (R2 = 0.95) between actual and predicted growth and oil production. Cross-validation also showed excellent correlation R2 = 0.97). ANFIS training results in a fuzzy Sugeno-type model, which does not work as a well-versed, classification model. The problem is that some data may not associate with a particular cultivar. This is called misclassification, or uncertain results may be classified as fuzzy.  Thus, a new novel method for converting a ANFIS Sugeno model to a Mamdani classification model was developed. Results for the Mamdani fuzzy logic approach for classifying Basil species and production, according to their growth and development response characteristics, from winter-time greenhouse production studies in Nebraska. This could be a very useful quantitative tool (called the approximate reasoning approach) for modeling and simulating responses of biological systems, given uncertain or limited data. </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="619">   </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="619">   </td> </tr> </tbody> </table>   OSU: The Ohio State University evaluated film sensors for greenhouse DLI (daily light integral) measurements. Quantifying DLI distributions inside the greenhouse is helpful in refining experimental design of greenhouse research.  Disposable film sensor (Optleaf O-1D, Taisei Fine Chemical Co., Japan; ~$1 per cm sensor strip) was used for measuring DLI of multiple locations over experimental area inside the greenhouse. This sensor is made of acetylcellulose film coated with orange dye that fades under solar radiation. Decay of dye pigment can be quantified by measuring light absorbance (492 nm). A reference film sensor’s decay curve was correlated with DLI recorded by a quantum sensor placed adjacent to the reference film sensor. Inside a glass greenhouse with ~50% transmission, the response time was approximately 2-3 days. We also found that sensor response was different under solar radiation with vs. without supplemental electric lighting, likely due to the difference in light spectra of UV range. Therefore, supplemental lighting should not be used when these sensors were deployed for solar DLI measurements. Within a 250 sq ft canopy area inside a 1,000 sq ft research greenhouse compartment, the maximum DLI difference among 48 measurement locations occurred under sunny days and was more than 40%. These difference should be carefully considered in designing greenhouse experiments.   <ol start="5"> <li>Outreach activities (presentation, publications, demonstrations) to stakeholders</li> </ol>   OSU: Talks on greenhouse controlled environment and energy use <ul> <li>Kubota, C. 2017. Environmental manipulation for desirable responses of crops in controlled environment. Invited talk at Crops in Controlled Environments Convening Event, organized by FFAR (Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research), IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, Yorktown Heights, NY.</li> <li>Kubota, C. 2017. Understanding greenhouse lighting for crop health. Grower conference of Medina/Erie/Huron Counties. Medina, OH.</li> <li>Kubota, C. 2018. Controlled environment plant physiology and technology – Towards sustainable crop production. Maumee Valley Growers Association Meeting, Toledo, OH</li> <li>Kubota, C. 2018. Greenhouse lighting basics. Greenhouse Management Workshop, Wooster, OH</li> <li>Kubota, C. 2018. Controlled environment for optimum outcomes, Greenhouse Management Workshop, Wooster, OH</li> <li>Kubota, C. 2018. Sunlight and supplemental lighting. 2018 Greenhouse Crop Production and Engineering Design Short Course, Tucson, AZ</li> <li>Kubota, C. 2018. Whole plant physiology – Critical key to indoor crop yield improvement. Indoor Ag Con 2018, Las Vegas, NV.</li> <li>Kubota, C. 2018. Controlled environment agriculture for urban food production. Urban Food Systems Symposium. Minneapolis, MN.</li> <li>Kubota, C. 2018. Optimizing input and output in controlled environment agriculture. Ag Tech Worlds Collide, NCSU, Raleigh, NC.</li> <li>Kubota, C. 2017. Strawberry production under controlled environment. Invited talk at Canadian Greenhouse Conference, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.</li> <li>Kroggel, M. and C. Kubota. 2018. One-day greenhouse strawberry training. Columbus, OH.</li> <li>Kubota, C. 2018. Lettuce and tomato crop basics. Greenhouse Management Workshop, Wooster, OH</li> <li>Kubota, C. 2018. Nourishing the future by controlled environment agriculture (CEA). FFA/Kiwanis Agriculture Day meeting. Sandusky, OH.</li> <li>Kubota, C. 2018. Sole source electric lighting in indoor operations. 2018 Greenhouse Crop Production and Engineering Design Short Course, Tucson, AZ</li> <li>Kubota, C. 2018. Grafting technologies and their trends. 47th Tomato Breeders Roundtable, Wooster, OH.</li> </ul>   NY: In New York State the greenhouse vegetable industry continues to grow at a rapid pace. According to the latest data available (USDA Census of Agriculture) whole value of greenhouse vegetables increased by 10.6% annual between 2007 and 2012. A meeting was organized for diverse members (producers, suppliers, produce buyers, and financiers) of the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) industry. The board has semiannual meetings and has formed four working committees: Association/Policy, Education, Finance, Research & Development.       Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NE-1335 Multistate Research Project objectives:   NJ: The published lighting label has been presented to scientific and grower audiences across the US and at a grower meeting in Canada. Several lighting manufacturers have responded positively and indicated they would be adding the proposed label to their products. We plan to continue our outreach efforts for expanded implementation of the label.   Nebraska: This project has provided the opportunity for 7 (5 women; STEM impact) horticulture and plant biology under/graduate students to learn how to seed, pot up, fertigate, scout for pests, harvest, dry and process basil plants. The data these students recorded include height and dry weight. It has also taught these students how to work together as a team to achieve the goals of the project. We have also been able to use these monies to leverage funds to get other grants to complete this research and employ 2 female BSE students. According to a two year on-going BSE UCARE project, a National Instruments, LabVIEW® (LV) state machine, data acquisition system was programmed and tested for investigating thermal leaf response and stomatal control. The state machine also integrated the Al-Faraj, et al (2000) leaf energy, stomatal control model (using LV Control &Simulation feature), with infrared (IRT/c) leaf and thermocouple air temperatures, humidity, soil moisture, and incident net radiation sensors. The system also integrated the operation of a FLIR® E50 infrared imaging camera (using FLIR LV Toolkit). The response data acquired for selected cultivars were analyzed in a UNL undergraduate honors thesis (see publications).   UNH: A variety of outreach presentations on crop fertility, managing the greenhouse environment, integrated pest management have been delivered in New Hampshire and out of state. Private funding has been secured to conduct research and educate growers on using new wood fiber substrates. University of New Hampshire research and extension are collaborating with the USDA and commercial greenhouses in New Hampshire to model light, carbon dioxide, and temperature interactions in the greenhouse. University of New Hampshire research and extension personnel are looking into improving postharvest quality of flowering and edible crops produced in greenhouses.   NJ: A variety of outreach presentations on greenhouse and energy systems have been delivered at local and out-of-state venues. Rutgers University continues to contribute to the GLASE consortium headed by Cornell University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and funded by NYSERDA that aims to study greenhouse lighting and systems engineering. In 2018, Rutgers University participated in a multidisciplinary and multi-institutional team that received funding under the USDA SCRI program (project title: Cost effective supplemental lighting for CEA crops; the project lead is Marc van Iersel, University of Georgia).   In addition to publications in scientific and popular journals and conference presentation, we held an Empowering Women Farmers Through Farm Management Training (EMWOFA) training for extension educators in Germany, Turkey, and Spain, and training sessions for women farmers in Turkey and Germany throughout 2017 to help women farmers manage their greenhouse businesses better and to prepare business plans. We developed workbooks and e-learning videos to guide producers through developing a business plan. We also created training manuals to help Extension educators and others guide producers in developing a business plan. These are available at: http://www.emwofa.eu/.   MSU: Ph.D. student Kellie Walters and advisor Roberto Lopez quantified the influence of temperature and daily light integral on growth and development of greenhouse-grown sweet basil and the influence of sole-source light intensity and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration during seedling development. In general, increasing temperature resulted in greater biomass at higher light intensities. By increasing sole-source light intensity from 100 to 600 µmol·m‒2·s‒1, fresh mass of seedling transplants increased resulting in a subsequent harvestable basil yield increase of 80%. Ph.D. student Joshua Craver and advisor Roberto Lopez evaluated the morphological and physiological responses of petunia seedlings to varying light intensities, light qualities, and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations for indoor production. While seedlings showed significantly higher photosynthesis per unit leaf area under increased intensities of blue radiation, the increase in leaf area observed under increased intensities of red radiation ultimately led to greater light interception and dry mass accumulation. Additionally, acclimation to elevated CO2 concentrations (reduced carboxylation efficiency) may limit potential gains from this input. MS student Alison Hurt and Ph.D. student Kellie Walters and advisor Roberto Lopez evaluated the photoperiodic responses of several foliage annuals. Some species were day neutral while others were obligate short-day plants requiring a 14-h photoperiod or longer to inhibit flower. M.S. student Charlie Garcia and advisor Roberto Lopez evaluated the photoperiodic responses of basil species and cultivars. Ocimum basilicum var. citriodora and Ocimum tenuiflorum can be classified as facultative short-day plants and Ocimum basilicum and Ocimum ×citriodorum as day-neutral plants.   OSU: Comparing commercial substrates for strawberry.

Publications

Impact Statements

OSU: Strawberry plant growth and yield can be optimized by using substrates having ideal chemical, physical and biological properties. Yield can be up to 34% greater than that with our standard substrate in our experiment. As the substrate cost accounts minimally (<10%) in the costs of production (labor, utility, and materials), purchasing a pre-mixed substrate with desirable properties is recommendable for increasing the profit of greenhouse strawberry growers.