Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

8:40 AM Meeting called to order by chair. Jay Holcomb - Local host orientation. Introduction of Dave Sanford (local host) and refreshments and lunch arrangements. Berks campus tour 4:30 to 4:45. Dinner at Casa Grande. Carpooling to Longwood Gardens on Friday. Ron Lacey (TX) unavailable, so Joey Norikane volunteered to serve as secretary. Submit materials to Ron. Introductions Agenda additions? Project renewal needs to be discussed. Later in meeting. 2006 Minutes. Approval (LA). Second (GM). Ed Ashworth is the new administrative advisor for the group after Tom Fretz' retirement. What's new? The research section of the Farm Bill is still up in the air. There is some concern about the balance between special grants and formula funds. Specialty crops are getting more attention in the current bill under development. The renewal proposal of the NE-1017 committee is due in March 2008. The Experiment Directors will meet to review proposals in the spring 2008. GM - specialty crops $100M add-on to the farm bill. Daniel Schmoldt (USDA/CSREES) had meeting and biofuels, landscape crops, immigration, organics were some of the issues. EA - some changes are needed from the USDA side. AJB - move from Hatch to competitive funding raises concerns with committee. EA - USDA trying to maintain both with formula funds for base and competitive funds for projects. What is being developed is comparable to NIH with teaching hospitals with large grants. There needs to be something different for USDA, since maintaining the status quo is a poor option. The Danforth Institute has put forth a plan for more competitive grants. There is also CREATE-21 for more formula funding to maintain agricultural programs, traditionally black universities, and others. Project renewal - The NE1017 committee needs to have collaborative projects. More collaborative projects would strengthen this committee. Check station reports to find out what projects our members are working on. An overall of the current and future projects of committee members plus discussions follow with emphasis on potential collaborative projects. MG (CT) Work on shade for greenhouse tomato production has been completed. New areas of research are the partial saturation of ebb & flood irrigation and water stress control ornamental crops (USDA SBIR). Conducting research examining the environmental variables affecting lettuce production, i.e., growth and composition (Hatch project). Refer to Cornell's work on lettuce, but would like to look at lettuce composition. PL (OH) Three techniques for early detection of water stress 24 to 36 hours with impatients. Three projects: 1) whole canopy photosynthesis measurement rather than single leaf measurements. In addition, measuring/monitoring transpiration as a means for stress detection. 2) Alternative energy usage for higher efficiency and CO2 enrichment. 3) Nutrient delivery system (Robert Hansen's project) high turn down ratio on nutrient delivery systems. LA (NY) continuing a project with nutrient solutions in hydroponic systems. Also looking at how to handle waste. Interested in high value crop production beyond vegetables. Continuing interest in natural ventilation modeling and control. There was a natural ventilation project with Mike Brugger (OH) that could be restarted. Transfer of lettuce greenhouse facility to Challenge Industries. There could be some collaborative work to develop other potential production crops. There is interest in developing adaptive controls, i.e., a learning system using neural networks and/or programmed changes. GM (NE) greenhouse industry in Nebraska is different with large growers and small Mom and Pop growers. Nebraska is also going through a transition with corn going to ethanol production and not for food. Energy costs are a problem for everyone. Biomass furnaces operation and feed-forward control, since heat output from these systems respond differently from traditional methods. GM has plant growth modeling background and sees the need to understand crop requirements for optimal growth, energy requirements. Teaches class on thermodynamics of living systems with emphasis on energy requirements. Instrumentation and control class to try to get students to understand the integration of sensors and controls. Modeling (AJB) mostly a research tool. But (GM), engineers should look at practicality of modeling as an application tool for growers. LA would like to get more industry participation to address their needs and concerns. PL simple plant growth models are being used in industry. Which models are commercially applied currently? To try to get a better understanding of industry needs, perhaps an externship for students is needed. PL states that Argus has integrated VPD control, but funding is difficult to find in this area for further model and/or operational development. Models on environmental control and plant growth are typically developed, but trying to get something applicable for industry with focus on mass and energy balances is a challenge. A lighting control system was developed by LA and has been patented. LA small company has rights from patents from Cornell to develop a stand alone system that integrates into Argus through SBIR. GG mechanism (externship) to get the word out, but IP is something to think about. Is technology transfer part of our (NE1017) charge? Recognize the day-to-day pressures for faculty, e.g., research, teaching, extension, student advising, publishing, etc. GM another big topic is water management. JN (KY) There are changes among the UK representatives for the NE 1017 committee. Robert Anderson has retired. Jack Buxton is also ready to retire. For the past few years new greenhouse facilities have been a part of the KY station report and finally this spring six replicated greenhouses (Nexus from CO) are currently being installed. There are also two 10ft x 10ft x 14ft walk-in growth chambers available. So, there are facilities available, but support for greenhouse research, i.e., new faculty hires, from the horticulture side at UK is unclear. EJH (PA) cultivar evaluation projects in trial garden. Gardens are no longer available. Variety evaluations are being done at Landisville and not at University Park. Mostly teaching, but does have some small undergraduate projects. There is interest in conducting green roof research. So, greenhouse research per se is changing. The direction of the Horticulture Dept. is unclear. Now, new faculty maybe joint appointments. Eileen Wheeler is working in animal structures, so greenhouse structures and environment research is transitioning. RB (NJ) energy costs are the major concern. There is more interest in greenhouse economics. Needs to develop benchmarks for greenhouse production, but obtaining the required information is difficult. AJB (NJ) future activities in engineering. Land-fill gas for electricity generation with micro turbines and the energy could be used for greenhouse heating. Evaluate how such a system can work? Alternative energy sources for greenhouse production. Open roof greenhouse still available. AJB has collaborated with Dr. Sase in Japan. The open roof greenhouse has floor heating and ebb and flood irrigation. Growth chamber work is on-going, which was started with NASA funds. The work is concerned with tomato growth and yield after plants are exposed to temperature perturbations. There is also high tunnel work. EA (ME) one of the trends is interest in high value crops, e.g., pharma crops by Cary Mitchell (Purdue) where GMO corn grown in vacant limestone mine. LA tobacco cellulose production in greenhouse. GM biofuels also has many questions: 1) is it economical and 2) energy value of biomass, quality, water content, etc. GG (AZ) Energy, Water, and Labor. AZ has water limitations with tensions between economics and politics. Water is used for both irrigation and cooling. Energy is a major concern. Coal fired power plant in south AZ using coal gasification technology. Waste heat from energy production could be used in greenhouses along with the excess CO2. Labor and immigration will impact field and greenhouse production. Economic development for different applications of existing technologies, i.e., technology transfer. New product development: GMO, natural products from plants, fresh greens. New faculty member will join ABE CEAC: Murat Kaçira. There is interest in closed loop nutrient delivery systems, but no funding. Modeling (plant based environmental controls) for better environmental control. Lunar symposium at Rutgers, interest in closed systems for water, air recycling to produce multiple crops. CK (AZ) value added production with tomatoes for lycopene production. Project internally funded through BIO5. The project was examining the enhancement of crop quality through environmental control. An LED lighting system from Japan will be available for testing and research. A project is under development to work with ASU on vaccine or pharma-crop production in controlled environments with potential funding from the AZ science foundation. There is a seedling production project using grafted plants. This approach is based on Asian technology with wild type rootstocks that could include resistances. The project could potentially impact field production. On-going projects looking at production and storage of seedlings. Japanese collaboration with Drs. Sase and Kurata on natural ventilation and control of evaporative cooling to minimize water use. An extension for the collaborative project has been submitted to JSPS. Another project is water recovery systems using condensation of water vapor in the exhaust air from the greenhouse. SB (ME) working on soil moisture sensor integration from field to greenhouse and is collaborating with Marc van Iersel (GA). Looking at modeling to incorporate more information, control, and optimization into greenhouse production. Currently using $60 sensors (Decagon ECH2O EC-5). Working on ornamentals and water requirements, fertilizer needs, lighting and other parameters. One of the future projects is converting bedding plant systems to organic ornamental bedding plant systems. There is interest in the Northeast in organic bedding plants. 10:12-10:31 Break Renewal discussion continuing - AJB asked if a sub-committee should be formed to develop the areas of focus in the renewal? EA maybe focus on specific areas (regions/interests), e.g., cultivar evaluations in different climates. The work could be done at different member locations covering different regions. AB that is the intent, but this group has tendency to return home and continue present course, whereas perhaps more collaborative projects would further strengthen the NE-1017 proposal. MG this is maybe too much for a sub committee. This probably needs to have a larger group discussion. LA the sub-committee needs guidance. Possible topics: 1.Environmental effects in plant composition (NY, AZ, OH, NJ, CT) a.GMO gene expression b.Human health 2.Natural ventilation design and control (NJ, AZ, NY) 3.Energy conservation & Alternative fuels sources (NE, NY, NJ, OH, KY, AZ, MI) 4.Water and nutrient solution management (water stress detection, etc.) (AZ, NY, CT, OH, NE, PA, KY, ME, GA) 5.Sensors and control systems (NY, NE, KY, ME, OH, AZ) GM goals of NE-1017 from last proposal. TM there maybe more emphasis on value added crops and energy conservation and alternative fuels. GG energy has been a topic for several rounds in this committee. TM control algorithms, low-cost sensors and controls, etc. PL is there interest in industry participation? TM has the experience that decisions in a production setting are based on experience as opposed to science based, i.e., researched models. LA perhaps Argus should be involved in this committee. GM growers would want to know how to use research output. TM vendors say that growers are unfamiliar with technology. Vendors have systems that work and that is what is available. GG is education part of our charge? EA it would depend on the outcomes that you set in the proposal, so tech transfer could be part of the effort. LA there needs to be a first user, so someone takes the risk. SB reminded group of the energy management website proposed by Erik Runkle (MI) last year. The website is useful and collaborative. AJB there is an extension component among the group. DM talked about industry participants and would also like to get interaction with growers, industry and researchers. LA there are some configuration problems, e.g., greenhouse sizes, that could be addressed with standards, so when technology is developed it would be applicable to all greenhouses and not manufacturer A's greenhouse only. Perhaps this is a National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association (NGMA) question. NGMA is interested in how can we sell more? AJB should this group invite ourselves to an NGMA meeting? PL mentioned NCERA-101 has good industrial participation and their involvement will take time. Group needs to think about strengthening ties with industry. MG to get more participation perhaps tie NE1017 to ASHS or other type of meetings. EA what will this group be working on for the new proposal/renewal. DV need to publish output from the committee. EA simple renewal proposal on topics that the group is working on. Perhaps these topics: Environmental effects in plants, energy conservation and alternative energy sources, and adaptive controls. TM pharma companies maybe interested, but may already have the greenhouse facility and know-how. MB GMO work is expensive, so perhaps greenhouse production projects could be funded through pharmaceutical company interests in plant made products. MG suggests that verbiage needs to be added in the proposal to describe the collaboration. AJB what is collaboration? MB working on the project together. TM minimally it is not duplicating efforts. GG all of the above opportunities, but try to find avenues among the group to work together. MG the proposal for the group needs to be putting deadlines together for the March 2008 submission date. AJB perhaps we need to have someone heading up each topic and try to coordinate efforts and look for collaboration. DM recalls that previously certain topics were divided among interested group members' research programs. The volunteers (the underlined individual/group in the list of topics) to lead the research areas talk to other groups working in the area to get ideas for collaboration together for submission to AJB and later discussion to the rest of the group. Industry interest and collaborations AJB what should this group do to get more industry participation. DM perhaps tie in with NGMA. NGMA in early April 2008, location unknown. Should this group attempt to get involved with NGMA? ER... yes. Backup Location in 2008. If we do not meet with NGMA, then an alternative site. Ron Lacey at Texas A&M will be asked. Louis Albright (NY) is interested in being the backup for the backup. New officer for 2008 Stephanie Burnett graciously volunteered and was approved as incoming secretary. New business Letter of appreciation to Tom Fretz. Yes. Station reports hard copy distribution. Greenhouse energy website of Erik Runkle comments? DM: used and translated into Japanese and published. 12:10 to 12:55 Lunch break 12:55 to 4:27 Oral station reports 4:28 AJB: Carbon footprint is a metric more and more used in our fields. Perhaps this is a metric our group should consider calculating for the various components of the plant industry. The numbers will be likely high, but it would be better for us to calculate the numbers and include explanations rather than letting others. MG paper published from Israel on this topic. 4:31 AJB: adjournment of the business meeting. 4:42 to 5:00 Campus tour. 6:30 PM Dinner at Casa Grande. With thanks to our local host Jay Holcomb and respectfully submitted, Joey Norikane for Ron Lacey, Secretary, 2007

Topic No. 1. Managing nutrients and water in greenhouses 1. Develop and evaluate methodologies such as evapotranspiration modeling, non-contact sensing of plant responses to drought stress, and measurement of root zone water tension for plant water status assessment and compare these assessments to actual water and nutrient use for tomato, salad greens and potted ornamental plants, as a part of managing delivery of nutrients and water in greenhouses (CT, NY, NE, OH, AZ, KY, NJ). AZ: The effect of environmental conditions and salinity on tomato plant growth status includes, manipulating the environmental factors, which affect transpiration, both at the canopy level (potential transpiration), and at the root level (electrical conductivity, EC), to change photoassimilate distribution between source [leaves] and sink [fruits] during the fruiting cycle of the crop and steer the plant towards more vegetative or more reproductive growth. The main goal of this study was to quantify the individual and combined effect of canopy and root environments on certain plant morphological characteristics, which are being used as indicators of plant growth status, and establish a correlation between these morphological characteristics and productivity. GA: During studies on increasing irrigation efficiency in greenhouses, physiological responses to different substrate water contents were studied. Surprisingly, we found that there was little or no effect on leaf photosynthesis, even though plant growth was severely reduced at low water contents. There was no correlation between plant growth and leaf photosynthesis. So what reduces plant growth at low substrate water content? It turns out that leaf elongation is very sensitive to water availability in the substrate. When plants are exposed to drought, leaf elongation is inhibited, thus reducing the total area of leaves that are photosynthesizing. ME: Leaching of nutrients from substrates is becoming an important environmental concern for growers throughout the United States, and watering efficiently would decrease leaching. Efficient, automated irrigation conserves water and may reduce labor costs for growers who hand water crops. In an on-going collaborative research effort (GA, ME), a system that waters crops based on plant need using capacitance sensors (EC-5, Decagon Devices, Pullman, WA) has been used to determine plant water use of herbaceous perennials and annuals. In this system, plant water use causes substrate water content to decrease over time. If it drops below a predetermined set-point, containers are irrigated. Using this system, it is possible for growers to irrigate plants without producing leachate. While this system has not been directly compared to conventional irrigation systems, it is likely that applied water volumes are lower in capacitance automated irrigation systems. For example, 1Gaura lindheimeri Engelm. & Gray Siskiyou Pink (gaura) grown in substrates maintained at volumetric water contents of 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, or 0.45 m3.m-3 using a capacitance sensor controlled irrigation system for five weeks were irrigated with 13.8-53 L of water. Plants irrigated at lower set-points have shorter and fewer branches and lower shoot dry weights. However, plants irrigated at set points ranging from 0.25-0.35 m3.m-3 were all of acceptable and equivalent quality. NJ: In collaboration with Joey Norikane (University of Kentucky) pictures were taken of young tomato plants using an infrared camera. The objective was to compare the different surface temperatures of plants under severe drought stress as well as well-water plants. Preliminary results showed significant temperature differences of both leaf and stem surfaces. TX: A study was conducted to characterize the morphological and physiological responses of four herbaceous perennial species subjected to two subsequent drought cycles. Lantana camara L. cv. New Gold (lantana), Lobelia cardinalis L. (cardinal flower), Salvia farinacea Benth. cv. Henry Duelberg (mealy sage), and Scaevola aemula R. Br. cv. New Wonder (fan flower) were subjected to two consecutive 10-day drought cycles. Growth response, leaf gas exchange, and chlorophyll fluorescence were measured during the experiment. In general, substrate water content averaged 0.60 mm3/mm3 for control and 0.15 mm3/mm3 for drought treated plants. The morphology of L. cardinalis and L. camara was not affected by drought, while S. farinacea had reductions in plant height and leaf area and S. aemula had reductions in dry weight. Overall, plant growth and development continued even when substrate water content was reduced to 0.13 mm3/mm3 which indicated a level of substrate water below container capacity was sufficient for greenhouse production of these species. The drought treatments had little effect on the photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) of Photosystem II. An increase in minimal fluorescence (Fo) was observed in S. aemula on the last day of the second cycle. Net carbon assimilation rate (A) was less affected than transpiration rate (E) and stomatal conductance (gs) which caused a general increase in leaf-level water use efficiency (WUE). Plants of L. camara, S. farinacea and S. aemula that had received drought during both cycles became more water use efficient by the end of the second cycle, but L. cardinalis did not. PA: To investigate and quantify the role of common green roof plants like sedum and delosperma, a series of 8 weighing lysimeters were constructed in a greenhouse at The Pennsylvania State University in University Park, PA Each lysimeter consisted of a load cell (LCEB-150, Omega Engineering Company) connected to a data logger (Campbell Scientific). Sixteen green roof modules were constructed from wood and suspended from the load cells with metal cable. Modules were 1.05 x 0.54 x 0.10 m (LxWxH) with a 10 mm (0.5) drainage slit at one end. Each module was filled with a 12 mm (0.5) thick drainage layer (Enka drain 9715; Cold Bond, ENKA  North Carolina) and 89 mm (3.5) of a commercial green roof medium (Gerick Corp., Ohio). The media had a bulk density of 0.534 g/cc and a volumetric water content at field capacity of 28%. The total water storage potential for the module was thus about 25 mm of water. Four modules were planted with Sedum spurium, 4 modules were planted with S. sexangulare, 4 modules were planted with a mixture of 80% Delosperma nubigenum and 20% S album, and 4 modules were left unplanted. Modules were grown until plants covered 95-100% of the surface of the module before any measurements were made. Vegetated roof modules were installed in the weighing lysimeters one species at a time. Modules were installed with a 1:12 slope (8%). After each planted module change, load cell module units were recalibrated with standard brass weights between 100 and 2000g. A light meter (LI-COR quantum sensor Q25338), and 6 copper-constantan (Omega) thermocouples were also installed. Modules were fully saturated followed by a dry-down period of 14  21 days. Each species was subjected to multiple saturation and dry-down cycles at different times of the year (different environmental conditions). During the measurement period module weights were recorded every 10 minutes. Weight changes were converted to mm of water. The sedum and delosperma tested were found to use water rapidly when it was available. The water loss rate from planted roof modules was about 2x that from unplanted modules during the first 5 or so days following irrigation. After 5 days the rate of water loss was similar for planted and unplanted roof modules. The relative effect of plants on the total water loss for the roof modules suggest that the plants could contribute as much as about 40% of the stormwater retention function of the green roof. The relative affect of plants would be greatest with relatively frequent (3-5 day) relatively small (12.7 mm, 0.5) storms. With longer dry periods the effect of the plants is less, i.e. the medium alone is capable of the same or nearly the same water retention as a planted system. 2. Evaluate the entire fertigation system, including water delivery, plant uptake, and runoff, while accounting for optimization of micronutrient, media pH, and EC levels (AZ, CT, NE, NH, NY, OH, PA). GA: High salt levels in irrigation water are an increasing problem worldwide. We studied the effects of high salinity levels (either from NaCl or by using high fertilizer concentrations) on the physiology and morphology of tomato. High salinity levels reduced plant height, dry weight, and leaf elongation. High levels of NaCl (but not high fertilizer concentrations) reduced leaf chlorophyll and photosynthesis and the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II. Increasing the Ca2+ concentrations of the nutrient solution prevented these effects of high NaCl on leaf photosynthetic parameters, but did not restore growth. High Ca2+ did not prevent the effects of salinity on leaf elongation. Growth was highly correlated with leaf elongation, but was not correlated with leaf photosynthesis. PA: Seeds of 3 taxa (pansy (Viola Golden Yellow), geranium (Geranium Elite Cherry), and dianthus (Dianthus Supra Purple)) were sown December 19, 2006. The geraniums were transplanted to 5-inch pots on January 5, the dianthus on January 18, and the pansy on January 22, 2007. The growing mix was Sunshine #4. The design was a split plot where part of the pots were subirrigated and the remainder were trickle irrigated as needed. There were 10 pots for each taxa for each of nine treatments. The fertilizer used was Osmocote Exact 16-11-11 at 7 lbs/cuyd. Pour-through tests were done on a regular basis to determine the amount of salt that could be recovered from the media. At the initial measurement, the pour-through values from the pots where the Osmocote was placed in the bottom of the pot were highest. Where the Osmocote was placed in the middle of the pot or mixed with the media, the pour-though values were intermediate. The lowest values were where the Osmocote was placed on the top of the pot. After about 5 weeks of growth, the pour-through values were all similar to each other, perhaps reflecting the fact that the plants were growing rapidly and taking up most of the nutrients being released by the Osmocote. After 5 weeks of growth, the pour-through values of the bottom placement were consistently higher than any of the other three placements. Bottom placement of Osmocote tended to produce smaller plants than any other placement. Bottom placement of Osmocote produced higher EC values of the pour-through compared to other placements. The lowest pour-through values were top placement suggesting that there may be less leaching of nutrients when the Osmocote is placed on the surface. There was no difference in the trends whether or not the plants were subirrigated or trickle irrigated. The EC of the soluble fertilizer leachate was about twice the value of the Osmocote leachate and the placement of the Osmocote had no consistent effect on leachate EC. NY: Synthetic chelators are commonly used in hydroponic media to solubilize Fe; however, the fate of these chelators is unknown. The persistences of three synthetic chelators, ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (DTPA), and ethylenediaminedisuccinate (EDDS) were studied in a bench-scale lettuce production system. The EDDS concentration decreased rapidly within 7 days, most likely due to biodegradation. EDTA and DTPA concentrations stayed steady throughout the experiments despite additions to maintain a constant volume and loss of chelator may have been due to either plant uptake or photodegradation of the chelator. Chelator photodegradation can become a very serious problem in hydroponic systems where the nutrient solution is exposed to light for a little as twenty minutes. Despite large differences in solution chemistry, the final shoot concentrations of Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn were similar among chelator treatments, whereas root concentrations of these same elements were highly variable. We also measured the concentration of DTPA in a commercial lettuce production system and found highly variable concentrations. 3.Improve design of water and nutrient recirculation systems (NJ, NY, KY, OH, AZ, PA). AZ: The goal of this project was to examine the feasibility of installing a water recovery system for reducing semi-arid greenhouse water consumption. Specifically, a water recovery system was placed in the stream of the exhaust air of the greenhouse equipped with a fan and pad evaporative cooling system, where chilled water naturally generated and used as an energy sink to recover the water via condensation. The energy balance model of condenser used in the simulation was validated by data obtained using a condenser unit placed under a semi-arid greenhouse condition. Comparing to water use in the plant canopy transpiration of 0.0036-0.0105 m3 m-2 d-1and 0.0033-0.0081 m3 m-2 d-1 during the pre-monsoon day and monsoon day, respectively , our steady-state model simulated that, relative to minimum and maximum irrigation water use (min/max), 26.9% / 9.2% and 15.1% / 6.2% of water can be recovered in pre-monsoon day and monsoon day, respectively, when equipped even with the relatively inefficient (bypass factor =0.92) condenser units. With an increase of condenser efficiency to 50% (BF= 0.5), the proposed system could recover 100% / 57.6% of irrigation water in pre-monsoon day and 94.3% / 38.4% recovery in monsoon day. The result showed that integration of a water recovery system using the pad sump water as chilled water source into a pad and fan cooled semiarid greenhouse is technically feasible. AZ: A slow sand filter (SSF) with 3.3 m2 of surface area has been used to treat nutrient solution drainage from the greenhouse hydroponic system. The primary goal is to improve the performance of the SSF by maintaining the Shmutzdecke layer with mechanical cleaning methods. CT: A Partial Saturation Ebb and flow Watering System (PSEFW) restricted the uptake of water by limiting the contact time of the solution with the base of the pots. The supply interval could be varied from 2 to 12 minutes. Water was in contact with pots roughly two times longer that the duration of watering. In practice, a minimum of 30% of capacity and a maximum of about 70% of capacity were the limits to adding water with a single watering cycle of the PSEFW system. When crops were watered repeatedly by PSEFW, a difference in water content was maintained from one watering cycle to the next. Water content of the root medium was 43 to 46% at the start of watering, and 89 to 94% at the end of watering using a long duration intended to saturate the pots. In comparison, water content was 20 to 35% at the start of watering, and 60 to 74% at the end of watering with the short duration intended to partially water the pots. Both the initial and final water content were higher in small compared to large pots, and PSEFW more effectively maintained a low water content at larger pot sizes. There were differences between watering regimes in the amount of water and nutrients in various layers of the potting medium. However, there were no fundamental differences in the distribution of water or nutrients due to PSEFW compared to conventional watering. The leaf-canopy of plants grown with PSEFW filled the allotted bench space more slowly than did that of plants with full-saturation watering. The full-saturation plants began to stretch sooner because the canopy closed earlier. The result was more compact plants with PSEFW. Plants in both treatments started flowering on about the same date. Both treatments produced market quality plants. However, plants produced with PSEFW maintained good quality if the crops were held for an additional 7 days, while the quality declined rapidly for plants grown with full saturation watering. This scenario occurs often during the bedding plant season when local weather conditions unexpectedly delay retail demand. PA: Pythium aphanadermatum is a devastating root disease organism to which spinach is particularly susceptible. This disease has prevented successful hydroponic spinach production in the United States. Ultraviolet radiation, sonication, filtration, and electrochemical treatment were evaluated to determine their efficacies in suppressing disease in continuous production for at least as long as required for baby-spinach to reach harvest (approximately two weeks after germination). Additionally, aeroponics production was contrasted to deep-pond production. No conventional method worked in the deep-flow system. The method that worked was to reduce nutrient solution temperature to 20 C (68 F) and produce commercial-quality crops within 14 days. A surer method was to create sequential production ponds where plants are moved from one to a second part-way through the production cycle. The method is believed to work by taking advantage of the disease reproduction period, which appears to be approximately 15 days at 20 C. This method requires limited refrigeration capacity in an insulated deep-pond system of commercial size but does absolutely require supplemental lighting and daily light integral control to achieve sufficient productivity within the allowable production period before disease strikes. Topic No. 2. Managing the aerial environment for greenhouse plant production 1. Develop design and control recommendations for naturally ventilated greenhouses (OH, NE, NY, NJ). AZ: The effect of greenhouse natural ventilation rate on air humidity and water use for fog cooling was investigated. A control algorithm using Visual VETH software based on the steady-state energy balance equations for adjusting ventilation openings was evaluated for simultaneously maintaining air relative humidity and temperature (65-75 percent and 24-25 Celsius), and ultimately VPD, with high-pressure fog cooling, roll-up side vents with insect screens, and a roof vent. The greenhouse air relative humidity decreased with an increase in ventilation rate, while the water use for fog cooling increased. For example, the humidity decreased from approximately 80 to 65 percent on a clear day when the ventilation rate was increased from 1 to 3.5 cubic meter per square meter per minute, while the water use increased from 18 to 21 gram per square meter per minute. There was a good agreement between the measured ventilation rates and the predicted ventilation rates by Visual VETH. Effective control of air temperature and humidity, and subsequently the VPD and water use, in greenhouse climate control is critical for the viability of food crop production in semi-arid regions. AZ: Transpiration of Tomato Plant Canopy and Water Use for a Fog Cooled Naturally Ventilated Greenhouse in Semiarid Climate was studied within a US-Japan international collaboration. The ultimate goal of this collaborative project is to develop an effective environmental control strategy to cool the greenhouses for plant production and minimize the water use in semiarid climate. Using a single-span double-polyethylene greenhouse with tomato plant canopy at The University of Arizona, the canopy transpiration rate and the water balance of greenhouse were investigated. The greenhouse was equipped with high-pressure fog nozzles, roll-up side vents with insect screens, and a roof vent. Fogging was operated cyclically with an air temperature set point of 24C. Under different vent configurations, the transpiration rate was measured using a stem gage. The amounts of generated fog and non-evaporated water droplets were collected and measured. The natural ventilation rate was measured continuously using SF6 gas as a tracer. Preliminary results showed that the transpiration rate increased linearly with an increase in vapor pressure deficit (VPD) of the air. When the ventilation rate was decreased by reducing the vent openings, the total water use in the greenhouse decreased by 13% and relative humidity increased as expected from simulation based on the steady-state energy balance. The decrease in canopy transpiration was driven by the decrease in VPD, and was at a greater magnitude than that of fog evaporation rate under the present experimental conditions with relatively high humidity ranging 70-94%. These results suggest that by optimizing natural ventilation rate, we could effectively cool the greenhouse with less water use. AZ: Modeling of Natural Ventilation for Mexican Greenhouses has been completed as part of US-Mexico TIES program for international collaboration. Tracer gas techniques were used in a greenhouse at Chapingo Autonomous University in Mexico to obtain empirical models in order to relate ventilation rates with respect to air temperature, wind speed, wind direction, and solar radiation. Ventilation rates were calculated by using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) as theoretical approach, results of which are compared to the solution from the measured tracer gas technique. Once verified, an improved greenhouse design was proposed to supply required ventilation rates through modification of greenhouse characteristics such as insect screen, roof and side-wall vents, and extended screening. The input weather conditions are considered from the climate in the central part of Mexico during the hottest months. Experiments were performed during the summer 2004. Thesis was completed in 2005. 2.Enhance technology transfer and research in light integral control (CT, MI, NH, NY, AZ). No activity this year. Topic No. 3. Integrating sustainable and economically profitable systems and processes for the greenhouse industry 1. Develop an economic analysis of the costs and benefits of supplemental lighting for seedling plugs, other greenhouse crop types, and photoperiodic lighting (AZ, CT, KY, MI, NE, NH, NY, NJ, OH). No activity this year. 2. Improve the understanding of using shade to optimize production of high-quality greenhouse tomato for spring and early summer production (AZ, CT, KY, MI, NE, NH, NY, NJ, OH). No activity this year. 3. Quantitatively evaluate seasonal and annual water balances for greenhouses (AZ, CT, KY, MI, NE, NH, NY, NJ, OH). AZ: Water Use by Greenhouse Evaporative Cooling Systems and the Effect on the Greenhouse Climate in Semi-Arid Regions. This project focuses on evaporative cooling methods in combination with both mechanical and natural ventilation systems. Two evaporative cooling methods are being studied; 1) pad and fan system (completed in 2005-06) and 2) high-pressure fog system. AZ: Water-use efficiency in semi-arid regions includes both for cooling and irrigation. These will be determined for both evaporative cooling systems, in combination with ventilation and shading, to compare the amount of water required to obtain the desired greenhouse conditions, while maintaining crop production and quality. Tomato plant water use for the extreme summer conditions was measured to be 14.8 liter per square meter per day for the pad & fan evaporative cooling system and 8.9 liter per square meter per day for the drip irrigation system. At the lowest ventilation rate (0.017 cubic meter per square meter per second) the cooling efficiency was 85 percent whereas at the highest ventilation rate (0.079 cubic meter per square meter per second) the cooling efficiency was 75 percent. The efficiency was defined as the ratio of the air temperature reduction from outside to inside, to the difference of the outside air temperature and the inside wet bulb air temperature. Increasing the ventilation rate increased water use by the evaporative cooling system without necessarily improving the greenhouse conditions. Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the 2003-2008 NE 1017 Multistate Research Project objectives: AZ: 1. Evaluation of growth and development of safflower under semiarid greenhouse conditions. 2. High lycopene tomato production: Effects of consumption on human plasma lycopene levels and oxidative stress. 3. Evaluation of antioxidants in tomato during postharvest 4. Use of narrow-waveband LEDs for in vitro induction and development of carrot somatic embryos 5. Design of cyanobacterial flat-plate photobioreactor for sequestration of CO2 6. South Pole Food Growth Chamber project 7. New graduate course, PLS 579/ABE 579 Applied Instrumentation for Controlled Environment Agriculture NJ: 1. In collaboration with Peter Ling (Ohio State University) a simulation study was conducted investigating greenhouse energy consumption and savings strategies. 2. A 250 kW landfill gas fired microturbine installation is being completed at the NJ EcoComplex research greenhouse facility. The system will generate heat and electricity for the 1-acre greenhouse facility. Excess electricity will be sold back to the local utility grid. The entire system is expected to be operational in the fall of 2007. 3. In collaboration with Bruce Bugbee (Utah State University) and Apogee Instruments, Inc., a small set of light emitting diode (LED) lamps was evaluated for their spectral output as well as their spectral efficiency and yield photon flux (also termed a photosynthetic correction factor). 4. In collaboration with Erik Runkle (Michigan State University) and funded by the Michigan Floriculture Growers Council, Extension materials were developed addressing energy conservation issues for commercial greenhouse production. These materials are available online at: http://www.hrt.msu.edu/Energy/Default.htm. PA: 1. A simulation model was developed to predict energy flows and thermal conditioning advantages of green roofs on commercial/industrial buildings. 2. A process based model of a tree seedling nursery was created to assist greenhouse energy management. TX: Lettuce was determined to grow well under low pressure (25 kPa) compared to ambient (101 kPa) conditions and there is comparable level of CO2 assimilation (net photosynthesis) and a 25% lower dark respiration rate in low (25/12 kPa pO2) than ambient (101/21 kPa pO2) pressure plants Ethylene was reduced under low pressure (about 3-fold less).

Dissertations, Theses (Published) Wu, M. (Advisor: C. Kubota) 2006. Effect of Electrical Conductivity of Nutrient Solution on Plant Physiological Responses and Fruit Quality of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Ph.D. Dissertation University of Arizona. Books (Published) None Book Chapters (Published) Costa, G.J.C. and Cuello, J.L. 2006. Using a Correct Watt-Based Measurement of Light for Plant Applications. In Floriculture, Ornamental and Plant Biotechnology. J. Texeira (ed.). Global Science Books, UK. 4:23-29. Cuello, J.L. 2006. Novel Lighting Technologies and Strategies for Plant Production on Earth and Space. In Floriculture, Ornamental and Plant Biotechnology. J. Texeira (ed.). Global Science Books, UK. 4:131-136. Fleisher, D.H., L.F. Rodriguez, A.J. Both, J. Cavazzoni, and K.C. Ting. 2006. Advanced life support systems in space. CIGR Handbook of Agricultural Engineering. Volume 6: Information Technology. pp. 339-354. Hoshino, T. and Cuello, J.L. Designing the Lighting Environment for Somatic Embryogenesis. In Floriculture, Ornamental and Plant Biotechnology. J. Texeira (ed.). Global Science Books, UK. 4:294-298. Mears, D.R. 2006. Energy use in production of food, feed and fiber. Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS). UNESCO web publication: http://www.eolss.net. Refereed Journal Articles (Published) Burnett, S.E., M.W. van Iersel, and P.A. Thomas. 2006. Medium-incorporated PEG-8000 affects elongation, growth, and whole-canopy carbon dioxide exchange of Tagetes patula. HortScience 41:124-130. Cuello, JL. and G.J.C. Costa. 2005. Bringing Fallacies to Light Part 2: Further Debunking Radiation-Measurement Misconceptions for Plant Photosynthesis. Resource: Engineering & Technology for a Sustainable World. 12(9): 13-14. Cuello, JL. and G.J.C. Costa. 2005. Bringing Fallacies to Light: Debunking Radiation-Measurement Misconceptions for Plant Photosynthesis. Resource: Engineering & Technology for a Sustainable World. 12(2): 9-10 Fleisher, D.H., L.S. Logendra, C. Moraru, A.J. Both, J. Cavazzoni, T. Gianfagna, T.C. Lee, and H. Janes. 2006. Effect of temperature perturbations on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) quality and production scheduling. Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology 81(1):125-131. Frantz, J.M., N.N. Cometti, M.W. van Iersel, and B. Bugbee. 2007. Rethinking acclimation of growth and maintenance respiration of tomato in elevated CO2: effects of a sudden change in light at different temperatures. Journal of Plant Ecology. In press. Gent, M.P.N. 2006. Modeling the Effect of Nutrient Solution Composition and Irradiance on Accumulation of Nitrate in Hydroponic Lettuce. Acta Horticulturae 718:469-476. Gent, M.P.N. 2007. Effect of Degree and Duration of Shade on Quality of Greenhouse Tomato. HortScience 42:514-520. He, C., F. T. Davies Jr. and R. E. Lacey. (2006). Hypobaric conditions affect gas exchange, ethylene evolution and growth of lettuce for advanced life support systems (ALS). Habitation 11: 49-61. Javanmardi, J. and C. Kubota. 2006. Variation of lycopene, antioxidant activity, total soluble solids and weight loss of tomato during postharvest storage. Postharvest Biology and Technology. 41:151-155. Kim, K-S, G.A. Giacomelli, S. Sase, J-E. Son, S-W. Nam, and F. Nakazawa. 2006. Opimization of growth environment in a plant production facility using a chlorophyll fluorescence method. Japan Ag. Res. Quarterly JARQ 40(2):149-156. Kubota, C. and M. Kroggel. 2006. Air temperature and illumination during transportation affect quality of mature tomato seedlings. HortScience 41:1640-1644. Kubota, C., C.A. Thomson, M. Wu, and J. Javanmardi. 2006. Controlled environments for production of value-added food crops with high phytochemical concentrations: High lycopene tomato as an example. HortScience 41:522-525 Lefsrud, M., D. Kopsell, R. Augé, and A.J. Both. 2006. Biomass production and pigment accumulation in kale grown under increasing photoperiods. HortScience 41(3):603-606. Mathieu, J., R. Linker, L. Levine, L. Albright, A.J. Both, R. Spanswick, R. Wheeler, E. Wheeler, D. deVilliers, R. Langhans. 2006. Evaluation of the NiCoLet model for simulation of short-term hydroponic lettuce growth and nitrate uptake. Biosystems Engineering 95(3):323-337. Montesano, F., and M.W. van Iersel. 2007. Calcium can prevent toxic effects of Na+ on tomato leaf photosynthesis, but does not restore growth. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science 132: In press. Nam, S.W., G.A. Giacomelli, K.S. Kim, N.C. Sabeh. 2005. Analysis of temperature gradients in greenhouse equipped with fan and pad system by CFD method. J. BioEnv Cntrl. 14(2): 76-82. Nemali, K.S. and M.W. van Iersel. 2006. An automated system for controlling drought stress and irrigation in potted plants. Scientia Horticulturae 110:292297. Nemali, K.S., F. Montesano, S.K. Dove, M.W. van Iersel. 2007. Calibration and performance of moisture sensors in soilless substrates: ECH2O and Theta probes. Scientia Horticulturae 112:227-334. Ono, E. and J.L. Cuello. 2006. Feasibility Assessment of Microalgal Carbon Dioxide Sequestration. Technology with Photobioreactor and Solar Collector. Journal of Biosystems Engineering. 95(4): 597-606. Ono, E. and J.L. Cuello. 2007. Carbon Dioxide Mitigation Using Thermophilic Cyanobacteria. Journal of Biosystems Engineering. 96(1): 129-134. Philips, Jonathan, E.J. Holcomb, and K. Kelley. 2007. Determining Interest in Value-added Planters; Consumer Preference and Current Grower and Retailer Perceptions. HortTechnology 17(2): 238-246 Reiss, E., D.R. Mears, T.O. Manning, G.J. Wulster, and A.J. Both. 2007. Numerical modeling of greenhouse floor heating. Transactions of the ASABE 50(1):275-284. Scoggins, H.L. and M.W. van Iersel. 2006. In situ probes for measurement of EC of soilless substrates: effects of temperature and substrate moisture content. HortScience 41:210-214. Seginer, I., L.D. Albright and I. Ioslovich. 2006. Improved strategies for a constant daily light integral in greenhouses. Biosystems Engineering 93(1):69-80 Son, J-E. M-M. Oh, Y-J. Lu, K-S. Kim, and GA. Giacomelli. 2006. Nutrient-Flow Wick Culture System for Potted Plant Production: System Characteristics and Plant Growth. Scientia Horticulturae 107: 392-398. Starman, T.W. and L. Lombardini. 2006. Growth, gas exchange, and chlorophyll fluorescence of four ornamental herbaceous perennials during water deficit conditions. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 131(4):469-475. van Iersel, M.W. 2006. Respiratory Q10 of marigold (Tagetes patula L.) in response to long-term temperature differences and its relation to growth and maintenance respiration. Physiologia Plantarum 128:289-301. Wehry, R.H., K.M. Kelley, R.D. Berghage, and J.C. Sellmer. 2007. Capturing Consumer Preferences and Interests in Developing a State Plant Promotional Program. HortScience 42(3):574-580. Symposium Proceedings Articles (Published) Berghage, R., D. Beattie, A. Jarrett, and T. OConnor. 2007. Greenroof Runoff Water Quality. Greening Rooftops for Sustainable Communities, Minneapolis April 29-May 1, 2007 Costa, G.J.C. and J.L. Cuello. 2006. A Phytometric Irradiance Measuring Instrument. R. Moe (ed.). Acta Horticulturae 711:405-410. Costa, G.J.C. and J.L. Cuello. 2006. Application of the Point-by-Point Method for Calculating Irradiance in Greenhouses Based on the Phytometric System. Proceedings of the 10th PanAmerican Congress on Illumination (LuxAmerica). Paper 51, 10 pp. Costa, G.J.C. and J.L. Cuello. 2006. The Point Irradiance and the Phytomteric System. Acta Horticulturae 711:455-460. Craven, L., R.J. Richman, and G.A. Giacomelli, 2006. How a non profit trade development center and state university have teamed to overcome training deficit in food crop industry. Proceedings of PLASTICULTURE 2006, 33rd National Agricultural Plastics Congress, American Society for Plasticulture, San Antonio, TX, November 2 - 5, 2006. Gent, M.P.N. 2006. Factors Affecting Starch Mobilization in Greenhouse Vegetables. Proceedings Canadian Greenhouse Conference, Toronto CA. Ishii, M., S. Sase, H. Moriyama, C. Kubota, K. Kurata, M. Hayashi, A. Ikeguchi, N. Sabeh. P. Romero, and G.A. Giacomelli. 2006. The effect of evaporative fog cooling in a naturally ventilated greenhouse on air and leaf temperature, relative humidity, and water use in a semiarid climate. Acta Horticulturae 719:491-498. Kubota, C., M. Hayashi, Y. Fukuda, S. Yokoi, and S. Sase. 2006. Using ventilation-evaporation-temperature-humidity (VETH) chart software for developing a strategy for evaporative cooling of semiarid greenhouses. Acta Horticulturae 719:483-490. Romero, P., Giacomelli, G.A., Choi, C.Y. and Lopez-Cruz, I. 2006. Ventilation rates for a naturally ventilated greenhouse in central Mexico . Acta Horticulturae 719:65-72. Sabeh, N.C., G.A. Giacomelli, and C. Kubota. 2006. Water use for pad and fan evaporative cooling of a greenhouse in semi-arid climate. Acta Horticulturae 719:409-416. Sase, S., M. Ishii, H. Moriyama, C. Kubota, K. Kurata, M. Hayashi, N.C. Sabeh, P. Romero, G.A. Giacomelli. 2006. Effect of natural ventilation rate on relative humidity and water use for fog cooling in a semiarid greenhouse. Acta Horticulturae. 719:385-392. Shimomachi, T., Larson, D., Jordan, K. and Cuello, J.L. 2006. Energy Balance and Three-Dimesional Radiation Distribution of Water-Cooled HPS Lamps and of a Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Array. Acta Horticulturae 711:393-398. Tabares Velasco, P. C., J. Srebric and R. Berghage. 2007. Thermal Performance of a Lightweight Tray for the Green Roof Growing Media. Greening Rooftops for Sustainable Communities, Minneapolis April 29-May 1, 2007 Tignor, M.E., G.A. Giacomelli, C. Kubota, E. Fitz, S.B. Wilson, T.A. Irani, E. Rhoades, and M.J. McMahon. 2006. Development of a web-based multi-media resource for environmental control modeling and greenhouse education. Acta Horticulturae 719:303-310. van Iersel, M.W., S.E. Burnett, and S. Dove. 2006. Increasing irrigation efficiency: Water requirements of petunia and salvia. Proceedings of the Southern Nursery Association Research Conference, Atlanta, Georgia. 51:640-643. Popular Articles (Published) Both, A.J. 2006. Airflow options affect crop growth. GMPRO, May issue. pp. 59-64. Both, A.J. 2006. Keep your greenhouse cool this summer. GMPRO, April issue. pp. 45-48. Both, A.J. 2007. Maintain temperatures with evaporative cooling. Greenhouse Management and Production (GMPro). April issue. pp. 39-42. Both, A.J. and D.R. Mears. 2006. Build and maintain greenhouses with energy conservation in mind. GMPRO, May issue. pp. 54-56. Burnett, S. and L.B. Stack. 2006. Energy tax incentives. Greenhouse Grower April:61-62. Burnett, S. and M. van Iersel. 2006. Irrigation automation: Current technology. OFA Bulletin (Mar/Apr). Cotton, Susan E. (2006). Outer space researchers say lettuce grows better in less atmospheric pressure. Texas Engineering Communications 2006 [cited February 19 2007]. Available from http://engineeringnews.tamu.edu/news/1348. This story appeared on the Houston Chronicle on-line version July 11, 2006. Giacomelli, G.A., L. Patterson, J. Nelkin, P.D. Sadler and S. Kania. 2006. CEA in Antactica: Growing vegetables on the ice. Resource 13:3-5. Holcomb, E.J. and R. Berghage. 2006. Greenhouse Energy Conservation. Grower Talks 70(10):42-43. Holcomb, E.J. and R. Berghage. 2007. Greenhouse Energy AuditA Case Study Approach. Proceedings of the 2007 Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention. Page 54. Holcomb, E.J. C.W. Heuser, and P.H. Heinemann. 2007. Recycled Leachate from Fresh Spent Mushroom Compost for Greenhouse and Nursery. Mushroom News 55(5):4-10. Mathias, M. 2006. US Initiative puts models closer to growers. Fruit & Veg Tech 6.7 (www.HortiWorld.nl) Phillips, Kathleen. (2006). Galaxy Gardening More Than Hobby for Future Moon, Mars Residents. Texas A&M University, Agricultural Communications 2006 [cited February 19 2007]. Available from http://agnews.tamu.edu/stories/HORT/Oct0506a.htm. This story appeared on the following web pages: MarsDaily.com, PhysicsOrg.com, ScienceDaily.com, SpaceRef.com, Astrobiology.com, NorthTexas eNews, My Garden Guide, Gardening News, and Texas Gardeners Seeds Stack, L.B., S. Burnett, and D. Zhang. 2006. Floriculture at the University of Maine. OFA Bulletin (May/June). van Iersel, M. and S. Burnett. 2006. Irrigation automation: Looking at the future. OFA Bulletin (May/June). van Iersel, M.W., S.E. Burnett, and L.B. Stack. 2006. Automation aids efficient irrigation. Fruit & Veg. Tech. 6.7:10-12. Presentations (Papers) Both, A.J., D.R. Mears, T.O. Manning, E. Reiss, P.P. Ling. 2007. Evaluating energy savings strategies using heat pumps and energy storage for greenhouses. ASABE paper No. 07-4011. ASABE, 2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659, USA. Burnett, S. and D. Zhang. 2006. Using active learning to teach irrigation concepts in greenhouse management. Presented at the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Horticultural Science, New Orleans, Louisiana, July 27-30. ASHS, 113 S. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314. Burnett, S. and L.B. Stack. 2006. Energy tax incentives. Reprinted at: Greenhouse Energy: Energy Conservation and Alternative Energy Sources for Greenhouses. Runkle, E., M. Blanchard, J. Bartok, and R. Lacey (eds.). 6 Feb 2007. http://www.hrt.msu.edu/Energy/resources.htm. Costa, G.J.C. and J.L. Cuello. 2006. The Point-by-Point Irradiance Method Applied to Plant Systems Based on the Phytometric System. Proceedings of the 36th International Conference on Environmental Systems. SAE: Engineering Society for Advanced Mobility in Land, Sea, Air and Space. ICES2006-01-2215. 6 pp. Costa, G.J.C. and JL. Cuello. 2006. The Point-by-Point Irradiance Method Applied to Plant Systems Based on the Phytometric System. Proceedings of the 36th International Conference on Environmental Systems. ICES2006-01-2215. Gent, M.P.N. 2007. A Dynamic Model of Water Potential and Movement in Whole Plants Based on Compartment Volumes and Water Contents. Biological Systems Simulation Group Meeting, Beltsville, MD, April 2007 Gent, M.P.N. Effect of Degree and Duration of Shade on Quality of Greenhouse Tomato. (Abstract) NE regional ASHS meeting College Park MD, January 2007. Gent, M.P.N. Modeling the Effect of Nutrient Solution Composition and Irradiance on Accumulation of Nitrate in Hydroponic Lettuce. I.S.H.S. symposium Hortimodel 2006 Wagenigen Netherlands, November 2006 Giacomelli, G.A., P. Sadler, and L. Patterson, 2006. Telepescence Technologies and Practices for Enabling Remote Semi-Autonomous CEA Food Production. 27th International Horticultural Congress (IHC), Symposium 6. Environmental Control. Invited keynote speaker. Giacomelli, G.A. 2006. Controlled Environment Cultivation Systems for Moon and Mars. 2nd International Workshop Agrospace Territory and Research, Sperlonga, Italy. Invited speaker. Giacomelli, G.A., P. Sadler, L. Patterson, J. Nelkin, and B. Salazar. 2006. Operations and experiences with the food growth chamber at the Amundsen-Scott New South Pole Station. Habitation 2006 Conference, Orlando, FL. He, Chuanjiu, Fred T. Davies, Ronald E. Lacey, and Sheetal Rao. (2006). Effect of Hypobaria, Oxygen, and Carbon Dioxide on Gas Exchange, Ethylene Evolution, and Growth of Lettuce Plants for NASA Advanced Life Support Systems. American Society for Horticultural Science meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana. Jarrett, A.R., W.F. Hunt, and R.D. Berghage. 2006. Annual and Individual-Storm Green Roof Stormwater Response Models. ASABE, Portland Or. July 9-12, 2006. Paper # 062310. Kubota, C. 2006. Current technology and status of seedling grafting in North America. Workshop speaker, 27th International Horticultural Congress, Seoul, Korea Kubota, C. 2006. Use of grafted seedlings for vegetable production in North America. Colloquium speaker, 27th International Horticultural Congress, Seoul, Korea Kubota, C. and M. Kroggel. 2006. Application of 1-MCP for quality preservation of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) seedlings during long distance transportation. HortScience 41: 976. (American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Meetings, New Orleans, July. Lacey, Ronald E., Chuanjiu He, and Fred T. Davies Jr. (2006). Engineering a Low Pressure Plant Growth System  Generation IV. Habitation 2006 meeting in Orlando, Florida. Lovelady, April, John C. Sager, and Ronald E. Lacey. (2006). Dynamic Low Pressure Gas Mixing. Habitation 2006 meeting in Orlando, Florida. Mears, D.R. 2007. Techniques on energy conservation and environment control in greenhouses. NIRE, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. January 25, 2007 (3 papers each in English and Japanese). Montesano, F., and M.W. van Iersel. 2006. NaCl stress in hydroponic tomatoes can be alleviated by calcium. 2006 Annual meeting of the American Society for Horticultural Science, New Orleans, LO. Rao, Sheetal, Scott Finlayson, Chuanjiu He, Ronald Lacey, Raymond Wheeler, and Fred T. Davies. (2006). Effect of Hypobaria on the Expression of Ethylene Biosynthesis Genes in Arabidopsis thaliana. American Society for Horticultural Science meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana. Roberts, W.J. 2007. History of the agricultural engineering program at Rutgers University with special emphasis on the unique aspects of the program. NABEC paper No. 07-008. ASABE, 2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659, USA. Sabeh, N.C., A. Ikeguchi, S. Sase, L. Okushima, M. Ishii. 2006. Effects of Buoyancy and Wind Direction on Airflow and Temperature Distribution in a Naturally Ventilated, Single-Span Greenhouse using a Wind Tunnel. Presented at American Society for Agricultural and Biological Engineering. Portland, OR. July 9-12, 2006. Shelford, T., D. de Villiers, R. Langhans and L. Albright. 2006. A comparison of three treatment systems for suppression of Pythium aphanadermatum in continuous production of hydroponic baby-leaf spinach. Paper No. 064020. ASABE, St., Joseph, MI. 8 pp. van Iersel, M.W. 2006. Beyond routine measurements: Using dataloggers for control and complicated measurements. 2006 Annual meeting of the American Society for Horticultural Science, New Orleans, LA. van Iersel, M.W. 2006. Whole-plant photosynthesis measurements: What, how and why? 2006 Annual meeting of the American Society for Horticultural Science, New Orleans, LA. OTHER CREATIVE WORKS Video Arizona greenhouse videos: http://badger.uvm.edu/dspace/handle/2051/1932//browse-title 26 sec promotional: UA The First University - Building the Industry. A short promotional video that focused on the CEAC's vision toward building a CEA tomato industry in Arizona was produced by Kate Jensen, UA Director of Marketing. Websites The University of Arizona Controlled Environment Agriculture Center home page: http://ag.arizona.edu/ceac Tomato Live! Website: http://ag.arizona.edu/ceac/tomlive/index.htm Greenhouse education materials repository: http://badger.uvm.edu/dspace/handle/2051/1924 Growing Hydroponic Tomatoes http://ag.arizona.edu/hydroponictomatoes/ Abstracts, Posters, Newsletters, Bulletins Both, A.J. 2007. Greenhouse ventilation. (Abstract) Proceedings of the Annual NJ Vegetable Growers Association Meeting. January 16-18. Atlantic City, NJ. pp. 76-79. Jordan, J., K. Fitzsimmons and JL. Cuello. 2006. A Hybrid Hydroponic and Aquaculture System. Annual International Meeting of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. July 10. Portland, OR. Jordan, J., K. Fitzsimmons and JL. Cuello. 2006. Designing a a Greenwater Aquaponic System. Annual Meeting of the Institute of Biological Engineering. March 10-12. Tucson, AZ. Kubota, C. 2006. Use of grafted seedlings for vegetable production in North America. 27th International Horticultural Congress, Seoul, Korea. Kubota, C. 2006. Current technology and status of seedling grafting in North America. 27th International Horticultural Congress, Seoul, Korea Kubota, C. and Kroggel, M. 2006. Application of 1-MCP for quality preservation of tomato seedlings during long distance transport. Hort Sci 41: 976 Mears, D.R. 2006. Proposals for action to solve some key industry problems. NGMA Newsletter. Fall 2006. Wyenandt, A., W.L. Kline, A.J. Both, and D. Ward. 2007. Effects of soilless bag production and soil fumigation on the development of white mold (Sclerotinia) in tomato high tunnel production. (Poster) Northeast Region of ASHS Annual Meeting, January 4-6, University of Maryland, College Park, MD. Wyenandt, A., W. Kline, and A.J. Both. 2006. Important diseases of tomatoes grown in high tunnels and greenhouses in NJ (Rutgers Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet FS358). Software Greenhouse Environment Simulator 1.0 Users Manual. Developed as part of the World Wide Greenhouse Education Grant [http://www.uvm.edu/wge/simulator/]. Primary author was Efren Fitz-Rodriguez, ABE PhD student, The University of Arizona, CEAC with support from Chieri Kubota. Patents Albright, L.D., K.P. Ferentinos, I. Seginer, J.W. Ho and D. de Villiers. 2007. Systems and methods for providing optimal light-CO2 combinations. United States Patent 7,184,846, February 27, 2007. Workshop Sponsor Evaporative Cooling Workshop. May 30, 2007. Educated public about greenhouse evaporative cooling systems and how to maximize their effectiveness and reduce water and energy use through design and operation. N. Sabeh and G.A. Giacomelli. 75 participants. Greenhouse Crop Production and Engineering Design Short Course. January 14-17, 2007. Continuing professional education short course, University of Arizona. http://www.ag.arizona.edu/ceac/. Included a tour to EuroFresh Farms (Willcox, AZ). G. McCreedy, G. A. Giacomelli, C. Kubota, P. Rorabaugh, M. Jensen, Mark Kroggel. 150 participants. Growers Marketing Forum: GMF3 Farm to Fork Short Course. January 18-19, 2007. Continuing professional education short course, University of Arizona. http://www.ag.arizona.edu/ceac/. Included a tour to EuroFresh Farms (Willcox, AZ). G. McCreedy, R. Furash, G. A. Giacomelli, C. Kubota, P. Rorabaugh, M. Jensen, M. Kroggel. 25 participants. Tomato Grafting Workshop. August 18, 2006. The workshop included a lecture on basics of grafting techniques and demonstration of grafting and welding for tomato. Technical and financial support from De Ruiter Seed Co. The University of Arizona, CEAC. 25 particpants. Terrestrial Carbon (CO2) Sequestration Workshop. December 7, 2006. University scientists, USDOE program managers, and SWPG [Southwestern Power Group] personnel to consider environmental and engineering studies for a proposed 600 MW IGCC electrical power plant to be constructed in Bowie, Arizona. The focus was research and development of technologies for terrestrial carbon sequestration. Organized cooperatively with Dr Gary Crane, SWPG. Supported by Drs Chieri Kubota, KeeSung Kim, and Gene Giacomelli. The University of Arizona, CEAC. 25 participants. Design and operation of greenhouse, high tunnel, and nursery systems short course. Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Centerton, NJ, September 28, 2006. Presented by Both, A.J., W. Kline, G. Zinati, and A. Wyenandt. 2006. Workshop Participant Both, A.J. 2006. Technologies for greenhouse energy conservation. OFA Workshop. Michigan State University, Lansing, MI. December 12, 2006. Burnett, S. Automated irrigation for greenhouses. 2006. Presented at the New England Greenhouse Conference, November 1-3, Worchester, MA. Mears, D.R. 2006. Challenges to opportunities to action. The National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association, Phoenix, AZ. October 19, 2006. Mears, D.R. 2007. Energy conservation: The future - Whats next. Greenhouse Crop Production and Engineering Design Short Course. University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ. January 2007. van Iersel, M., S. Burnett, and L.B. Stack. 2006. Irrigation automation: options and benefits. Presented at the Ohio Short Course, July 7-11, Columbus, OH.