Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

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.

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.

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.