Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Minutes: Joint Meeting NE 1335 & NC 1186 Working Groups

Location: Cornell Cooperative Extension, Riverhead, NY

Date: June 23, 2016

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

John Majsztrik, Clemson University: Research consists on consolidating data collected by the Clean WateR³ group and develop decision support tools based on models to help growers make informed-decisions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12:40 pm: Break for lunch

1:50 pm: Collaborative efforts led by John Majsztrik

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

1. Remediation of water sources: The group discussed the importance of characterizing water around the country and proposed doing a water source mapping to predict how growers would have to manage water in those regions. Potential idea for developing a grant (John Majsztrik offered to lead the effort). It was suggested to collect data by: (1) sampling, (2) data from commercial analytical labs, and (3) USDA geological groundwater survey.
2. Organic fertilizers and predictability of nutrient release: The group discussed how one of the limitations of organic production is the unknown predictability and lack of control on when nutrients are released. They discussed that it might be a good start to understand N balance. Previous research by Univ. of Maryland, found big gaps in N balance. Proposed future steps were to develop nitrogen curves for organic fertilizer, control nitrification, and interaction with microbes. A second topic, was to develop a decision tree to standardize management of composts (Hye-Ji Kim).
3. Controlled Environment and Conservation: The group discussed the importance on conducting research that compares plant factories with semi-close greenhouses in terms of ET modelling, recapturing wastewater and blending, semi-close energy and water systems and include economics of the different options.

4:00 pm:  BUSINESS MEETING: NE 1335

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

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

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

Involve industry partner help identify gaps in knowledge.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nomination and election of incoming secretary:

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

Member announcements:

• Cultivate’16 will take place in two weeks (July 9-12)
• NCERA-101 meeting will be in Australia on Sept 3. The group submitted a grant to support travel grants. Anybody interested in attending, must submit abstract and travel grant before the end of the month (June 30).
• J. Both: NCERA-101 (and two international sister organizations) developed a booklet titled “Guidelines for measuring and reporting environmental parameters for experiments in the greenhouses”. The information contained in this booklet is also discussed in the open-source publication: Both, A.J., L. Benjamin, J. Franklin, G. Holroyd, L.D. Incoll,  M.G. Lefsrud, and G. Pitkin. 2015. Guidelines for measuring and reporting environmental parameters for experiments in greenhouses. Plant Methods 11(43). 18 pp.
• Ling: Online courses for greenhouse engineering is completed. Search: Horticulture Engineering Technology channel in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsD2oKzVv1B_GtumyKKE8LA
• Consider doing an international trip in 2018: Potential locations: Mexico, Canada, Italy (AgroSpace Meeting, around Memorial Day weekend for 2018), Turkey (R. Brumfield has projects).
• Work on a joint project:
  • Involve with the NC1186 working group on the water mapping project.
  • Write a review paper.
  • Collaborative research.
  • Trade journal series
  • Write a series of articles and combine them under a book: exchange information about best practices. How do you teach a specific audience, for example teachers, growers, bankers, etc.
  • Potential topics: Hydroponics, aquaponics, urban agriculture.
  • Peter Ling currently working on alarms for high-tunnels that get high temperature.
  • Make a statement for urban agriculture: rooftop greenhouse, community gardens, vertical farming. Educational programs around the country.
  • Stephanie will contact the group to coordinate writing a group article.
• Hye-Ji Kim joined the meeting and expressed interest in joining.

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

Topic 1: Water and Nutrient Management

CT (Storrs): The University of Connecticut is conducting a series of experiments to understand how biofilm accumulates in irrigation pipes and how biofilm interacts with pathogens and nutrients in the nutrient solution. Preliminary research indicates that pipe materials affect the rate and final accumulation of biofilm and that biofilm may serve as a buffer that results in lower disease incidences caused by Pythium. In addition, research on the effects of salinity and irrigation management on growth and nutrient concentrations in poinsettia was publsihed in HortScience.

CT (CAES, New Haven): Poinsettia grown for sale in 2014 were inoculated with Pythium shortly after they were set out on 28 Aug 2014.  Half of all plants were inoculated, and half received silicon for one month. Plants were grown with ebb and flow watering: half were watered for 15 min, or full saturation, and half were watered for 7 min, or partial saturation PSEFW. We then analyzed the plants shortly after inoculation, one month later, and at a final harvest on 5 December. Inoculated plants started showing symptoms on 12 Sept, and inoculated plants continued to go downhill until 13 Oct 2014. Although few of these plants died by 12 Dec 2014. they gained little weight, and did not show enough bracts to be profitably sold. Inoculated plants on the PSEFW floor were about twice as large as those on the full saturation floor and had some bracts, but not enough to sell. Plants on the full saturation floor that were not inoculated were the largest, and those grown under PSEFW had less biomass. In the past we showed that plants watered with PSEFW were about 30% smaller than those giving more saturation of the root medium. Plants fed with silicone had the same weight as those not fed with silicone. Application of silicone did not have much effect on disease or size of plants after treatment with silicone, or on silicone in the plants. When assayed on 12 Sept 2014, only the root medium differed between inoculated and non-inoculated plants. Non-inoculated plants had more silicone. There were no differences between watering treatments when analyzed on 13 Oct 2014. Root had the most silicone, 2.4 mg/g, while stems and leaves had 1.0 and 1.3 mg/g. These amounts dropped by 10 to 20 fold by the time plants were analyzed on 5 Dec 2014. Leaves and roots had about 0.1 mg/g, while bracts and stems had 0.05 and 0.04 mg/g, respectively. This was only slightly more than the amounts on 12 Sept. There was an effect of floor; plants under full saturation had more silicone in each part, than those watered with PSEFW. There was an effect of application of silicone in leaves on 5 Dec 2014. There were effects of inoculation x floor and inoculation x silicone for the amount of silicone in leaves. Silicone added to the root medium increased the amount of silicone available to the plant. However sand in the medium was also a source of silicone for the plants later in the season. It is possible that silicone had no effect on disease spread in these plants. PSEFW did have an effect, limiting the disease in inoculated plants on the PSEFW floor to half that on the saturated floor.

 NY: A project continues studying the intersection of greenhouse fertilization practices and control of a common greenhouse pest: aphids. Integrated Pest Management practices for aphids are of increasing importance due to public pressure to reduce use of neonicotinoid pesticides. Pepper and pansy plants were grown with low and high rates of liquid fertilizer (LF), controlled release fertilizer (CRF), and organic slow release fertilizer (OSRF). A controlled number of green peach or foxglove aphids were then placed on each plants and aphid populations were counted 10-14 days later. For pepper, LF plants had substantially more green peach aphids than CRF or OSRF plants. Aphid population numbers correlated closely to leaf tissue nitrogen. The results suggests that moderate fertility (such as low rates of liquid feed or CRF/OSRF) can result in marketable plants while substantially reducing aphid infestations. More work is now in progress looking at the intersection of plant fertility and aphid biological control.

 Maine: The University of Maine is testing a prototype propagation system that has the potential to reduce water use. One of these, sub-mist aeroponics, has the potential to reduce water use in propagation compared to traditional mist. During an entire experiment, one third of the amount of water was used in sub-mist aeroponics that would be used during a single mist cycle for traditional propagation.

 Nebraska: A seven-month winter greenhouse experiment focusing on eight cultivars of basil grown at three levels of fertilizer application was conducted and completed during 2014-2015 to model basil growth.  Initial efforts have shown that subtractive clustering of the data along with training of rules can result in good correlation (R² = 0.95) with 23 rules between actual and predicted growth. FCM (GENFIS3) has not shown good results to date, probably due to limitations in the clustering properties.  GENFIS1 generates too many rules (100) and overfitting of the data occurs. Predicting how quickly each plant of basil will reach marketable size (100 g dry weight) will help growers know when to harvest basil or any medicinal plant grown with our system for optimal yield and hopefully predictable quantity of essential oil. If one can predict reliably how much essential oil will be produced then the method and resultant product can be proposed for USP or FDA (depending on the active ingredient) approval. Currently most medicinal and herbal oils and other supplements vary too widely in composition for that kind of approval. We are working towards changing that situation. Given the nature of this modeling research and involvement with a real greenhouse experiment, Dr. Meyer has been able to attract an undergraduate female student and obtain a UCARE grant to employ her.

Test irrigation systems in parallel utilizing the same set of greenhouse crops and cultural conditions to develop metrics for their use

Maine: The University of Maine grew two cultivars of English lavender ‘Hidcote’ and ‘Munstead’ in a sensor automated drip irrigation system. Out of the two cultivars, ‘Munstead’ appeared more drought tolerant than ‘Hidcote’ because plants survived at a lower substrate moisture content (0.10 LŸL^-1). Although it is widely recommended to grow English lavender in dry conditions, plants were larger and had more flowers (for ‘Hidcote’) when they were grown in substrates with a higher substrate moisture content.

Develop outreach materials for commercial greenhouse operations for effectively implementing these systems to save water and fertilizer resources

CT: Published as co-author three articles as part of the Water Treatment Series in Greenhouse Grower Magazine (readership >18K), two articles for e-Gro on management of algae and pathogens in hydroponics (readership >3K) and is currently developing an online decision support tool to interpret water quality analysis. Delivered 14 presentations to target greenhouse growers on topics relating water quality or nutrient management.

Maine: Recommendations for growing English lavender with less water were shared with growers through a trade publication in Greenhouse Grower and a presentation at New England Grows.

Topic 2: Alternative Energy Sources and Energy Conservation

Develop guidelines and approaches to improve greenhouse heating system efficiency

NY, NJ: A collaborative research project is investigating energy efficiency and plant growth of greenhouse supplemental lighting with high pressure sodium (HPS) lamps versus new light-emitting-diode (LED) lamps. Five models of LED fixtures and 2 HPS fixtures were evaluated at Rutgers to quantify light output vs. electrical consumption. Interestingly, despite popular claims of LED efficiency, only two LED fixtures had greater efficiency than the HPS fixtures. Plant performance of baby leaf arugula, kale, and lettuce was evaluated at Cornell. Each luminaire had a PAR light sensor and was connected to a computer control system to light to the same constant daily light integral. Very little difference in plant yield was found by light treatment, suggesting that in a greenhouse with supplemental light, energy efficiency is a more important metric than light spectrum.

 NY: A simulation tool was developed to compare energy costs and carbon footprint for hydroponic plants grown in a CEA greenhouse versus a vertical/warehouse farm. Vertical farms are gaining popularity due to the ability to grow plants in a small area footprint in an urban area. However, our results indicate that vertical production has much higher energy costs and carbon footprint than CEA greenhouse production due to the need to provide all the plants light needs from electricity as well as due to the cooling and dehumidification costs.

Nebraska: A publication is currently being developed for the high plains.

Maine: Recommendations for growing English lavender with less water were shared with growers through a trade publication in Greenhouse Grower and a presentation at New England Grows

Develop guidelines and approaches for the use of alternative energy sources

NJ: An ongoing collaboration with colleagues in Japan has resulted in one published and one accepted publication on open-roof greenhouses.

NY: work has continued on a project using a wood furnace to heat a small nearby commercial greenhouse. The furnace can also produce biochar (agricultural charcoal). Initially the project was to use municipal waste wood chips (from yard trimmings). However, size and moisture quality of these chips was not adequate for the furnace. The furnace is currently operating using locally produced wood pellets and in the future we hope to use graded micro-wood chips as a more cost effective solution. The biochar from the furnace has been tested as a substrate amendment for container grown plants. Biochar from some of the feedstocks tested incorporated into a peat/perlite substrate at 10% by volume led to a significant increase in growth of basil and lettuce.

Topic 3: Sensors and Control Strategies

Evaluate and develop novel sensors and environmental control strategies

Completed a three year evaluation of energy monitoring hardware and its utility in assessing energy use and efficiency in greenhouses and other agricultural facilities (Rutgers).

 Outreach activities (presentation, publications, demonstrations) to stakeholders

NJ: A presentation was delivered on greenhouse heating, cooling, ventilation and control systems during the Greenhouse Production Short Course, NJ EcoComplex. Columbus, NJ. March 7-8, 2016 (Rutgers).

 NY: Thirteen New York State and twelve national presentations were given reaching more than 1,366 commercial greenhouse/high tunnel industry members. Two webinars reaching a national audience of 210 were given. Four trade journal articles, and four website extension bulletins reaching a national commercial greenhouse audience were published. A summer floriculture field day was held reaching more than 125 participants.

Nebraska:   The Nebraska strawberry and basil projects are using the Decagon® GS3 media sensor with a Campbell CR1000® data logger.  The GS3 provides volumetric water content, media temperature, and media electric conductivity. Our greenhouse has a computer in a temperature controlled cabinet hooked to the internet. The greenhouse sensors can be remotely interrogated form anywhere in the world through passwords and a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which provides users a secure, encrypted connection to UNL internal resources.

Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NE-1335 Multistate Research Project objectives:

NJ: After a seven-year international collaborative effort the publication titled: ‘Guidelines for measuring and reporting environmental parameters for experiments in greenhouses’ was published in an open-access journal (Plant Methods).

CT: Obtained a grant from the USDA-Specialty Crop Block Grant to collaborate between the two CT experiment stations (UConn Storrs and CAES New Haven). The project will seek to identify non-chemical options for control of Pythium root rot in hydroponics.

Dissertations, Theses (Published)

Isabel Armas Gutiérrez, M.S. 2015. Thesis title: Nutritional enhancement of lettuce using mutation breeding. Rutgers University Library. A.J. Both served as a member of the thesis advisory committee.

Book Chapters (Published)

• Mitchell, C.A., J.F. Burr, M.J. Dzakovich, C. Gómez, R. Lopez, R. Hernández, C. Kubota, C.J. Currey, Q. Meng, E.S. Runkle, C.M. Bourget, R.C. Morrow, and A.J. Both. 2015. Light-Emitting Diodes in horticulture. Horticultural Reviews 43:1-87. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, NJ.

Refereed Journal Articles (Published) 

• Altland, J.E., L. Morris, J. Boldt, P. Fisher, and R. Raudales. 2015.  Sample container and storage for paclobutrazol monitoring in irrigation water. HortTechnology 25:769-773.
• Both, A.J.,  L. Benjamin, J. Franklin, G. Holroyd, L.D. Incoll,  M.G. Lefsrud, and G. Pitkin. 2015. Guidelines for measuring and reporting environmental parameters for experiments in greenhouses. Plant Methods 11(43). 18 pp.
• Brumfield, R.G., A. J. DeVincentis, X. Wang, R. T. Fernandez, S. Nambuthiri, R. L. Geneve, A. K. Koeser, G. Bi, T. Li, Y. Sun, G. Niu, D. Cochran, A. Fulcher, J.R. Stewart. 2015. Economics of Utilizing Alternative Containers in Ornamental Crop Production Systems. HortTechnology 25(1):17-25. http://horttech.ashspublications.org/content/25/1/17.full.pdf
• Balal, R. M., Shahid, M. A., Javaid, M. M., Iqbal, Z., Anjum, M. A., Garcia-Sanchez, F., & Mattson, N. S. 2016. The role of selenium in amelioration of heat-induced oxidative damage in cucumber under high temperature stress. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 38(6), 1-14.
• Burnett, S. E., Mattson, N. S., & Williams, K. A. 2016. Substrates and fertilizers for organic container production of herbs, vegetables, and herbaceous ornamental plants grown in greenhouses in the United States. Scientia Horticulturae. doi:10.1016/j.scienta.2016.01.001
• Bombarely, A., Moser, M., Amrad, A., Bao, M., Bapaume, L., Barry, C.S., Bliek, M., Boersma, M.R., Borghi, L., Bruggmann, R. and Bucher, M. Mattson, N.S. 2016. Insight into the evolution of the Solanaceae from the parental genomes of Petunia hybrida. Nature plants, 2, p.16074.
• DeVincentis, A. J., R. G. Brumfield, P. Gottlieb, J. Johnson, 2015. Cost Analysis of Recycling Water in Greenhouses in Southern New Jersey. HortScience 50(8):1–6. 2015.
• Furtini E.D., K.V. Furtini, N.S. Mattson. 2015. Nutrition and quality in ornamental plants. Advances in Ornamental Horticulture and Landscaping. 21(2):139-150.
• Gent, M.P.N., W.H. Elmer, K. Macherla and R.J. McAvoy. 2016. Effects of Salinity and Irrigation Management on Poinsettia. HortScience 51:427–434
• Gent, M.P.N. 2016. Effect of irradiance and temperature on composition of spinach. HortScience 51:133-140.
• Gent, M.P.N., W.H. Elmer, K. Macherla, R.J. McAvoy. 2015. Effects of Salinity and Irrigation Management on Poinsettia. Acta Horticulturae 1104:41-47.
• Gerovac, J.R., R.G. Lopez and N.S. Mattson. 2015. High tunnel versus climate-controlled greenhouse: transplant time and production environment impact growth and morphology of cold-tolerant bedding plants. HortScience. 50:830-838.
• Johnson, M., T.S. Villani, A. Azmat, J.E. Simon, and A.J. Both. 2015. Evaluation of algal biomass production on vertical aeroponic substrates. Algal Research 10:240-248.
• Li, Y. and N.S. Mattson. 2015. Effects of seaweed extract application rate and method on post-production life of petunia and tomato transplants. HortTechnology. 25:505-510.
• Zhen, S. and S. Burnett. 2015. Effects of substrate volumetric water content on English lavender morphology and photosynthesis. HortScience 50:909-915.

Symposium Proceedings Articles (Published)

• Harbick, K. and Albright, L.D. 2016. Comparison of energy consumption: greenhouses and plant factories. Acta Hortic. 1134, 285-292 DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2016.1134.38
• Ishii, M., L. Okushima, H. Moriyama, S. Sase, N. Fukuchi, and A.J. Both. 2015. Experimental study of natural ventilation in an open-roof greenhouse during the summer. Acta Horticulturae 1107:67-74.
• Kubota, C., M. Kroggel, A.J. Both, J.F. Burr, and M. Whalen. 2016. Does supplemental lighting make sense for my crop? – Empirical evaluations. Acta Horticulturae 1134:403-411.
• Wallace, C and A.J. Both 2016. Evaluating operating characteristics of light sources for horticultural applications. Acta Horticulturae 1134:435-443.

Popular Articles (Published) 

• Burnett, S. and S. Zhen. 2016. Irrigating English lavender. Greenhouse Grower (In Press) http://www.greenhousegrower.com/production/manage-soil-moisture-for-proper-irrigation-of-english-lavender/.
• DeVincentis, A., R.G. Brumfield, and P. Gottlieb. 2015. A clear vision: Years before state mandates, Overdevest Nursery started capturing and cleaning irrigation runoff. Nursery Management 31(1):36-40. http://www.nurserymag.com/nm0115-irrigation-runoff-overdevest-nursery.aspx.
• DeVincentis, A., R.G. Brumfield, and P. Gottlieb. 2014. A step ahead: Centerton Nursery’s water recycling system provides 30 million gallons each year. Nursery Management 30(9):24-26, 44-45. http://www.nurserymag.com/digital/201409/index.html.
• DeVincentis, A., R.G. Brumfield, and P. Gottlieb. 2014. H2O in the ozone. Greenhouse Management 34(8):18-22. http://www.greenhousemag.com/digital/201408/index.html.
• DeVincentis, A., R.G. Brumfield, and P. Gottlieb. 2014. Keeping water clean with copper. Greenhouse Management 34(10):42-47. http://www.greenhousemag.com/gm1014-kube-pak-water-disinfection.aspx.
• DeVincentis, A., R.G. Brumfield, and P. Gottlieb. 2014. 10 tips for recycling irrigation water. Greenhouse Management 34(12):21-23. http://www.greenhousemag.com/gm1014-kube-pak-water-disinfection.aspx.
• Fisher, P., Raudales, R. E., Huang J. 2016. Select the Right Filter for Ebb-and Flood Irrigation. Greenhouse Grower Magazine: New Technology Development in Water Treatment Series. Greenhouse Grower July 2016: 46-50
• Fisher, P., Raudales, R.E. 2016. Minimize iron build-up on your water pipes. Greenhouse Grower. June 2016:66-70
• Fisher, P., Grant, G., Zayaz, V., Raudales, R. E., Altland, J., Boldt, J. 2016. New Technology Development in Water Treatment. Greenhouse Grower Technology. May/June 2016: 20-22
• Hutchins, K., W. Miller, N. Mattson, Cheni Filios. 2016. Combos that are pretty & tasty. GrowerTalks. 79(9):90-91.
• Mattson, N. 2015. Growing greenhouse tomatoes in containers. Inside Grower. October:20-22.
• Mattson, N. 2015. Selecting fertilizer rates for several spring bedding plants. Greenhouse Grower Magazine. 33 (August).
• Mattson, N. 2015. 10 tips to improve retail shelf life of bedding plants. Greenhouse Grower Magazine. 33 (June).
• Wallace, C. and A.J. Both. 2016. Putting lights to the test. GrowerTalks, June issue. pp. 60, 62, 64.
• Raudales, R. E., Pundt, L. 2016. Maintaining high quality plants in retail settings. E-Gro Alerts 5(31):1-6
• Raudales, R. E. 2016. Algae on the nutrient solution and surfaces. E-Gro Edibles 1(6):1-44
• Raudales, R. E., McGehee, C. 2016. Pythium root rot of hydroponic crops. E-Gro Edibles 1(4):1-5

Presentations (Papers) 

• Allred, J. and N. Mattson. 2016. Effects of varying daily light integral and carbon dioxide concentration on the growth and nutritional characteristics of three microgreen species of the Brassicaceae family. ISHS Eighth International Symposium on Light in Horticulture. 22-26 May, 2016. East Lansing, Michigan.
• Both, A.J. 2015. A video presentation titled ‘Greenhouse Energy Efficiency’ was delivered as part of the NE-SARE funded Farm Energy IQ project (collaboration with Penn State and the University of Vermont).
• Brumfield, R.G. 2015. Cost Accounting, Financial Statements, and Ratios. Horticultural Engineering You Tube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQfiNY2U9fk.
• Brumfield, R.G. 2015. How to price your products. Horticultural Engineering You Tube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3HxeoRzrRg.
• Brumfield, R.G. 2015. Production Plan. Horticultural Engineering You Tube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXz5iT0qSmI.
• Brumfield, R.G. 2015. SWOT Analysis: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. Horticultural Engineering You Tube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sZNTwEPoCI.
• Brumfield, R.G. 2015. Writing a business plan. Horticultural Engineering You Tube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kciVgK_NtTM.
• Brumfield, R.G., S. Komar, and J. Carleo. 2015. Why have a business plan? Horticultural Engineering You Tube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBtirLAuJhs.
• Burnett, S. December, 4, 2015. Growing Lovely Lavender. New England Grows. Boston, MA.
• Butterfield, A., W.Wei, M. E Conley and E. T. Paparozzi. 2015. Winter production of basil (Ocimum spp.) for essential oils.  HortScience 50(9): S265. (Abstr.)
• Carleo, J., R.G. Brumfield, and S. Komar. 2015. Developing a Mission Statement. Horticultural Engineering You Tube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0V7cQxIycEk.
• DeVincentis, A., R.G. Brumfield, and P. Gottlieb. 2015. Recycling Waste Water videos. We developed a series of videos to help greenhouse and nursery owners with costs and systems for recycling their waste water: http://aesop.rutgers.edu/~farmmgmt/recycling-water/index.html.
• Foster, J., Burnett, S., and L. Stack. 2016 (abstract). The effects of light and soil moisture on propagation of Linnaea borealis. HortScience (In Press).
• Kubota, C. and R.G. Brumfield. 2015. Vegetable Greenhouse Overview. Horticultural Engineering You Tube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gn8YKTj9018.
• Peterson, B.J., O. Sanchez, S. Burnett, and D.J. Hayes. 2016. (abstract) Sub-Mist is an effective alternative to overhead mist for the propagation of coleus by stem cuttings. HortScience (In Press).
• Harbick, K. and Albright, L.D. 2016. Comparison of energy consumption: greenhouses and plant factories. ISHS Eighth International Symposium on Light in Horticulture. 22-26 May, 2016. East Lansing, Michigan.
• Kranti Macherla and Richard J. McAvoy. 2015. The Effect of Salinity on the Growth and Nutrient Status of Zinnia Grown Under Regulated Deficit Irrigation. ASHS 2015 (August 3-7, 2015) (https://ashs.confex.com/ashs/2015/webprogramarchives/Paper21915.html)
• McAvoy, R. Growing greenhouse tomatoes for optimum yield and quality, New England Vegetable and Fruit Growers Conference Manchester NH Dec 17, 2015
• Raudales, R. Nutrient Management for Hydroponics. Greenhouse Production Short-course. Bordertown, NJ. March 7, 2016.
• Raudales, R. PGRs from start to finish. Bedding Plant Meeting. Vernon, CT. February 25, 2016.
• Raudales, R. PGRs from start to finish. Bedding Plant Meeting. Torrington, CT. February 23, 2016.
• Raudales, R. Nutrient program: Selecting fertilizer, monitoring growing media, and diagnosing nutrient disorders. Hands-on Plant Nutrition Workshop: In-house testing of water and growing media. New Haven, CT. February 11, 2016
• Raudales, R. Monitoring water quality for irrigation. Long Island Greenhouse & Floriculture Conference. Long Island, NY. Jan 19, 2016
• Raudales, R. Plant diseases in container-grown ornamentals. Connecticut Nursery and Landscape Association Winter Meeting. Plantsville, CT. Jan 15, 2016
• Raudales, R. Developing a nutrient program for greenhouse crops. Maine State Florist’s and Growers’ Association. Augusta, ME. January 13, 2016.
• Raudales, R. Maintaining high quality plants in postharvest. Maine State Florist’s and Growers’ Association. Augusta, ME. January 13, 2016.
• Raudales, R. Understanding water quality for irrigation. SiFLOR. Quito, EC. November 23-27, 2015
• Raudales. Maintaining high quality plants in retail. Smart Marketing= More Customers. New Haven, CT. November 3, 2016
• Raudales, R. Water conservation options and resources. Twilight Workshop. Climate Change Adaptation Strategies for CT. Windsor, CT. September 29, 2015
• Raudales, R. Water conservation options and resources. Exploring Climate Change Adaptation Strategies for CT Agriculture. Woodbridge, CT. September 23, 2015
• Raudales, R. E. Water disinfestants interacting with nutrient solutions and substrates. XVIII International Plant Protection Conference. International. Berlin, Germany August 26, 2015
• Raudales, R. Waterborne pathogens: Problem and management. It’s All About Water and Increasing Your Bottom Line Workshop.  Grand Rapids, Michigan. July 28, 2015

Other Creative Works

• Both, A.J. 2016. Crop lighting (abstract). Proceedings of the 61th New Jersey Agricultural Convention and Trade Show. February 9. Atlantic City, NJ. pp. 32.
• Brace, S.A. and N.S. Mattson. 2015. Webinar: Vermicompost as organic nutrient and substrate amendment. Oct. 30, 2015 Hosted by electronic grower resource online (e-Gro.org). 110 participants. Available online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Jq-FebidUw
• Mattson, N. 2015. Infographic: How indoor agriculture is a boon to New York’s foodies. Created jointly with Indoor Ag Con. www.cornellcea.com/images/indoor-ag-infographic42x12.pdf 
• Mattson, N. and T. Merrill. 2015. Symptoms of common nutrient deficiencies in hydroponic lettuce. e-Gro Research Update #2015.09. 10 pp.  http://e-gro.org/pdf/Mattson_Lettuce_2015_9.pdf 
• Mattson, N. 2015. Tipburn of hydroponic lettuce. e-Gro Alerts 4.31. 7 pp. http://www.e-gro.org/pdf/2015_431.pdf 
• Mattson, N. 2015. Ethylene in the greenhouse. e-Gro Alerts 4.15. 5 pp. http://www.e-gro.org/pdf/2015_415.pdf
• Mattson, N.S. 2015. Webinar: Silicon as a beneficial nutrient in greenhouse production. Hosted by electronic grower resource online (e-Gro.org). Oct. 30, 2015. 110 participants. Available online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzez3yIvARI
• Mattson, N.S. 2016. Webinar: Lighting Strategies and Cost. Hosted by electronic grower resource online (e-Gro.org). Feb. 22, 2016. 105 participants. Available online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=253lk2DmewE
• Mattson, N.S. 2016. Webinar: Managing nutrient solutions for hydroponic leafy greens and herbs. Hosted by electronic grower resource online (e-Gro.org). Jan. 19, 2016. 110 participants. Available online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHatTEQydZQ
• Paparozzi E. and Meyer,G. 2016. Revision/updating of CEA website – www.agronomy.unl.edu/cea-grant
• Raudales, R.E., B. MacKay, P.R. Fisher. Waterborne Solutions: Online searchable database on efficacy of water treatments to control plant pathogens http://www.backpocketgrower.com/waterbornesolutions.asp

Workshop Sponsor

• Both, A.J. and D. Specca. Greenhouse Production Short Course, NJ EcoComplex. Columbus, NJ. March 7-8, 2016. Robin Brumfield made a presentation on the basics for developing a greenhouse business plan, Rosa Raudales (UCONN) made a presentation on nutrient management for hydroponics.
• Johnstonbaugh, E., D. Ciolokoz, G. Musgarve, G. Roth, C. Callahan, S. Hawkins, A.J. Both, Z. Helsel, T. Manning. Farm Energy IQ workshops (In-service training). Columbus, NJ. April 8-10, 2015.
• McAvoy, R. The Innovation Connection Growing Green: Technology & Challenges Wednesday, March 30, 2016 Grower Direct Farms, Inc. Somers, CT 06071 Co-sponsored by UConn School of Business, School of Engineering, and the College of Agriculture Health and Natural Resources
• Campbell, B, L. Pundt, R. Raudales. Smart Marketing= More Customers. New Haven, CT. November 3, 2016
• Pundt, L., Raudales, R. Bedding Plant Meeting. Vernon and Torrington, CT. February 23-25, 2016.
• Raudales, R. L. Pundt. Hands-on Plant Nutrition Workshop: In-house testing of water and growing media. New Haven, CT. February 11, 2016

Workshop Participant

• Both, A.J. 2016. Urban agriculture. Presented at the 2016 Urban Agriculture as an Economic Tool Conference, hosted by the New Jersey Urban Mayors Association. Trenton, NJ. May 5.

Refereed Journal Articles (Pending)

• Johnson, M., T.S. Villani, J.E. Simon, A.J. Both. 2016. Effects of nitrogen, CO2 and harvesting method on various algae species grown on vertical substrates. Submitted for publication in the Journal of Applied Phycology. 
• Ishii, M., L. Okushima, H. Moriyama, S. Sase, N. Fukuchi, T. Maruo, and A.J. Both. 2015. Evaluating environmental conditions in open-roof greenhouses. Accepted for publication in Acta Horticulturae.
• Raudales, R.E., P. Fisher, C. Hall. 2016. Cost Analysis of Water Treatments in Irrigation. Submitted for publication in the journal of Irrigation Science (accepted with minor revisions on July 11, 2016).

Book Chapters (Pending)

• Both, A.J., J.M. Frantz, B. Bugbee. 2016. Carbon dioxide enrichment in greenhouses. Submitted for publication in ‘Light Management in Controlled Environments’ (R. Lopez and E. Runkle, eds.) to be published by Meister Media.
• Runkle, E. and A.J. Both. 2016. Delivering long-day lighting – Technology options and costs. Submitted for publication in ‘Light Management in Controlled Environments’ (R. Lopez and E. Runkle, eds.) to be published by Meister Media.
• Both, A.J. and J.E. Faust. 2016. Light transmission: The impact of glazing material and greenhouse design. Submitted for publication in ‘Light Management in Controlled Environments’ (R. Lopez and E. Runkle, eds.) to be published by Meister Media.
• Fisher, P., A.J. Both, and B. Bugbee. 2016. Supplemental lighting technology, costs and efficiency. Submitted for publication in ‘Light Management in Controlled Environments’ (R. Lopez and E. Runkle, eds.) to be published by Meister Media.
• Raudales, R.E. Nutritional disorders of florists’ crops. Ch.2. In: McGovern R.J. and W.H. Elmer. Handbook of Florists’ Crop Diseases. Springer, Berlin, Germany.