Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Multistate Research Project

Annual Station Accomplishments Report

 

PROJECT NUMBER:             NE-1835        

 

TITLE:                                    Resource Optimization in Controlled Environment Agriculture

 

PROJECT DURATION:         October 1, 2018 – September 30, 2023

 

EXPERIMENT STATION:    Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Utah

 

PARTICIPANTS:                   AZ: Gene Giacomelli and Murat Kacira, CO: Joshua Craver, DE: Qingwu Meng, FL: Celina Gomez and Ying Zhang, KS: Kimberly Williams and Cary Rivard, MD: John Erwin, John Lea-Cox, and Diana Cochran, ME: Stephanie Burnett, MI: Roberto Lopez, NE: Ellen Paparozzi, NJ: AJ Both, and Robin Brumfield, NY: Neil Mattson, Tim Shelford, and Nathen Eylands, OH: Chieri Kubota, Peter Ling, Jennifer Boldt, and Kale Harbick, TN: Kellie Walters TX: Genhua Niu, UT: Youping Sun

 

 

REPORTING PERIOD:         August 1, 2020 – August 31, 2021

 

REPORT DATE:                     August 25, 2021

 

OBJECTIVES (included as a reminder):

 

1. To develop up-to-date water and nutrient as well as energy management guidelines for greenhouse crop production and provide stakeholders with educational opportunities that teach proper implementation at their own facilities.
2. To develop these guidelines using research and development involving sensors and control strategies devised by current team members, and through and future collaborations among team members who may become part of this research project.

 

METHODS (please include your activities and accomplishments where appropriate):

 

Objective 1: To evaluate and develop strategies to improve energy efficiency in controlled environment agriculture

Planned Outputs:

1. Develop recommendations for optimal lamp choices and layouts for greenhouses and indoor production facilities

 

CO

Colorado State University investigated the impact of end-of-day (EOD) far-red (FR) lighting varying in intensity, red to FR ratio (R:FR), and duration on early leaf expansion of two Petunia ×hybrida (petunia) cultivars, ‘Wave Purple’ and ‘Dreams Midnight’, grown in a greenhouse. An early increase in leaf area may allow for enhanced light capture, and thus increase lighting efficiency as supplemental lighting is often required to produce high quality young plants when natural light levels are low. While leaf area was not impacted, stem length increased for both cultivars under EOD FR applications with the greatest increase observed under lower R:FR ratios and longer EOD lighting duration.

 

Colorado State University also characterized the timing and extent of acclimation responses to CO₂ enrichment for Viola ×wittrockiana (pansy) and Petunia ×hybrida (petunia) using ambient (425 μmol·mol^–1) and elevated (1,000 μmol·mol^–1) CO₂ concentrations in growth chambers. While crops often respond immediately to enriched CO₂ concentrations (e.g., increased photosynthesis), this initial response is often not sustained throughout production, reducing the benefit of this input. Increased biomass for both pansy and petunia was observed under the elevated CO₂ concentration after four weeks. However, physiological acclimation to the CO₂ enrichment was apparent after one week, limiting the potential benefit of this input due to reduced photosynthesis.

 

Colorado State University investigated the timing and duration and of CO₂ enrichment for the production of Viola ×wittrockiana (pansy) and Petunia ×hybrida (petunia) seedlings in growth chambers. Seedlings grown under an elevated CO₂ concentration (1,000 μmol·mol^–1) were of higher quality and had increased biomass compared to those under an ambient concentration (425 μmol·mol^–1). However, no differences in quality or biomass were observed for seedlings grown under an elevated CO₂ concentration for four weeks and those grown under ambient for two weeks and elevated for two weeks, suggesting acclimation and that CO₂ enrichment is most beneficial during the final week(s) of propagation.

 

FL

We evaluated the use of different off-the-shelf LED fixtures for maintaining high-quality foliage plants indoors in living green wall planters. This project is funded by the National Horticulture Foundation and will results in a peer-reviewed publication and recommendations for interiorscape designers.

 

NJ

We continue to evaluate a variety of lamps for light output, light distribution and power consumption using our 2-meter integrating sphere and a small darkroom. We evaluated the spectral output of a variety of lamp technologies (INC, CFL, CMH, HPS, and LED) and compared various waveband ratios with sunlight. A peer-reviewed publication containing an overview of our measurement results was submitted to a scientific journal (AgriEngineering).

 

We are also conducting research on the environmental impacts of plant lighting systems. We’re using life cycle analysis calculations to assess various lighting technologies and strategies.

 

NY

Cornell University: Skyscraper farms (a multi-level building with transparent wall to let in sunlight) have been proposed as alternatives to greenhouses (more space use efficient) or warehouse farms (potentially less supplemental light) however previous work has not attempted to model light distribution and supplemental light energy use in skyscraper farms. Using daylight modeling software and Typical Meteorological Year datasets, natural light distribution in a 20-story skyscraper farm for lettuce production in Los Angeles and New York City was modeled. In models without surrounding buildings 13-15% of the light required to meet a 17 mol/m2/d target could be met by sunlight, however when shading from surrounding buildings is considered, natural light can supply as little as 5% of the lighting requirements. Overall skyscraper farms require 4-11 times more electricity for lighting than greenhouses per crop canopy area. Climate control/HVAC of skyscraper farms requires further study – but there do not appear to be substantial energy benefits of skyscraper farms over warehouse farms and there are significantly less benefits than greenhouses.

 

Cornell University: The electrical grid encounters volatile energy demand based on time of day, season, and weather conditions. In Day Ahead Market Price (DAMP) structure for electricity commercial users agree to use a fluctuating price structure for electricity and are provided with the price structure information a day ahead of time. On average, peak electricity use comes during hot summer days when greenhouses do not need to use supplemental light. A greenhouse supplemental lighting control algorithm was modified to take into account DAMP price structure. Based on an annual simulation, a greenhouse lettuce operation could save more than half of their electricity use costs (real dollar savings but not energy savings) by switching to a DAMP price structure. More work is needed to determine the impact on a whole-systems energy cost.

 

TX

• Texas A&M AgriLife Research continues research on improving energy efficiency in greenhouses and indoor farming. We have conducted the following studies:

1. Preharvest lighting treatment with commercially available LED lights. Since supplemental lighting increases production costs significantly, we want to see if preharvest can improve lettuce quality. We used “UV-A” LED (24% UV-A and 76% Blue photons with a peak at 405 nm) and red and blue (RB) LED for preharvest lighting for 2 or 4 days, 12 h/d. Results showed that that preharvest supplemental lighting using UV A/Blue or RB light can increase the growth and nutritional quality of lettuce grown hydroponically. The enhancement of lettuce growth and nutritional quality by the pre-harvest supplemental lighting was more effective under low daily light integral (DLI) compared to a high DLI and tended to be more effective when applied during the night.

 

2. Another on-going study is to reduce energy cost for greenhouse temperature control. Heating and cooling the entire greenhouse are energy intensive. We are proposing to cool or heat the nutrient solution instead. For example, heating the solution in winter with a lower air temperature set point can save energy while still producing quality crops in warm climate like Texas. While we have not calculated the energy saving yet, our research has shown promising results.

 

 

2. Improve ventilation alternatives for high-tunnels that result in better cooling in the summer and reduced heat loss in the winter

 

NJ

We are continuing our work on a comprehensive evaluation of ventilation strategies for high tunnel crop production. We are using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to assess ventilation rates in high tunnels equipped with several different ventilation configurations. We are also assessing the impact of crop canopies (short and tall) on the ventilation rates in high tunnels.

 

 

Objective 2: To reduce fresh water use and evaluate alternative fertilizers and growing substrates for the production of greenhouse crops

Planned Outputs:

1. Develop practical production guidelines to increase the efficiency of organic fertilizers in production of container-grown ornamentals and hydroponically-grown vegetables

 

NY

Cornell: Organic hydroponic production can represent a value-added production practice however organic fertilization can be quite difficult to development of biofilm that can coat roots and reduce dissolved oxygen availability. Hydrogen peroxide has been used by hobby hydroponics growers to act as a disinfesting agent to reduce biofilm as well as decompose to provide added dissolved oxygen. Hydroponic lettuce was grown with a conventional or organic fertilizer and then given 0, 37.5 or 75 mg/L hydrogen peroxide every 3 days. Plants with conventional fertilizer performed substantially better than organic fertilizer plants in the absence of hydrogen peroxide. With conventional fertilizer both 37.5 and 75 mg/L hydrogen peroxide led to poor plant performance (due to toxic effects of hydrogen peroxide on roots). For organic fertilizer, plants with 37.5 mg/L hydrogen peroxide had biomass that matched conventional control plants at 0 mg/L hydrogen peroxide. Therefore hydrogen peroxide applications may make organic hydroponic fertilization a more viable method in the future. More work is needed to optimize hydrogen peroxide addition rate (smaller concentrations applied more frequently may be more desirable).

 

TX

Organic CEA production methods are still in their infancy and there is extremely limited research-based information. We have been conducting several experiments on comparing conventional vs. organic hydroponic lettuce production with or without application of microbial inoculant using various propagation plugs. Our study showed that hydroponic production with organic fertilizer is feasible and can produce lettuce with yields similar to conventional fertilizer. Also, our results emphasize the importance of a microbial inoculant in conjunction with an organic fertilizer for more effective mineralization and enhanced plant growth. There is also potential for organic hydroponic production to produce high quality crops with increased pigmentation and phytonutrients. We also found that managing organic fertilizer solution with inoculant over multiple growing cycles can be challenging and supplemental organic fertilizers with different macro nutrients such as Ca, K and Mg may be needed to match the need for optimal plant growth. The EC and pH of the organic fertilizer solution can fluctuate widely. More research is needed to better understand the mineralization process of organic fertilizer and the role of microbial inoculants in a nutrient solution for effective organic hydroponic production.

 

 

2. Develop practical management guidelines yield and quality of vegetables grown in recirculating hydroponics and aquaponics systems.to improve production efficiency and increase

 

AZ

Graduate student of Gene Giacomelli, Joe Alcon completed progress producing tomato (truss

and cherry), cantaloupe and cucumber within a recirculating top-drip hydroponic nutrient

delivery system. He is also producing basil and lettuce within a deep-water culture, floating raft

hydroponic system. All crops and both nutrient delivery systems are within a single-bay, gutter-connected, double-wall acyclic covered greenhouse 7.5 x 15.1 m. Crops are produced in high

solar radiation, high air temperature and modest VPD conditions to determine the effect on

harvest quality and yield compared to standard, optimal conditions. The work is supported by

sub-contract to UC-Merced from an INFEWS-T2 NSF grant, whose primary goal is to develop a

solar-energized greenhouse for the purification of the salt-laden drainage water from field

production agriculture in the Central Valley of California. It will further produce edible

vegetable crops while operating at its excessive air temperatures required for desalinization.

Wavelength altering properties of quantum dots in plastic film for the improvement of lettuce

plant production was continued in collaboration with UbiQD company (Blum, Giacomelli,

Bergen).

 

Kacira, in collaboration with Vulpes Corp., evaluated the effects of carbon nanoparticles on

yield and water use efficiency with tomato crop grown hydroponically, and also evaluated the

effects on timeliness and quality of tomato seedlings.

 

Graduate student KC Shasteen in Kacira Lab has developed a machine vision application and

implemented a predictive modeling-based system monitoring crop growth and yield to be used

in indoor vertical farming system.

 

MD

Studied the impact of hydroponic solution temperatures on growth and yield of herbs that varied

in indigenous habitat. Determined that optimal hydroponic solution temperatures varied

dramatically.

 

NY

Cornell University: Liquid or solid waste from aquaculture and aquaponic systems can be an important organic source of nutrients in hydroponic production, however the ratio of nutrients is not always balanced to plant needs. The practice of complementing aquaponic water (that is adding additional mineral elements) was tested for hydroponic strawberry and basil production and compared to conventional hydroponics and unamended aquaponic water. Iron deficiency was noted in plants grown in unamended aquaponic water as well as substantially smaller plant size than conventional hydroponic. When aquaponic water was amended with mineral elements to match the concentration of hydroponic water performance of strawberries and basil was similar to conventional hydroponic plants. The work demonstrates that a combination of aquaponic waste water use with amended nutrients may allow growers to use this important waste-stream without compromising plant yield.

 

 

OH

We have updated a new web-based information resource “Hydroponics / Soilless Culture Info” (https://u.osu.edu/hydroponics/) and posted 16 comprehensive lectures on hydroponics nutrient management. The website was accessed by 368 users (552 sessions) over the past year.

 

 

• Nutrient solution dynamics
• Root-zone dynamics
• Fertilizer calculation basics
• Designing nutrient solution and formula 1 & 2
• Leafy greens – Production systems, species and management
• Tomato and vine crops – Production systems and management

 

We have updated a web-based information resource ‘Controlled Environment Berry Production Information” (https://u.osu.edu/indoorberry) that contains the following topics. The website was accessed by 893 users (1,287 sessions) over the past year.

 

• Planting materials
• Flowering basics
• Production systems
• Productivity (yield)
• Environment
• Lighting
• Fertigation
• Crop management
• Automation
• Disorders
• IPM
• Costs
• Resources

 

TN

We determined that increasing the daily light integral (DLI) up to 17.3 and 34.6 mol·m^–2·d^–1 during purple lettuce ‘Teodore’ and green lettuce ‘Rex’ seedling production, respectively, increased fresh mass yield at transplant and after finishing in a common environment for three weeks. We also determined that differences in anthocyanin concentration due to propagation environment did not persist through harvest, but carotenoid concentrations tended to decrease as propagation DLI increased.

 

TX

Using alternative waters for irrigating greenhouse and nursery crops and landscapes can conserve fresh water when no high-quality water is available for irrigation. Alternative waters include municipal reclaimed water and brackish groundwater that have high salt levels, which can cause salt damage or even death on sensitive plants. We assessed salt tolerance of over 200 ornamental species and cultivars including Earth-Kind® roses and Texas Superstar® landscape plants and other commonly used landscape ornamental plants in other regions. Our research results will help nursery and landscape professionals and homeowners to choose appropriate plants for landscapes where low-quality water may be used

 

 

3. Develop recommendations for application of flexible wavelength lighting and selective cover materials or shading elements for greenhouses

 

AZ

Kacira Lab, through Binational Agriculture Research Development funds (BARD) project in

collaboration with Volcani Research Center and Triangle Research Center, evaluated the effects

of wavelength selective organic photovoltaic film deployed as greenhouse roof covering on

growth and yield of tomato crop. Studies conducted both in Israel and UA-CEAC (with

Graduate Student Rebekah Waller) have shown higher light use efficiency with OPV covered

greenhouse with acceptable crop yield and quality. The project has also determined the power

output and efficiency of the OPV films. The overall efficiency of the OPV panels evaluated

under the environmental conditions evaluated ranged between 2-4%.

 

NY

Cornell University: In hydroponic production of lettuce, blue light is an important component of the lighting spectrum for high quality pigment production (i.e. making green leaves greener and red-leaf lettuce redder). However, blue light can also cause a plant to be more compact and have lower biomass. A strategy was tested in a controlled environment chamber whereby 80% red and 20% green light was used for most of the crop cycle and then the green light was substituted with red light 0, 2, 4, or 8 days before harvest. Plants with 2 days of blue light had similar green and red pigment as 4 or 8 day plants and did not have a reduced biomass compared to 0 day plants. Therefore 2 days of blue light treatment at the end of the crop cycle may be sufficient to induce pigment (visual) effects without comprising yield for sole-source lettuce production.

 

 

 

4. Develop strategies to reduce water use in propagation of ornamentals and vegetables

 

FL

We evaluated different daily light integrals for producing compact tomato plants indoors. Water use was recorded for all treatments and will be included in an upcoming publication from one MS student.

 

KS

Published research to optimize propagation of blueberries in hydroponic and soilless substrates: Schwab, J.D., K.A. Williams, and J.J. Griffin. 2021. Asexual propagation by stem cuttings of half-high and low-bush blueberries in soilless substrates. Journal of Environmental Horticulture. 39(2):47-51. KRES no. 21-140-J.

 

MD

Lea-Cox, J.D. 2020. Advances in Irrigation Practices and Technology in Ornamental

Cultivation. Chapter 12. In: Achieving Sustainable Cultivation of Ornamental Plants. M. S.

Reid. (Ed.) Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing, Cambridge, UK.

This publication was a summary of the past 15-20 years of mine (and others) research. It maps

out techniques and strategies that should inform and educate academic and extension

colleagues as well as growers as to the options available for increasing irrigation use

efficiency and profitability together with reducing the environmental impacts of production

practices.

 

ME

The University of Maine continues to work to develop a commercial scale propagation system that will reduce water use. We modified an existing commercial scale submist system, which applied water to the base of cuttings so that it included a small amount of overhead mist. Overhead mist was applied every 10 seconds every 15 minutes for the first two days of propagation, and it was gradually reduced to 10 seconds every 60 minutes. Using submist with a small amount of supplemental overhead mist reduced water applied during propagation by 87% compared to traditional overhead mist (applied overhead 10 seconds every 10 minutes for the duration of the experiment). Cuttings grown in both submist and overhead mist were comparable.

 

OH

We have developed a precision variable rate applicator for greenhouse water and chemical applications. The system determines plant canopy density and apply the precisely right amount accordingly. A spray volume saving of 20.3-89.3% was achieved in 2019. An additional savings of 53% over our 2019 accomplishments was documented in this reporting cycle.

 

 

5. Accelerate propagation timing by reducing water use

 

FL

A new PhD student will develop models to optimize vapor pressure deficit and control in greenhouses and indoor propagation systems to reduce shrinkage and improve growth and quality of hard-to-root young plants (primarily focused on tissue culture transplants and unrooted cuttings).

 

6. Generate new knowledge about environmental management practices that enhance beneficial microbes in hydroponic solutions

 

FL

We compared nine commercial biostimulant products to determine their potential at increasing growth and yield of indoor-grown hydroponic lettuce. Results will be described in an upcoming peer-reviewed publication.

 

 

7. Develop management guidelines to use low-quality water for irrigating greenhouse crops

 

UT

Salt tolerance of woody ornamental plants (new)

From June to September 2020, Albizia julibrissin (mimosa), Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust), Sophora japonica (Japanese pagoda tree), and Gleditsia triacanthos (honeylocust) were evaluated for salt tolerance in a Utah Agricultural Experiment Station (UAES) research greenhouse. Plants were irrigated with a fertilizer solution at an electrical conductivity (EC) of 1.2 dS·m^-1 (control) or saline solution at an EC of 5.0 dS·m^-1 or 10.0 dS·m^-1 weekly for three times and subsequently every other day for nine more times. Root zone salinity was monitored after each irrigation event using the pour-through technique described by Cavins et al. (2008). Plant growth, visual quality, relative chlorophyll contents (SPAD readings), and physiological parameters including net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, and water use efficiency were collected. Environmental data including temperature and solar radiation in the greenhouse were recorded during the experiment.

 

From January to May 2021, these four plant species were evaluated again in an 8-week experiment. Plants were irrigated weekly with the irrigation solutions described above. Robinia pseudoacacia and Gleditsia triacanthos were not responded well, possible due to dormancy.

 

One manuscript entitled “Growth, Gas Exchange, and Mineral Nutrient of Albizia julibrissin and Sophora japonica Irrigated with Saline Water” is currently in preparation for HortScience. It was presented at the Graduate Sustainability Research session, the Virtual Intermountain Sustainability Summit, Weber State University, Ogden, UT, March 19, 2021. Abstract “Determining the Salt Tolerance of Woody Ornamental Plants for Landscape Use” was accepted by American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) and will be presented at the Annual Conference of ASHS, Denver, CO, August 8, 2021.

 

Salt tolerance of ornamental grasses (Update after last report)

From July to November 2019, Acorus gramineus ‘Minimus Aureus’ (grassy-leaved sweet flag), Andropogon ternarius ‘Black Mountain’ (split bluestem), Calamagrostis ×acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ (reed grass), Carex morrowii ‘Ice Dance’ (Japanese sedge), Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’ (blue fescue), and Sporobolus heterolepis (prairie dropseed) were evaluated for salt tolerance in a UAES research greenhouse. Plants were irrigated with a fertilizer solution at an electrical conductivity (EC) of 1.2 dS·m^-1 (control) or saline solution at an EC of 5.0 dS·m^-1 or 10.0 dS·m^-1 every four days for 13 weeks. Root zone salinity was monitored weekly using the pour-through technique described by Cavins et al. (2008). Plant growth, visual quality, relative chlorophyll contents (SPAD readings), and physiological parameters including net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, and water use efficiency were collected. Environmental data including temperature and solar radiation in the greenhouse were recorded during the experiment.

One manuscript entitled “Morphological and Physiological Responses of Ornamental Grasses to Salinity Stress” have been published on HortScience. “Salinity Tolerance of Six Ornamental Grass Species” was presented at the ASHS 2020 Virtual Conference, August 11, 2020.

 

7.3 Salt tolerance of penstemon plants (Update after last report)

From October to April 2020, Penstemon barbatus (golden-beard penstemon) and Penstemon strictus (beardtongue) were screened for salinity tolerance using a near-continuous gradient dosing (NCGD) system in a UAES research greenhouse. Plants were irrigated with saline solutions at eight electrical conductivities (ECs) ranging from 1.0 to 6.7 dS·m^-1 for 12 weeks. Plant growth, visual quality, relative chlorophyll contents (SPAD readings), and physiological parameters including net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, and water use efficiency were collected. Environmental data including temperature and solar radiation in the greenhouse were recorded during the experiment. In addition, plant tissue samples were analyzed for mineral nutrition at Utah State University Analytical Laboratory.

 

One manuscript entitled “Determining the Salt Tolerance of Two Penstemons Using a Near-continuous Gradient Dosing System” has been published on the Bulletin of the American Penstemon Society. “Determining the Salt Tolerance of Two Penstemons Using a Near-continuous Gradient Dosing System” was presented at the ASHS 2020 Virtual Conference, August 13, 2020.

 

 

8. Develop production guidelines to adjust nutrient programs to non-peat-based substrates

 

 

Objective 3: To train growers and students to utilize emerging controlled environment agriculture technologies

Planned Outputs:

1. Organize education programs that target CEA growers around the US, our target populations will include Hispanics, Native Americans, and new farmers

 

AZ

Kacira (co-PI), within NSF-NRT funded project titled “Indigenous Food, Energy, and Water

Security and Sovereignty” and in collaboration with Dr. Karletta Chief (PI), continued to

educate a cohort graduate students on novel and sustainable off-grid production of safe drinking

water, brine management operations, and controlled environment agriculture systems to provide

technical solutions for communities, currently with Navajo Nation, challenged to have access to

fresh produce and safe drinking water. During this reporting period, Kacira supported and

advised 3 graduate students in the project, total of 2 staff members from Dine College and

Navajo Technical College were trained on hydroponic crop production during UA-CEAC’s

intensive workshop program. Kacira participated (with graduate students Amy Pierce, Jaymus

Lee) in the 2021 Virtual Tribal Colleges and Universities Internship event, with educational

module development and presentations on controlled environment agriculture food production.

UA-CEAC continued to provide educational opportunities on CEA for new farmers through its

20th Virtual Annual Greenhouse Engineering and Crop production Short Course

(200+participants, 18 exhibitors). Kacira and Outreach Specialist Ellen Worth were event

organizers, and Kacira and Giacomelli were both moderators and presenters. UA-CEAC

Intensive Workshops on education of growers producing hydroponics leafy greens (Myles

Lewis, Instructor) and tomato crops (Dr. Stacy Tollefson, Instructor) in controlled environments

(50 participants). UA-CEAC’s 1st Online Intensive Workshop on Hydroponic Leafy Greens

(Lewis and Kacira presenters) was held during June 2020 with 9 industry participants in June

2020.

 

FL

Gómez developed an English/Spanish online lesson for the new ‘Hydroponics’ extension course from the UF/IFAS Extension Greenhouse Training Online Program

 

MD

Helped organize a greenhouse production conference including >6 speakers. This conference

had not been held for several years. The audience included new growers.

NJ

We organized a four-hour virtual workshop on hydroponics and controlled environment crop production as part of the 66^th New Jersey Agricultural Convention and Trade Show.

 

NY

Cornell outreach efforts (presentations/webinars) during the reporting period resulted in training of 777 New York State participants and 255 out-of-state participants.

 

OH

We organized three workshops during the reporting period as follow:

• The 2021 Greenhouse Management Workshop was organized on January 27 and 29, 2021 by Peter Ling and Chieri Kubota with 164 online participants. This year’s focus was ‘Improving Production via Listening to Plants’.
• A “Soilless Strawberry School” was organized on March 26, 2021 by Chieri Kubota and Mark Kroggel with 120 participants.
• A “Greenhouse Basics” workshop was offered to K-12 teachers on June 15, 2021. The workshop was organized by Uttara Samarakoon and taught by Uttara Samarakoon and Peter Ling to 12 participants.

 

TX

• we have organized annual controlled environment urban agriculture conferences at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension at Dallas since 2019. These conferences have reached a wide range of audience and benefited growers and other stakeholders.

 

2. Publish a hydroponic production book and an eight-part article series on urban agriculture

 

FL

Gómez and Both (Rutgers University) developed an outline of potential topics and corresponding co-authors to help write a new Hydroponics Textbook.

 

NJ

Efforts related to the publication of a book on hydroponic crop production have stalled due to the increased workload resulting from the pandemic. A recently published Rutgers Cooperative Extension bulletin is related to this effort:

Ayeni, A., J. Dmitruck, W. Sciarappa, A.J. Both, D. McNamara, and A.M. Lotfi. 2021. Indoor cultivation instruction at the Rutgers University School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, New Brunswick, NJ. RCE Bulletin E-360.

 

3. Enhance undergraduate research training in the area of controlled environment plant production to prepare the students for independent studies

 

AZ

Giacomelli has hired, trained educated and/or advised 15 undergraduate working on grant

supported research projects, and 5 graduate students (2 as my graduate student supported by

grant funds, and 3 as committee member) to be competent in CEA hydroponic crop production

systems design and operations.

Kacira has hired, mentored 4 undergraduate students, three working in hydroponics crop

production and water use efficiency project, and one student working in NASA funded

water/nutrient deliver for crop production system. tomato hydroponics crop production

project.

 

DE

Qingwu Meng designed and taught a new course, Introduction to Hydroponics, in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at the University of Delaware. The 100% asynchronous online course covered hydroponic system design, crop selection, water chemistry, nutrient solution management, and economics of hydroponic crop production. A total of 14 undergraduate students enrolled in the course and participated in a home hydroponics challenge with provided kits.

 

Qingwu Meng mentored and trained a summer undergraduate student, Stefanie Severin, who was a participant in the Summer Institute program in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Delaware. The student conducted alternating lighting research on indoor-grown seedlings of tomatoes and leafy greens.

 

FL

Gómez mentored one undergraduate student in an independent research project presented at the ASHS annual conference in 2021. The student will pursue graduate studies in Controlled Environments.

 

Zhang mentored one undergraduate student in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering for an independent study on CO₂ sensing and enrichment for indoor farming.

 

MD

Led a section of a capstone course that utilized student’s past education to identify a problem,

design an experiment to answer a question related to the problem, conduct that experiment, and

develop actionable new practices based on that work. The section I led focused on 1)

hydroponic herb production, and 2) utilizing growth regulators to reduce labor costs.

 

ME

The University of Maine developed online training materials for students taking PSE110, Introduction to Horticulture, as part of the transition to online learning for this course. Students built a relatively inexpensive weather station with moisture and temperature and relative humidity sensors. The sensors were controlled and monitored using a Rasperry Pi microcomputer. The students grew plants at home and monitored their home environment using their weather stations. They were able to make conclusions about the impact of their environment on plant growth. Students were introduced the basics of using Raspberry Pi, Python programming, and the importance of the environment on plant growth.

 

NJ

During the spring 2021 semester, we taught a (mostly virtual) 4-credit undergraduate course titled Indoor Cultivation of High Value Crops and enrolled 22 students. The hands-on component of the course was covered by having students grow crops at home using a small commercially-sourced table-top hydroponic growing system (AeroGarden).

 

NY

Three undergraduate students were mentored in independent research projects with hydroponic plant nutrient management as well as studying alpine strawberries as a possible high value plant for vertical farms. These efforts resulted in one Plant Sciences Honor’s Thesis (B.S.) and two peer-reviewed journal articles.

 

OH

During this reporting year:

• Four undergraduate students were engaged in controlled environment research programs in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science.
• Two undergraduate students and five graduate students were engaged in controlled environment plant production research programs in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department.

 

TN

Mentored four undergraduates in controlled environment research. Two undergraduate students have shared results through university-wide undergraduate poster research symposia.

 

4. Submit at least three grants to enhance our collaboration within the team

 

AZ

Kacira has continued to collaborate with several colleagues in NE-1835 team who are part of

the USDA-AFRI/SCRI funded project OptimIA: Optimizing Indoor Agriculture for leafy green

production.

 

FL

Gómez (UF) and Niu (Texas A&M) submitted three grants as PDs to the USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative grant program to seek funding for projects evaluating indoor propagation of hard-to-root plants (not funded), hydroponic systems for production in the southern US (not funded), and ethnic crop production in the US (not funded). Zhang (UF) collaborated as a Co-PI for the first two proposals.

 

Gómez (UF) and Kubota (OSU) submitted a grant as co-PIs to the USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative grant program to seek funding for a project evaluating indoor propagation of strawberries (funded).

 

KS

Completed undergraduate research project: Goossen, R., K.A. Williams, and J. O’Mara. 2021. Characterizing the phytotoxic effects of hydrogen peroxide root dips on Phalaenopsis orchids. Project was presented at ASHS 2021 by Goossen in the undergraduate research competition.

 

MD

1. Hu, M.-J., J.D. Lea-Cox and C. Johnson. Development and evaluation of microclimate-based

decision support tools, for sustainable strawberry production. USDA-NIFA NE Integrated Pest

Management Grant. $49,850. (2019-2021).

 

The work that we are doing as a part of this grant will likely have the greatest environmental and

economic impact for MD small fruit growers in terms of reduced fungicide applications. The sensing

capabilities we use also provide multiple ROI for growers as it can be used for row cover

management (frost monitoring, quantification of degree day accumulation) as well as fungal disease

(Anthracnose and Botrytis) monitoring through the models we are developing. Our efforts to target

the precision and accuracy of all this monitoring will help farmers adapt to changing climatic

conditions.

First Output:

Mengjun Hu, Scott Cosseboom, Anita Schoeneberg, Chuck Johnson, Natalia Peres, and John Lea-

Cox. 2021. Validation of the strawberry advisory system in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Plant Disease

https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-10-20-2162-RE)

 

2. Aydilek, A.H., A.P. Davis, J.D. Lea-Cox and A.G. Ristvey. 2020. Effect of Geotechnical and

Environmental Properties of Maryland Compost and Compost Amended Topsoils on Vegetation

Establishment and Growth. Maryland State Highway Administration. $399,313. (2 Years).

 

3. Davis, A.P., A. Aydilek, G. Felton, B. Kjellerup, G. Li, J.D. Lea-Cox, A.G. Ristvey and A.Torrents.
4. Environmental Stewardship in Transportation Networks. Maryland Transportation Institute

Faculty Leader Initiative Program $25,000. (Planning Grant - 2 Years).

 

4. Hu, M.-J., S. Cosseboom and J.D. Lea-Cox. 2020. Novel Strategies for Improved Control and

Sustainability of Grapevine Bunch Rot Management. USDA-NIFA New Innovator in Food and

Agriculture Research Award. $364,825 (3 Years). Role: Collaborator

 

NJ

We are already collaborating with colleagues at other institutions as part of the USDA-NIFA SCRI project LAMP and the GLASE project.

 

OH

• USDA SCRI grant proposal to develop key technologies for indoor agriculture was submitted and funded for 2019-2013. The collaboration team includes Michigan State University, Purdue University and University of Arizona. Project website: http://scri-optimia.org/

 

TN

Submitted one grant to USDA AFRI Foundational and Applied Science Program with NE1835 member Dr. Garrett Owen.

 

 

Other accomplishments you want to report that do not necessarily relate to the NE-1835 Multistate Research Project objectives:

 

DE

Qingwu Meng designed, developed, and constructed the Delaware Indoor Ag Lab (DIAL) at the University of Delaware. In addition, Qingwu Meng led the construction of photoperiodic lighting structures in a research greenhouse.

 

KS

Qingwu Meng (University of Delaware) collaborated in development of a component of high school science classroom materials to introduce CEA as a career path. This project is part of the work for USDA Secondary Education, Two-Year Postsecondary Education, and Agriculture in the K-12 Classroom Challenge Grant (SPECA). Sept. 1, 2017 – June 30, 2021. Williams, K.A., C.T. Miller, and G. Hock. Online Modules for High School Teachers that Hybridize Horticulture and Science Curricula while Promoting Horticulture as a Career. It was presented at ASHS 2021 as Williams, K.A., C.T. Miller and N. Busch. 2021. Introducing controlled environment horticulture as a career through a phenomena-based storyline for use in high school science classrooms.

 

NJ

Rutgers Cooperative Extension formed a committee that is investigating the opportunities for farmers to install agrivoltaic systems that retain the opportunity to farm the land, but at the same time generate electricity for on-site use and export to the local utility grid. This effort was recently supported by a $2M appropriation from the NJ state legislature.

 

As part of the Energy Answers for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher project, several videos were developed that can be viewed here:

https://farm-energy.extension.org/energy-answers-for-the-beginning-farmer-and-rancher/

 

Two write-ups on crop irrigation and greenhouse glazing were contributed to the 19^th edition of the Ball Red Book (Volume 1, Greenhouse Structures, Equipment, and Technology).

 

Impact statement (Note that submitting this statement is mandatory):

 

AZ

• Gene Giacomelli, using the controlled environment changed the future in the development

of new varieties of field corn for animal feed. Stefanie Boe, Monsanto Company’s

Community Relations/Site Enablement Lead stated that: “The UA-CEAC has been an

instrumental partner in developing the necessary technology and capacity to conceive and

build our new $100M Marana, Arizona Greenhouse Complex, creating 40 - 60 new local

jobs which range from HVAC engineers to plant biologists, and access for others within the

company." The Marana facility represents a highly automated greenhouse hydroponic crop

production system for the continuous yearly production of seed corn for breeding new

varieties. Future benefits to the farmer include new breeding lines, developed up to 3 years

faster (7 rather than 10 years), that ultimately create new corn varieties with attributes

farmers will need, such as drought or salt tolerance to meet the effects of climate change.

Given that the Monsanto Company supplies 70% of the world’s feed corn production our

science and engineering technology will be affecting billions of dollars of the global

agricultural economy. This new system recycles all its irrigation water and nutrients for seed

corn production, and it requires only 20% of the total amount that is used in field

production. Furthermore, with recycling, there is no discharge to the environment of

wastewater or plant nutrients. The closed environment of the greenhouse makes IPM

[Integrated Pest Management] highly effective for control of pests and diseases, effectively

eliminating the need for chemical pesticides.

 

• UA-CEAC organized the 20th Greenhouse Crop Production and Engineering Design Short

Course (March 3, 10, 17, 2021) with 200+ participants to help educate and inform those on

fundamentals of growing crops in CEA systems, technologies, innovations. Virtual UACEAC

Intensive workshops helped to educated about 60 participants, mostly new/beginner

CEA growers, on hydroponic crop production and CEA systems.

• Total of 9 graduate students (3 supervised by Giacomelli and 6 by Kacira), and 19

undergraduate students [15 Giacomelli and 4 Kacira] were educated on hydroponics crop

production, greenhouse, and indoor vertical farming-based systems at UA-CEAC.

• In our research at experimental scale, consideration of various DLI and CO2 concentration

injection combinations evaluated, and strategies developed, can help achieving energy

savings, and the computer vision and models developed to evaluate various what-if

scenarios for co-optimization of environmental variables in indoor vertical farming systems

can help improving resource consumption leading to improved resource use efficiencies.

• The outcomes and information generated by our research programs at UA-CEAC with the

wavelength selective organic photovoltaics based, and quantum dots-based film

technologies can lead to innovation and new frontiers for greenhouse covering material

alternatives.

 

CO

Controlled environments research at Colorado State University has identified both short- and long-term growth and physiological responses to production inputs such as far-red lighting and CO₂ enrichment. With inputs such as electric lighting accounting for up to 50% of variable costs for controlled environment growers, proper management throughout crop production is critical to ensure resources are being used efficiently. Based on our understanding of physiological responses to these inputs, applied techniques and protocols can be developed to accelerate production and increase crop quality with the use of fewer resources.  

 

DE

The development and establishment of the Delaware Indoor Ag Lab enable controlled-environment research to optimize lighting and environmental variables for a wide range of specialty crops. We will use this research facility to help indoor vertical farmers determine efficient lighting and environment management strategies.

 

FL

Four courses are available to train students in CEA at the University of Florida (‘Controlled Environment Plant Production’, ‘Hydroponic Systems’, ‘Greenhouse and Nursery Crop Culture’), and ‘Controlled Environment Production Systems Design’. All four courses are offered online to support distance education, and the last three are also offered live. Our research findings are presented to our stakeholders primarily through presentations and written publications. Gómez’s research is primarily focused on one of three main areas: 1) indoor propagation of high-value crops; 2) urban gardening; and 3) lighting for indoor plant production. Zhang’s research has been focusing on system design and control optimization through climate simulation, building energy modeling, sensing and control algorithms development. All areas cover topics that are increasingly becoming important in the CEA industry and have strong stakeholder support. In collaboration with industry partners, Gómez recently established the ‘Research on Urban Gardening’ (RUG) consortium to help develop research-based solutions for the horticulture industry and for consumers in the edible gardening sector. In addition, her program is supporting the establishment of a local ginger and turmeric industry.

 

KS

• Two CEA graduate students completed their theses and graduated during the reporting period. Work was completed on development of curriculum support materials to introduce CEA as a career to high school students. 58 undergraduate students were trained in CEA lighting and nutrient management. 1 undergraduate research project was reported at ASHS-21.
• Information was delivered to over 60,000 individual visitors of hightunnels.org from every country in the world.
• A Virtual Field Day was held surrounding the work at the Olathe Horticulture Research and Extension Center on August 31, 2020. 81% of the 107 participants agreed that they would implement knowledge learned during the meeting right away.
• 8350 grafted tomato plants were produced at the Olathe Horticulture Research and Extension Center during Spring 2021 as part of our custom grafting services operation. Based on our research trials, we estimate that those plants yielded an additional 93,186 lbs of locally-grown tomatoes in the food system, which provided at least $116,483 in combined revenue for the ten growers that participated in the program.

 

MD

Identified new plant growth regulator combinations to reduce pruning costs in nursery liner and

foliage plant production.

Collaborative research program has identified 2 candidate genes that impart strong rust resistance in

wheat.

 

Initiated a study to introduce a Fusarium resistance gene into succulents to reduce losses and

fungicide use.

 

ME

Forty-five students in the online class, PSE110 (Introduction to Horticulture) built a weather station using microcomputers and environmental sensors. A majority of students indicated they felt more comfortable using microcomputers after this experience.

 

A propagation system that applied water infrequently overhead and frequently at the base of cuttings in an enclosure reduced water usage by 87% compared to traditional propagation systems.

 

NJ

Nationwide, Cooperative Extension and NRCS personnel and commercial greenhouse growers have been exposed to research and outreach efforts through various presentations and publications. It is estimated that this information has led to improved designs of controlled environment plant production facilities and to updated operational strategies that saved an average sized (1-acre) business a total of $25,000 in operating and maintenance costs annually. Greenhouse growers who implemented the information resulting from our research and outreach materials have been able to realize energy savings of between 5 and 30%.

 

NY

Cornell: Organic hydroponics can be a value-added production method, however growers cite that management of organic fertility is one of the primary barriers to this production method. A methodology was developed and tested whereby hydrogen peroxide was used as an oxidizing agent to decrease biofilm and increase dissolved oxygen. When tested for hydroponic lettuce, organically grown plants with 37.5 mg/L hydrogen peroxide performed as well as conventional hydroponic plants without hydrogen peroxide. The use of aquaponic/aquaculture fish waste can be an important nutrient source for plants as well as reduce environmental waste-streams. Two experiments found that supplemental aquaponic water with mineral elements led to high quality plant performance while enabling use of this waste-stream.

 

Cornell: Skyscraper farms are a much talked about production methods for cities however previous work has not attempted to evaluate how much natural light is available in multi-layer skyscraper production. Our simulations found that 13-15% of the light required to meet a 17 mol/m2/d target could be met by sunlight, however when shading from surrounding buildings is considered, natural light can supply as little as 5% of the lighting requirements. Overall skyscraper farms require 4-11 times more electricity for lighting than greenhouses per crop canopy area.

 

OH

During the reporting year, Ohio reached out to 1,557 stakeholders and 36 undergraduate and 10 graduate students through educational programs.

 

TN

By increasing the light intensity during green- and purple-leafed butterhead lettuce seedling production, increases in yield can be realized at harvest. Due to high plant density during propagation, increased lighting costs can be spread across more plants. This strategy has the potential to increase lettuce yields or decrease production duration.

 

TX

• Pre-harvesting supplemental lighting can enhance crop quality such as pigmentation and other phytonutrients and/or yield while significantly reducing production costs.
• Information on using alternative water to irrigation greenhouse and nursery crops can conserve fresh water for other usage.

 

• Educating stakeholders and growers on CEA technologies is imperative, especially in southern states because historically CEA industry is less developed with fewer skilled workers.

 

UT

• Selecting salt-tolerant plants for greenhouse and nursery production will enhance the competitiveness of the Green Industry through improved specialty crop quality, reduced culinary water consumption, reduced inputs, and/or increased economic returns.
• Greenhouse and nursery growers will increase their production of stress-tolerant plants and general public will increase their purchase and use of stress-tolerant plants in their own landscapes.
• Increasing the knowledge about whole plant responses to water stress will allow us to promote the use of stress-tolerant plants for water conservation.

Annual Station Publications Report

 

PROJECT NUMBER:             NE-1835        

 

TITLE:                                    Resource Optimization in Controlled Environment Agriculture

 

PROJECT DURATION:         October 1, 2018 – September 30, 2023

 

EXPERIMENT STATION:    Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Utah

 

PARTICIPANTS:                   AZ: Gene Giacomelli and Murat Kacira, CO: Joshua Craver, DE: Qingwu Meng, FL: Celina Gomez and Ying Zhang, KS: Kimberly Williams and Cary Rivard, MD: John Erwin, John Lea-Cox, and Diana Cochran, ME: Stephanie Burnett, MI: Roberto Lopez, NE: Ellen Paparozzi, NJ: AJ Both, and Robin Brumfield, NY: Neil Mattson, Tim Shelford, and Nathen Eylands, OH: Chieri Kubota, Peter Ling, Jennifer Boldt, and Kale Harbick, TN: Kellie Walters TX: Genhua Niu, UT: Youping Sun

 

 

REPORTING PERIOD:         August 1, 2020 – August 31, 2021

 

REPORT DATE:                     August 25, 2021

PUBLICATIONS:

 

Dissertations, Theses (Published):

AZ

Alcorn, Joseph R. 2021. Sustained Growth and Yield in Elevated Greenhouse Air Temperatures through Control of VPD. Internship Report. Professional Science Masters, Controlled Environment Agriculture Track, Graduate Interdisciplinary College, The University of Arizona. [Advisor: Gene Giacomelli]

 

Farrow, Samuel Lawrence, 2021. Table Grape Production Automation in CEA. Internship Report. Professional Science Masters, Controlled Environment Agriculture Track, Graduate Interdisciplinary College, The University of Arizona [Advisor: Gene Giacomelli]

 

Waller, Rebekah. 2021. Explorations in the Food-Energy Nexus: Organic Potovoltaics Applications to Greenhouse Crop Production Systems. PhD Dissertation, Biosystems Engineering Department, The University of Arizona. [Advisor: Murat Kacira]

 

CO

McKinney, D.W. 2021. Characterizing acclimation of pansy and petunia to CO₂ enrichment for controlled environment production. Colo. State Univ., Fort Collins, MS Thesis Abstr. 28413364.

 

FL

Retana-Cordero, Marlon. 2021. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) as alternative crops for Florida. Univ. Florida, Gainesville, FL, MS Thesis.

 

KS

Schneck, K.K. 2020. Studies in floral crops production: effects of root-zone temperature on dahlia growth and optimizing graphical tracks for poinsettia height management. M.S. thesis.

 

Schwab, J.D. 2020. Controlled and protected environment production of blueberries in the Midwest United States. M.S. thesis.

 

Gude, K.M. 2020. Altering solar light with high tunnel coverings to improve health-promoting phytochemicals of lettuce and tomato. PhD Dissertation.

 

NJ

Michael Ilardi, M.S. 2021 (University of Georgia). Thesis title: Supplemental lighting time best justifies the efficacy of transition from HPS lighting to LED lighting in greenhouses. A.J. Both served as an external member of the thesis advisory committee.

 

Masaki Kurosaki, M.S. 2021 (Cornell University). Thesis title: Optimizing lighting and carbon dioxide enrichment for controlled environment production of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and tomato (Solanum esculentum L.). A.J. Both served as an external member of the thesis advisory committee.

 

Matthew Patterson, Ph.D. 2021 (Rutgers University). Dissertation title: Characterization and analysis of three-dimensional flow processes in soils: Laboratory and field applications. A.J. Both served as a member of the dissertation advisory committee.

 

NY

Mi, R. 2020. Cultural management, production, and consumer sensory evaluation of baby leaf hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) as an edible salad green. M.S. Thesis. Cornell University. 128pp.

 

Xia, J. 2021. Cultural management and consumer sensory evaluation of common ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L.) as an edible succulent leafy green. M.S. Thesis. Cornell University. 97pp.

 

OH

Nair, U. 2020. Development of an Intelligent Sprayer with Improved Canopy Estimations for Greenhouse Spray Applications. Dept. of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering. The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH. MS Thesis.

 

Papio, G. 2021. Development of a New Hydroponic Nutrient Management Strategy and a Tool to Assess Microclimate Conditions in Indoor Leafy Green Production. Dept. of Horticulture and Crop Science. The Ohio State University., Columbus, OH, MS Thesis.

 

Raj, A. 2021. Aerial Sensing Platform for Greenhouses. Dept. of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering. The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH. MS Thesis.

 

Books (Published):

TX

Kozai, T., Niu, G., Masabni, J. 2021. Plant Factory: Basics, Advances, and Application, Academic Press (in Press).

 

Book Chapters (Published):

KY

Owen, W.G. and B.E. Whipker. 2021. Water, media, and nutrition testing, p. 48–63. In: J. Nau, B. Calkins, and A. Westbrook. Ball RedBook, Vol. 2, Crop Culture and Production. 19th ed. Ball Publishing, West Chicago, IL.

 

NY

Currey, C.J. and N.S. Mattson. 2021. Hydroponic systems in Ball Redbook 19^th Edition, Vol. 1. Greenhouse structures,

 

Currey, C., N.S. Mattson, P. Cockson and B. Whipker. 2021. Mineral Nutrition in Ball Redbook 19^th Edition, Vol. 2. Crop culture and production. (J. Nau, B. Calkins, and A. Westbrook eds.). Ball Publishing, West Chicago. pp. 30-37.

 

Mattson, N.S. and J. Holley. 2021. Carbon dioxide: building block for plant growth in Ball Redbook 19^th Edition, Vol. 1. Greenhouse structures, equipment, and technology. (C. Beytes eds.). Ball Publishing, West Chicago. pp. 133-137.

 

Nicholson, C.F., K. Harbick, M.I. Gómez and N.S. Mattson.  2020.  An economic and environmental comparison of conventional and controlled environment agriculture (CEA) supply chains for leaf lettuce to US cities”, in Food Supply Chains in Cities, (E. Aktas and M. Bourlakis, eds.), Palgrave Macmillan.

 

Raudales, R.E., P.R. Fisher and N.S. Mattson. 2021. Water quality in Ball Redbook 19^th Edition, Vol. 2. Crop culture and production. (J. Nau, B. Calkins, and A. Westbrook eds.). Ball Publishing, West Chicago. pp. 2-17.

 

Refereed Journal Articles (Published):

AZ

1. H. Parrish II, D. Hebert, A. Jackson, K. Ramasamy, H. McDaniel, G.A. Giacomelli and M.R. Bergren. Optimizing spectral quality with quantum dots to enhance crop yield in controlled environments. Communications Biology (COMMSBIO-20-2162-T)

 

Waller, R., M. Kacira, E. Magadley, M. Teitel, I. Yehia. 2021. Semi-Transparent Organic Photovoltaics Applied as Greenhouse Shade for Spring and Summer Tomato Production in Arid Climate. Agronomy ,11(6): 1152.

 

Maayan Friman-Peretz, Shay Ozer, Asher Levi, Esther Magadley, Ibrahim Yehia, Farhad Geoola, Shelly Gantz, Roman Brikman, Avi Levy, Murat Kacira, Meir Teitel. 2021. Energy partitioning and spatial variability of air temperature, VPD and radiation in a greenhouse tunnel shaded by semitransparent organic PV modules. Solar Energy, 220: 578-589.

 

Maayan Friman-Peretz, Shay Ozer, Farhad Geoola, Esther Magadley, Ibrahim Yehia, Asher Levi, Roman Brikman, Shelly Gantz, Avi Levy, Murat Kacira, Meir Teitel. 2020. Microclimate and crop performance in a tunnel greenhouse shaded by organic photovoltaic modules Comparison with conventional shaded and unshaded tunnels. Biosystems Engineering, 197: 12 31.

 

CO

McKinney, D.W. and J.K. Craver. 2020. Characterizing acclimation of pansy and petunia to CO₂ enrichment for controlled environment production. HortSci. 55(9):S61–S62.

 

DE

Meng, Q. and E.S. Runkle. 2020. Growth responses of red-leaf lettuce to temporal spectral changes. Front. Plant Sci. 11:571788.

 

Kelly, N., D. Choe, Q. Meng, and E.S. Runkle. 2020. Promotion of lettuce growth under an increasing daily light integral depends on the combination of the photosynthetic photon flux density and photoperiod. Sci. Hort. 272:109565.

 

Lopez, R.G., Q. Meng, and E.S. Runkle. 2020. Blue radiation signals and saturates photoperiodic flowering of several long-day plants at crop-specific photon flux densities. Sci. Hort. 271:109470.

 

FL

Izzo, L.i, M. Mickens, G. Aronne, and C. Gómez. 2021. Blue and red spectral effects on growth, anatomy, and single-leaf physiological responses of lettuce. Physiologia Plantarum https://doi.org/10.1111/ppl.13395

Kim, T., S. Samraj, J. Jiménezi, C. Gómez, T. Liu, and K. Begcy. 2021. Surveying the lettuce genome: Genome-wide identification of Hsfs and Hsps in response to UV and high light stress. BMC Plant Biology 21(185) https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-021-02959-x

 

Solis-Toapanta, E.G, P.R. Fisher, and C. Gómez. 2020. Effects of nutrient solution management and environment on tomato in small-scale hydroponics. HortTechnology 30: 697–705. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH04685-20

 

KS

Schwab, J.D., K.A. Williams, and J.J. Griffin. 2021. Asexual propagation by stem cuttings of half-high and low-bush blueberries in soilless substrates. Journal of Environmental Horticulture. 39(2):47-51. KRES no. 21-140-J.

 

Lee, M., C.L. Rivard, E.D. Pliakoni, W. Wang, C.B. Rajashekar 2021. Supplemental UV-A and UV-B affect the nutritional quality of lettuce and tomato: Health-promoting phytochemicals and essential nutrients. American Journal of Plant Sciences 12: 104-126

 

Gude, K.M, H. Stanley, C.L. Rivard, B. Cunningham, Q. Kang, and E.D. Pliakoni. 2021. Quality of day-neutral strawberries grown in a high tunnel system. Scientia Horticulturae 275: 19726

 

Gude, K.M., C.B., Rajashekar, B., Cunningham, Q., Kang, W., Wang, M., Lee, C.L., Rivard and E.D. Pliakoni. 2020. Effect of high tunnel coverings on antioxidants of breaker and light red tomatoes at harvest and during ripening. Agronomy 10:1639

 

Batziakas, K.G., S. Singh, K. Ayub, Q. Kang, J. Brecht, C. L. Rivard, and E.D. Pliakoni. 2020. Reducing post-harvest losses of spinach stored in non-optimum temperatures with the implementation of passive modified atmosphere packaging. HortScience 55 (3): 326-335

 

Batziakas, K.G., C.L. Rivard, H. Stanley and E.D. Pliakoni. 2020. Reducing pre-harvest food losses in spinach with the implementation of high tunnels. Scientia Horticulturae 265:109268

 

Batziakas, K.G., H., Stanley, A.G., Batziakas, J.K Brecht, C.L. Rivard, and E.D. Pliakoni. 2020. Reducing postharvest food losses in organic spinach with the implementation of high tunnel production systems. Agron. Sustain. Dev. 40:42

 

Stanley, H., K.G. Batziakas, S.E. Gragg, C.L. Rivard, E.D. Pliakoni. 2020. Impact of modified atmosphere packaging and ozonated water on the shelf life, quality, and safety of vegetables stored at non optimum temperatures. J. Postharvest Technol., 08 (3): 79-95

 

KY

Owen, W.G. 2020. Perovskia leaf tissue nutrient sufficiency ranges by chronological age unaffected by constant micronutrient supply. HortScience 55:1303–1307.

 

ME

Burnett, S.E, B.J. Peterson, and M. Peronto. 2021. Commercial scale evaluation of sub-mist for propagation of woody and herbaceous perennials. HortTechnology 31:274-279.

 

NJ

Knuth, M.J., H. Khachatryan, C.R. Hall, M.A. Palma, A.W. Hodges, A.P. Torres, and R.G. Brumfield. 2021. Trade flows within the United States nursery industry in 2018. J. Environ. Hort. 39(2):77–90.

 

NY

Eaton, M., Harbick, K., Shelford, T. and Mattson, N., 2021. Modeling natural light availability in skyscraper farms. Agronomy, 11(9), p.1684.

 

Lau, V., and Mattson, N. 2021. Effects of hydrogen peroxide on organically fertilized hydroponic lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). Horticulturae. 7(5), 106. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7050106

 

Levine, C.P. and Mattson, N.S., 2021. Potassium-deficient nutrient solution affects the yield, morphology, and tissue mineral elements for hydroponic baby leaf spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.). Horticulturae, 7(8), p.213.

 

Li, Y., Heckman, J., Wyenandt, A., Mattson, N., Durner, E. and Both, A.J. 2020. Potential benefits of silicon nutrition to hydroponically grown sweet basil. HortScience, 55(11):1799-1803. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI15320-20

 

Mi, R., Taylor, A.G., Smart, L.B. and Mattson, N.S. 2020. Developing production guidelines for baby leaf hemp (Cannabis sativa L. as an edible salad green: cultivar, sowing density and seed size. Agriculture. 10(12), 617. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10120617 

 

OH

Gillespie, D.P., G. Papio, and C. Kubota. 2021. High nutrient concentrations of hydroponic solution can improve growth and nutrient uptake of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) grown in acidic nutrient solution. HortScience. 56:687-694.

 

Nair, U., P. Ling, and H. Zhu. 2021. Improved Canopy characterization with laser scanning sensor for greenhouse spray applications. Transactions of the ASABE. Accepted for publication.

 

 

Teng Y., U. Samarakoon, J. Altland, and P. Ling. 2021. Photosynthesis, biomass production, nutritional quality, and flavor-related phytochemical properties of hydroponic-grown arugula under different electrical conductivities. Agronomy 11: (7). 1340.  

 

TN

Walters, K.J. and R.G. Lopez. 2021. Modeling growth and development of hydroponically grown dill, parsley, and watercress in response to photosynthetic daily light integral and mean daily temperature. PLOS One. 16(3):e0248662. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0248662

 

Walters, K.J., B.K. Behe, and R.G. Lopez. 2021. Leveraging controlled-environment agriculture to increase key basil terpenoid and phenylpropanoid concentrations: The effects of radiation intensity and CO₂ concentration on consumer preference. Frontiers in Plant Science. 11:598519. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2020.598519

 

Slack, S., K.J. Walters, C. Outwater, and G.W. Sundin. 2021. Effect of kasugamycin, oxytetracycline, and streptomycin on in-orchard population dynamics of Erwinia amylovora on apple flower stigmas. Plant Disease. PDIS-07. https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-07-20-1469-RE

 

TX

Hooks, T., Masabni, J., Sun, L., Niu, G. Effect of pre-harvest supplemental UV-A/Blue and Red/Blue LED lighting on lettuce growth and nutritional quality. Horticulturae, 2021, 7, 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7040080.

 

Dou, H., Niu, G., Gu, M., Masabni, J. 2020. Morphological and physiological responses in basil and brassica species to different proportions of red, blue, and green wavelengths in indoor vertical farming. J. Amer. Soc. Sci. 145(4): 267-278. DOI:https://doi.org/10.21273/JASHS04927-20.

 

Yu, P., Li, Qiansheng, Huang, L., Qin, K., Niu, G., Gu, M. The effects of mixed hardwood biochar, mycorrhizae, and fertigation on container tomato and pepper plant growth. Sustainability 2020, 12, 7072; doc:10.3390/su12177072.

 

Chen, J.J., Xing, H., Paudel, A., Sun, Y., Niu, G., Chappell, M. 2020. Gas exchange and mineral nutrition of 12 viburnum taxa irrigated with saline water. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI14941-20.

 

Niu, G., Sun, Y., Hooks, T., Altland, J., Dou, H., Perez, C. Salt tolerance of hydrangea plants varied among species and cultivar within a species. Horticulturae, 2020, 6, 54; doi:10.3390/horticulturae6030054.

 

Liu, Q., Sun, Y., Altland, J., Niu, G. 2020. Morphological and physiological responses of Cornus alba to salt and drought stresses under greenhouse conditions. HortScience 55(2): 224-230. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI14460-19.

 

Sun, Y., Chen, J.J., Xing, H., Niu, G., Chappell, M. 2020. Growth, visual quality, and morphological responses of 12 viburnum taxa to saline water irrigation. HortScience 55(8):1233-1241. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI14940-20.

 

UT

Xing, H., J. Hershkowitz, A. Paudel, Y. Sun, J. Chen, X. Dai, and M. Chappell. 2021. Morphological and physiological responses of ornamental grasses to saline water irrigation. HortScience 56(6): 678-686. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI15700-21

 

Niu, G., Y. Sun, T. Hooks, J. Altland, H. Dou, and C. Perez. 2020. Salt tolerance of hygrangea plants varied among species and cultivar within a species. Horticulturae 6(54): 1-12. doi:10.3390/horticulturae6030054.

 

Liu, Q., Y. Sun, J. Altland, and G. Niu. 2020. Morphological and physiological responses of Cornus alba to salt and drought stresses under greenhouse conditions. HortScience 55(2):224-230. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI14460-19.

 

Symposium Proceedings Articles (Published):

 

KS

Loewen, D., E.D. Pliakoni, and C.L. Rivard. 2021. Yield and compatibility for ten tomato scion varieties grafted with ‘Maxifort’ rootstock. Proceedings of the 2020 Urban Food Systems Symposium (in press)

 

Meyer, L.J., H. Pontes-Chiebao, E.D. Pliakoni, M.M. Kennelly, K.A. Garrett, and C.L. Rivard. 2021. The role of grafting for local tomato production in high tunnels. Acta Hortic. 1302: 49-56

 

Loewen, D.E., E.D. Pliakoni, and C.L. Rivard. 2021. Evaluating Capsicum and Solanum rootstocks for fresh market bell pepper production. Acta Hortic. 1302: 259-264

 

NJ

Brumfield, R.G. 2021. Building financial resilience during tough times. New Jersey Vegetable Growers’ Meeting. Atlantic City, NJ, February 22-25, 2021, Virtual. Pp. 20-21. https://nj-vegetable-crops-online-resources.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2021-VGANJ-Proceedings-Book.pdf.

 

Brumfield, R.G. 2021. Constructing and interpreting a balance sheet. New Jersey Vegetable Growers’ Meeting. Atlantic City, NJ, February 22-25, 2021, Virtual. Pp. 22. https://nj-vegetable-crops-online-resources.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2021-VGANJ-Proceedings-Book.pdf.

 

Brumfield, R.G. 2021. Managing risks using 3 key ratios from your balance sheet. New Jersey Vegetable Growers’ Meeting. Atlantic City, NJ, February 22-23, 2021, Virtual. Pp. 23. https://nj-vegetable-crops-online-resources.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2021-VGANJ-Proceedings-Book.pdf.

 

Brumfield, R.G. 2021. Income statement: Measuring profitability. New Jersey Vegetable Growers’ Meeting. Atlantic City, NJ, February 22-25, 2021, Virtual. Pp. 23-25. https://nj-vegetable-crops-online-resources.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2021-VGANJ-Proceedings-Book.pdf.

 

Govindasamy, R., S. Arumugam, R. Brumfield. 2021. Marketing tools for small businesses. New Jersey Vegetable Growers’ Meeting. Atlantic City, NJ, February 22-25, 2021, Virtual. Pp. 13-16. https://nj-vegetable-crops-online-resources.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2021-VGANJ-Proceedings-Book.pdf.

 

Brumfield, R.G. and B. Özkan. 2020. Empowering women farmers and their families. Proceedings of the Conference on Women Empowerment in the World, Pp. 375-389. Virtual, December 26-27, 2020. ISBN 978-93-5437-392-3.

 

Brumfield, R.G., D. Greenwood, M. Flahive DiNardo, A.J. Both, J.R. Heckman, R. Govindasamy, N. Polanin, A.A. Rouff, A. Rowe, R. VanVranken, and S. Arumugam. 2020. Farming in New Jersey’s cities and the urban fringe: A successful educational program for women producers, beginning farmers, and military veterans. 2020. Proceedings of the Conference on Women Empowerment in the World. Pp. 355-363. Virtual, December 26-27, 2020. ISBN 978-93-5437-392-3.

 

OH

Ertle, J., C. Kubota, and E. Pliakoni. 2021. Transplant quality and growth of grafted and non-grafted watermelon seedlings as affected by chilling during simulated long-distance transportation. Acta Horticulturae 1302:87-94.

 

Popular (Trade Journal) Articles (Published): 

AZ

Larissa Zimberoff, Business Week, How to Grow Better Lettuce In Space, Growing Better Lettuce in Space May Improve Agriculture on Earth - Bloomberg [Giacomelli]

 

Anne Treadwell, Eating Well Magazine, How the Largest Greenhouse in the U.S. Is Using 90% Less Water to Grow Their Tomatoes. https://www.eatingwell.com/article/7895739/appharvestindoor- growing-innovators/ [Giacomelli]

 

David Kuack. GPN Greenhouse Product News. Choosing the Right Environmental Control System https://gpnmag.com/article/choosing-the-right-environmental-control-system/ [Kacira]

 

DE

Meng, Q. and E.S. Runkle. 2021. LEDs on lettuce: white light versus red + blue light. Produce Grower.

 

FL

Gómez, C., S. Cruz, and P. Fisher. 2021. Finding fail-proof veggies. May issue https://www.ballpublishing.com/magazine/IG_21_05/index.aspx#

Fisher, P.R., C. Gómez, M. Poudel, and E. Runkle. 2021. The economics of lighting young plants indoors. In

The Indoor Lighting Guide, GrowerTalks, July issue https://www.canr.msu.edu/floriculture/uploads/files/Indoor%20lighting%20guide-mid.pdf

Fisher, P.R., C. Gómez, Y. Zhang, and A. Goff. 2020. Five tips to improve indoor propagation of cuttings and tissue culture plants. Greenhouse Grower, December issue. https://www.greenhousegrower.com/crops/5-tips-to-improve-indoor-propagation-of-cuttings-and-tissue-culture-plants/

 

KS

2020. Peterson and C.L. Rivard. 2020. Multiyear rotation in high tunnels curbs soil pathogens. Organic Grower. Fall 2020.
2021. Peterson and C.L. Rivard. 2020. Multiyear rotation in high tunnels curbs soil pathogens. Vegetable Grower News. August 2020.

 

KY

Owen, W.G. 2021. Monitoring nutrition. Nursery Management Magazine. 7 June 2021. https://www.nurserymag.com/article/pourthru-monitoring-nutrition/

Cockson, P., P. Veazie, D. Logan, B.E. Whipker, and W.G. Owen. 2020. A ‘pipe to plant’ nutrient monitoring program. Cannabis Business Times. 5(11):32–37. https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/article/cannabis-nutrition-nutrient-fertility-monitoring-cultivation/

Whipker, B.E., P. Cockson, P. Veazie, D. Logan, and W.G. Owen. 2020. Put your fertilizer program to the test. Cannabis Business Times. 5(10):22–30. https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/article/cultivation-matters-ncsu-north-carolina-cannabis-fertilization-program-management-npk-nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium/

Whipker, B.E., P. Cockson, P. Veazie, D. Logan, and W.G. Owen. 2020. What’s in your water? Cannabis Business Times. 5(9):18–22. https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/article/cannabis-irrigation-water-quality-nutrients-cultivation-matters/

Cockson, P., P. Veazie, D. Logan, B.E. Whipker, and W.G. Owen. 2020. Nutrient monitoring in Cannabis cultivation: A step-by-step guide. Cannabis Business Times. 5(8):18–24. https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/article/nutrient-monitoring-for-cannabis-step-by-step-guide/

 

NY

Gagne, C., D. Kovach and N. Mattson. 2021. Learn the basics of greenhouse tomato crop steering. Greenhouse Grower Magazine. (February).

 

Gagne, C., N. Mattson and D. Kovach. Your guide to high-wire tomato growing. Greenhouse Grower Magazine. (November).

 

Gagne, C., M. Kurosaki, D. Kovach and N. Mattson. 2020. A guide to grafting tomatoes: Cornell’s tips for success. Greenhouse Product News. October:24-28.

 

Gagne, C., N. Mattson and J. Holley. 2020. 5 top takeaways from trials of hydroponic kale cultivars. Greenhouse Grower Magazine. (October).

 

Gagne, C., N. Mattson and R. Mi. 2020. Baby leaf hemp: A new edible salad green. Greenhouse Grower Magazine. (September).

 

Mattson, N. 2020. Yellow shoulder: A ripening disorder of greenhouse tomato fruit. e-Gro Edible Alert 5(1). 5 pp. http://www.e-gro.org/pdf/E501.pdf

 

Ronzoni, R. and N. Mattson. 2020. A guide to home hydroponics for leafy greens. 97 pp. https://blogs.cornell.edu/cornellcea/files/2020/05/Guide-To-Home-Hydroponics-For-Leafy-Greens.pdf

 

Shahid, M., and N. Mattson. 2020. Biochar: A potential substrate amendment in container production. e-Gro Edible Alert 5(8). pp. 7.

 

OH

Kubota, C. 2021. Get the inside scoop on why greenhouse strawberries are trending. Greenhouse Growers. https://www.greenhousegrower.com/crops/get-the-inside-scoop-on-why-greenhouse-strawberries-are-trending/

 

TN

Walters, K.J. and R.G. Lopez. March 2021. Culinary Herbs: Balancing light and average daily temperature. Produce Grower.

 

Walters, K.J. and R.G. Lopez. December 2020. Indoor production of culinary herb seedlings: Light intensity and carbon dioxide. Produce Grower. 20-24.

 

UT

Paudel, A., J. Chen, and Y. Sun. 2021. Determining the salt tolerance of two penstemon species using a near-continuous gradient dosing system. Bulletin of the American Penstemon Society 80:58-65.

 

Presentations (Papers): 

DE

Meng, Q. and E.S. Runkle. 2020. Growth responses of red-leaf lettuce to temporal changes in light quality. HortScience, 55(9), S32. (Oral)

 

Stallknecht, E., E.S. Runkle, and Q. Meng. 2020. Phasic lighting strategies to improve indoor lettuce production. HortScience, 55(9), S32. (Poster)

 

Meng, Q. 2021. New CEA research programs in US. GLASE Webinar Series. (Oral)

 

FL

Gómez, C. 2021. Advancing controlled environment horticulture through research and education. ASHS annual meeting, Denver, CO, Aug. 5-9.

Humphrey, S. M. Retana-Cordero, and C. Gómez. 2021. Effect of broadband white light supplemented with far-red and blue LEDs on intumescence injury of compact tomato transplants. ASHS annual meeting, Denver, CO, Aug. 5-9.

Retana-Cordero, M.G, P.R. Fisher, and C. Gómez. 2021. Modeling sprouting of ginger and turmeric rhizomes in response to temperature. ASHS annual meeting, Denver, CO, Aug. 5-9.

Retana-Cordero, M.G, P.R. Fisher, and C. Gómez. 2021. Kaolin foliar sprays in open-field ginger and turmeric production as a strategy to reduce radiation stress. ASHS annual meeting, Denver, CO, Aug. 5-9.

Cruz, S.G, P.R. Fisher, and C. Gómez. 2021. Light requirements for indoor gardening of tomatoes. ASHS annual meeting, Denver, CO, Aug. 5-9.

Gómez, C. 2020. Indoor propagation research and education needs, webinar presented during the GLASE Consortium Webinar Series, July.

Gómez, C. and P.R. Fisher. 2020. Research insights to facilitate container and hydroponic gardening of herbs and vegetables. ASHS annual meeting (virtual).

Campbell-Martínez, G.g, M. Thetford, S.B. Wilson, C. Gómez, and D. Miller. 2020. Effects of container type, substrate type, and fertilizer rate on growth of sandhill milkweed (Asclepias humistrata). ASHS annual meeting (virtual).

Humphrey, S.u and C. Gómez. 2020. Ground validation testing of a novel plant growth chamber designed for spaceflight. ASHS annual meeting (virtual).

Retana-Cordero, M.G, P.R. Fisher, and C. Gómez. 2020. Overcoming winter dormancy of ginger and turmeric plants with night interruption. ASHS annual meeting (virtual).

Cruz, S.G, P.R. Fisher, and C. Gómez. 2020. Evaluation of compact tomato and pepper cultivars for container patio and indoor gardening. ASHS annual meeting (virtual).

 

KS

Williams, K.A., C.T. Miller and N. Busch. 2021. Introducing controlled environment horticulture as a career through a phenomena-based storyline for use in high school science classrooms. ASHS-21. Poster presentation.

 

Rivard, C.L., E. Pliakoni, L.J. Meyer, D.E. Loewen, R. Poudel, and K.A. Garrett. 2020. The role

of grafting for local tomato production in high tunnels. 2020 Urban Foods Systems Symposium.

21 October, 2020. Virtual Conference (oral)

 

Batziakas, K.G, S. Singh, K. Ayub, Q. Kang, J. Brecht, C.L. Rivard and *E.D. Pliakoni. 2020. Maintaining the Quality of Locally Grown Spinach with the Implementation of Passive Modified Atmosphere Packaging. Urban Food Systems Symposium. (poster)

 

*Gude, K.M., C.L. Rivard, C.B. Rajashekar and E.D. Pliakoni. 2020. The Impact of Different High Tunnel Covering on Microclimate, Yield, and Phenolic Accumulation of Red and Green Leaf Lettuce. Urban Food Systems Symposium. (poster)

 

*Jenkins, T.M., C. Kubota, C.L. Rivard and E.D. Pliakoni. 2020. ‘Tasti Lee’ Tomatoes Produced in a High Tunnel System. Urban Food Systems Symposium (oral)

 

*Jenkins, T.M., C. Kubota, C.L. Rivard and E.D. Pliakoni. 2020. Rootstock Effect on Yield and Fruit Quality of ‘Tasti Lee” Tomatoes Grown in a High Tunnel. HortScience 55(9) S198 (oral)

 

*Gude, K.M., C.L. Rivard, C.B. Rajashekar and E.D. Pliakoni. 2020. The Impact of Different

High Tunnel Covering on Microclimate, Yield, and Phenolic Accumulation of Red and Green\

Leaf Lettuce. HortScience 55 (9): S235 (poster)

 

ME

Burnett, S. February 23^rd, 2021. Novel Techniques for Plant Propagation. Zoom presentation for the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension.

 

Burnett, S. December 2^nd, 2020. Irrigation Management: Greenhouse and Nursery. Zoom presentation for the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and the Maine Nursery and Landscape Association.

 

NJ

Brumfield, R.G., S. Arumugam, A.J. Both, M. Flahive Di Nardo, R. Govindasamy, D. Greenwood, J. Heckman, N. Polanin, A.A. Rouff, A. Rowe, and R. VanVranken. 2021. A successful educational program for women producers, beginning farmers, and military veterans that helped address farm risks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Paper presented at the 2021 Annual Conference of the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS), Hybrid, Denver, CO, August 5-9, 2021.

 

 

Dube, A.K., R.G. Brumfield and B. Özkan. 2021. The effects of the market outlet on welfare of smallholder horticultural producers in Ethiopia. Paper presented at the 2021 Annual Conference of the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS), Hybrid, Denver, CO, August 5-9, 2021.

 

Wei, X., H. Khachatryan, A.P. Torres, R.G. Brumfield, A. Hodges, M. Palma, and C.R. Hall. 2021. Exploring firms’ marketing choices in the US ornamental horticulture industry. Paper presented at the 2021 Annual Conference of the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS), Hybrid, Denver, CO, August 5-9, 2021.

 

NY

Eaton, M., Harbick, K., Shelford, T., and Mattson, N.S. 2020. Modelling natural light availability in skyscraper farms. ISHS LightSym2020. 9^th International Symposium on Light in Horticultural Systems. Malmö, Sweden (online), May 31-June 2.

 

Eylands, N.J. and N.S. Mattson. 2020. Influence of far-red intensity during the seedling stage on photomorphogenic characteristics in leafy greens. Abstract and presentation at Annual ASHS Conference. August 9-13, 2020.

 

Harbick, K. and Mattson, N.S. 2020. Optimization of spatial lighting uniformity using non-planar arrays and intensity modulation. ISHS LightSym2020. 9^th International Symposium on Light in Horticultural Systems. Malmö, Sweden (online), May 31-June 2.

 

Kurosaki, M. and N.S. Mattson. 2020. Blue and green light quality impact biomass, morphology, and color of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). Abstract and presentation at Annual ASHS Conference. August 9-13, 2020.

 

Kurosaki, M. and N. Mattson. 2021. Blue and green light quality impact biomass, morphology, and color of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). ISHS LightSym2020. 9^th International Symposium on Light in Horticultural Systems. Malmö, Sweden (online), May 31-June 2.

 

Mattson, N.S., Allred, J.A., de Villiers, D., Shelford, T.J. and K. Harbick 2020. Response of hydroponic baby leaf greens to LED and HPS supplemental lighting. ISHS LightSym2020. 9^th International Symposium on Light in Horticultural Systems. Malmö, Sweden (online), May 31-June 2.

 

Shelford, T., Both, A.J. and Mattson, N.S. 2020. A greenhouse daily light integral control algorithm that takes advantage of day ahead market electricity pricing. ISHS LightSym2020. 9^th International Symposium on Light in Horticultural Systems. Malmö, Sweden, June 8-12. Malmö, Sweden (online), May 31-June 2.

 

OH

Hollick, J. and C. Kubota. 2021. Effect of self- and inter-cultivar grafting on growth and nutrient content in sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). Abs. presented at Annual Meeting of the American Society for Horticultural Science (August 5-9, 2021; Denver, CO).

 

Horvat, M., M. Kroggel, and C. Kubota. 2021. Architectural analysis and flower mapping for better management of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) grown under controlled environment. Abs. presented at Annual Meeting of the American Society for Horticultural Science (August 5-9, 2021; Denver, CO).

 

Papio, G. and C. Kubota. 2021. Developing a microclimate assessment tool using simple dishes to evaluate potential transpiration in indoor farms. Abs. presented at Annual Meeting of the American Society for Horticultural Science (August 5-9, 2021; Denver, CO).

 

TN

Walters, K.J., D. Del Moro**, J.R. Wheeler, S. Parker*, C. Sams. 2021. Purple lettuce yield and anthocyanin concentration: The effect of light intensity during seedling production. International Society for Horticultural Science, IX International Symposium on Light in Horticulture, Malmo, Sweden.

 

Walters, K.J. and R.G. Lopez. 2021. The influence of light intensity and carbon dioxide concentration during seedling production on dill, parsley, and sage growth and development at harvest. International Society for Horticultural Science, IX International Symposium on Light in Horticulture, Malmo, Sweden.

 

UT

Determining the salt tolerance of woody ornamental plants for landscape use. Graduate Sustainability Research session, the Virtual Intermountain Sustainability Summit, Weber State University, Ogden, UT, 19 March 2021.

 

Determining the salt tolerance of two penstemons using a near-continuous gradient dosing system. ASHS 2020 Virtual Conference, 13 August 2020.

 

Salinity tolerance of twelve viburnum taxa. ASHS 2020 Virtual Conference, 11 August 2020.

 

Salinity tolerance of six ornamental grass species. ASHS 2020 Virtual Conference, 11 August 2020.

 

Other Creative Works:

KS

Research Videos

• Mukherjee, E. Pliakoni, and C.L. Rivard. 2020. Yield, Quality, and Economics of High Tunnel Strawberries. K-State OHREC YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0FgxQ_ATZk
• Wyatt, E. Pliakoni, J. Griffin, and C.L. Rivard. 2020. High Tunnel and Open Field Production Systems for CBD Hemp. K-State OHREC YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvEm9AoKuLw
• L. Rivard. 2020. Tomato and Pepper Variety Trials. K-State OHREC YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SakuQlXJf-g

 

NRCS Webinar Series on High Tunnel Production

• Grower practices and crops in high tunnel systems. 2 Sept, 2020
• Crop rotation and cover crops for high tunnels. 16 Dec, 2020
• Soil and nutrient management for organic tunnels. 26 Jan, 2021

 

KY

e-GRO Ornamental Alerts:

1. Whipker, B.E., P. Veazie, T. Rich, P. Cockson, and G. Owen. 2021. Plants gone crazy! What is fascinating with fasciation? e-GRO Alert 10(29):1–6. http://www.e-gro.org/pdf/2021-10-29.pdf

 

2. Owen, W.G. Garden mums: Crown buds induced by cool night temperatures. e-GRO Alert 10(28):1–4. http://www.e-gro.org/pdf/2021-10-28.pdf

 

3. Owen, W.G., N. Gauthier, and J. Beale. 2021. White mold (Sclerotinia) on coleus. e-GRO Alert 10(22):1–4. http://www.e-gro.org/pdf/2021-10-22.pdf

 

4. Owen, W.G. Begonia and vinca sensitivity to paclobutrazol. e-GRO Alert 10(20):1–4. http://www.e-gro.org/pdf/2021-10-20.pdf

 

5. Owen, W.G. PourThru method for large containerized crops. e-GRO Alert 10(10):1–7. http://www.e-gro.org/pdf/2021-10-10.pdf

 

6. Owen, W.G. Sampling irrigation water for routine lab analysis. e-GRO Alert 10(9):1–5. http://www.e-gro.org/pdf/2021-10-09.pdf

 

7. Owen, W.G. Sampling substrates for routine or diagnostic lab analysis. e-GRO Alert 10(1):1–5. http://www.e-gro.org/pdf/2021-10-01.pdf

 

e-GRO Edible Alerts:

1. Owen, W.G. and P. Cockson. 2021. Chilling injury symptomology of greenhouse cucumbers. e-GRO Edible Alert 6(5):1–5.

 

e-GRO Blog:

1. Owen, W.G. High pH-induced iron deficiency of fall garden mums. e-GRO Blog. 8 July 2021. http://www.egroblog.com/showblog.php?ID=155
   
2. Owen, W.G. Check your containers. e-GRO Blog. 8 April 2021. http://www.egroblog.com/showblog.php?ID=149
   
3. Owen, W.G. e-GRO welcomes three new members. e-GRO Blog. 21 Jan. 2021. http://www.egroblog.com/showblog.php?ID=138

 

Extension Bulletin:

1. Gauthier, N., J. Kight, G. Owen, and S. Anderson. 2020. Cleaning and Sanitizing Commercial Greenhouse Surfaces. PPFS-GH-07:1–4. https://plantpathology.ca.uky.edu/files/ppfs-gh-07.pdf

 

NJ

Ayeni, A., J. Dmitruck, W. Sciarappa, A.J. Both, D. McNamara, and A.M. Lotfi. 2021. Indoor cultivation instruction at the Rutgers University School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, New Brunswick, NJ. RCE Bulletin E-360.

 

Both, A.J. 2021. The science and art of crop irrigation. In Ball Redbook (19^th Edition), C. Beytes (ed.), Volume 1: Greenhouse Structures, Equipment, and Technology. Ball Publishing. pp. 64-68.

 

Both, A.J. 2021. Glazing: It’s what makes the greenhouse. In Ball Redbook (19^th Edition), C. Beytes (ed.), Volume 1: Greenhouse Structures, Equipment, and Technology. Ball Publishing. pp. 26-30.

 

Brumfield, R.G. 2021. USDA pandemic assistance for producers. Write-up for the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Plant & Pest Advisory Website. Available at: https://plant-pest-advisory.rutgers.edu/usda-pandemic-assistance-for-producers/.

 

Brumfield, R.G. 2021. What farmers need to know about the latest relief bills. Write-up for the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Plant & Pest Advisory Website. Available at: https://plant-pest-advisory.rutgers.edu/what-farmers-need-to-know-about-the-latest-relief-bills/.

 

Fathel, S.L., A.J. Both. D. Ciolkosz, K. DiMarco, A. Go, M.C. Gould, S. Guran, F.J. Hay, J. Ignosh, E. Johnstonbaugh, S. Sanford, D. Specca, X. Wang. 2021. Farm energy Extension material development from a multi-institutional team. Poster presented at the Annual International Meeting of the ASABE. Virtual meeting, July 12-16.

 

Murphy, J., C. Ripberger, M. Westendorf, and A.J. Both. Developing an extension program (presentation and panel discussion). Rutgers Cooperative Extension Annual Conference (virtual). January 14, 2021.

 

Shelford, T.S. and A.J. Both. 2020. Plant lighting fact sheet. Published by Greenhouse Lighting and Systems Engineering (GLASE; https://glase.org/). 4 pp.

 

OH

Website and social media

• Kubota Lab (Controlled Environment Plant Physiology and Technology): http://u.osu.edu/cepptlab
• Hydroponics / Soilless Culture Information

https://u.osu.edu/hydroponics

• Controlled Environment Berry Production Information

https://u.osu.edu/indoorberry

• Facebook for Controlled Environment Plant Physiology and Technology Lab: https://www.facebook.com/CEPPTLAB/
• Indoor Ag Science Café YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjwIeYlKrzH_uppaf2SwMIg4JyGb7LRXC

 

TN

Del Moro, D., K.J. Walters. 2021. The effect of light intensity during hydroponic seedling production on yield and morphology of green and purple lettuce. University of Tennessee Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement | Knoxville, TN.

 

Givens, S., S. Parker, and K.J. Walters. 2021. Light intensity during seedling production affects carotenoid accumulation in butterhead lettuce at harvest. University of Tennessee Summer Research Poster Symposium | Knoxville, TN.

 

How completing a teaching as research (TAR) project impacted my career. Panelist. November 2020. Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning.

 

UT

Conference Abstracts

1. Chen, J., H. Xing, A. Paudel, Sun, and G. Niu. 2020. Salinity tolerance of twelve viburnum taxa. HortScience 55(9): S113.
2. Hershkowitz, , H. Xing, A. Paudel, J. Chen, and Y. Sun. 2020. Salinity tolerance of six ornamental grass species. HortScience 55(9): S113-114.
3. Paudel, A., J. Chen, and Sun, 2020. Determining the salt tolerance of two penstemons using a near-continuous gradient dosing system. HortScience 55(9): S339-340.

 

Webinar Sponsor:

AZ

Marcelis, L., F. Orsini, M. Kacira. ISHS Talks on Vertical Farming. ISHS HortiDialogues Series. https://www.ishs.org/news/ishs-talks-vertical-farming

 

KY

Owen, W.G. 2020. In-house nutritional monitoring of greenhouse food crops and transplants. Greenhouse Training 2.0 for Cooperative Extension Agents, Online, Dec. 4, 2020. 75 Attendees.

Owen, W.G. 2020. Nutrient monitoring of greenhouse and nursery crops. Kentucky Nursery and Landscape Association, Online, Dec. 11, 2020. 12 Attendees.

Owen, W.G. 2020. Energy efficient bedding plant production. Kentucky Nursery and Landscape Association, Online, Dec. 11, 2020. 13 Attendees.

Fawns, M., S. Fannin, and W.G. Owen. 2020. Growing fall garden mums. Women in Agriculture, Online, Oct. 7, 2020. 23 Attendees.

 

NY

Mattson, N.S. 2020. Webinar: Biochar as a substrate in container production. Ornamental and Nursery Applications of Biochar Webinar Series. November 17, 2020, 65 participants, length in hours=0.66, total contact hours=43.3.

 

Mattson, N.S. 2020. Webinar: Greenhouse basil production basics from container grown to indoor production systems. 2020 Basil Workshop. December 10, 2020, 90 participants, length in hours=0.60, total contact hours=54.

 

Mattson, N.S. 2020. Webinar: The future of farming and food: controlled environment agriculture and disrupting technologies. United Fresh 365! October 29, 2010. 70 participants, length in hours=1.5, total contact hours=105.

Mattson, N.S. 2020. Webinar: Managing temperature, humidity and light for greenhouse vegetables. Hosted by Greenhouse Production News magazine. October 27, 2020. 110 participants, length in hours=1.0, total contact hours=110.

 

Mattson, N.S. and M. Nyman. 2020. Webinar: Nutritional composition of CEA leafy greens: A case study on carotenoids of kale grown in field, greenhouse, or indoors. Indoor Science Café. August 25, 2020. 115 participants, length in hours=1.0, total contact hours=115.

 

Workshop Sponsor:

AZ

Kacira, M., G. Giacomelli, S. Tollefson, B. Pryor, E. Worth. 2021. 20th Virtual Annual Greenhouse Crop Production and Engineering Design Short Course. The University of Arizona, Controlled Environment Agriculture Center, March 2021.

 

FL

Virtual Field Day, highlighting results from trials evaluating compact vegetables for home gardening, with presentations from four breeding companies: Syngenta (Vegetalis), PanAnamerican Seed, Sakata, and Prudac. Jan. 20, 2021

 

NJ

Sciarappa, W., A.J. Both, and A. Ayeni. 2021. Hydroponics/Controlled Environment Systems. Four-hour virtual workshop that was part of the 66^th New Jersey Agricultural Convention and Trade Show. February 22-25.

 

OH

• The 2021 Greenhouse Management Workshop was organized on January 27 and 29, 2021 by Peter Ling and Chieri Kubota with 164 online participants. This year’s focus was ‘Improving Production via Listening to Plants’.
• A “Soilless Strawberry School” was organized on March 26, 2021 by Chieri Kubota and Mark Kroggel with 120 participants.
• A “Greenhouse Basics” workshop was offered to K-12 teachers on June 15, 2021. The workshop was organized by Uttara Samarakoon and taught by Uttara Samarakoon and Peter Ling to 12 participants.

 

Workshop Participant:

AZ

Giacomelli, G. 2021. Greenhouse Structures- Glazing and Environmental Control. Presented at 20th UA-CEAC Virtual Annual Greenhouse Crop Production and Engineering Design Short Course, March 3, 10, 17. The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ.

 

Giacomelli, G. Panel Moderator, VLAB UC-Berkeley, VLAB Indoor AgTech: Planting the Seeds of a Better Food Supply Featured Startup - Sam Bertram, 0ne.0ne, Commercial Leader – Sam Schatz, AeroFarm, Adaptor/Incumbent – Marta Baptista, Driscolls, Venture Group – Michael Rose, Better Food Ventures. May 27.

 

Giacomelli, G. Panel Member, Is Controlled Environment Agriculture the Future of Secure and

Sustainable Food Production? Moderated by Nadia Sabeh for ASHRAE, June 29

 

Giacomelli, G. Committee Member CEADS (Controlled Environment Agriculture Design Standards) development group

 

Kacira, M. 2021. Monitoring Your Greenhouse Environment: Simple Tools to Technology Trends, Presented at 20th UA-CEAC Virtual Annual Greenhouse Crop Production and Engineering Design Short Course, March 3, 10, 17. The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ.

 

Kacira, M. 2021. Enhancing Environmental Uniformity in CEA systems. ASHRAE Annual Conference. Panel “Up, Down and All Around: Modeling Airflow in Indoor Plant and Animal Environments,” June 29, ASHRAE Virtual Conference.

 

Kacira, M. 2021. Precision & Resource Use Efficient Controlled Environment Agriculture. Texas A&M Department of Horticulture Webinar Series, February 4, 2021

 

Kacira, M. 2021. UArizona Controlled Environment Agriculture Programs and Phenotyping in CEA. Bayer Crop Sciences Open AgInnovation Forum. July 17.

 

Kacira, M. 2020. Advancing Sustainability in CEA through Technology and Design. Panel member, Agritecture Xchange. Nov., 2020. Virtual Conference.

 

Kacira, M. 2020. Environmental Control and Enhancing Resource Use Efficiency. USDA OptimIA Stakeholder Project Progress Meeting Webinar. July 2020. Amitrano, C. V. De Micco, G. Battista, Y. Rouphael, S. De Pascale, KC Shasteen, M.

 

Kacira. 2020. Application of the Energy Cascade Model (MEC) on lettuce crop grown in controlled environment agriculture at two different scales: A small growth chamber and a vertical farm. 2020 Virtual Melissa Conference, Nov 3-5.

 

TN

Walters, K.J. Feb. 6, 2021. Growing Herbs and Microgreens Indoors | Gardening in the Air | University of Illinois and Iowa State University. Online.

 

Walters, K.J. 2020. Herb Production | Greenhouse Training 2.0 for Cooperative Extension Agents | North Carolina State University, University of Kentucky, University of Tennessee. Online.

 

Refereed Journal Articles (Pending):

 

FL

Flores, S., M. Retana-Cordero, P.R. Fisher, R. Freyre, and C. Gómez. Effect of photoperiod, propagative material, and production period on greenhouse-grown ginger and turmeric plants. HortScience (in print).

Gómez, C., M. Poudel, M. Yegros, and P.R. Fisher. 2021. Light intensity and quality affect indoor acclimation of tissue culture blueberry transplants. HortScience (submitted on 08/08/2021).

Retana-Cordero, M.G, P.R. Fisher, and C. Gómez. 2021. Modeling the effect of temperature on ginger and turmeric rhizome sprouting. Agronomy (submitted on 08/30/2021).

S.H. van Delden, M. SharathKumar, M. Butturini, L.J.A. Graamans, E. Heuvelink, M. Kacira, E. Kaiser, R. Klamer, L. Klerkx, G. Kootstra, A. Loeber, R. Schouten, C. Stanghellini, W. Van Ieperen, J. Verdonk, S. Vialet-Chabrand, E. Woltering, R. van de Zedde, Y. Zhang, and L.F.M. Marcelis. 2021. Vertical farming: a new paradigm for the production of high-quality fresh produce. Nature Food (Submitted on 06/28/2021)

2021. Zhang and M. Kacira. 2021. Analysis of climate uniformity in indoor plant factory system with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Biosystems Engineering (submitted on 07/21/2021)

 

ME

Burnett, S.E. 2021. Using microcomputers in an online introduction to horticulture class. HortTechnology (In Submission).

 

NE

Paparozzi, E.T., Z. Li, E. E. Blankenship and M. E. Conley.  Purple leaf basil plants express micronutrient deficiencies symptoms differently than green leaf basil plants. Journal of Plant Nutrition (in press).

 

University Research on Winter Growing of Container-Grown Strawberries Translates to Grower’s Farm Trial.  Stacy A. Adams, Ellen T. Paparozzi, Ryan Pekarek, David P. Lambe, George E. Meyer, M. Elizabeth Conley, and Paul E. Read. International Journal of Fruit Science (in press).

 

The Potential for Off Season Commercial Greenhouse Production of Basil for Essential Oils

Ellen T. Paparozzi, George E. Meyer and M. Elizabeth Conley. HortTechnology (in review).

 

NJ

Brumfield, R.G., D. Greenwood, M. Flahive DiNardo, A.J. Both, J.R. Heckman, R. Govindasamy, N. Polanin, A.A. Rouff, A. Rowe, R. VanVranken, and S. Arumugam. 202x. A non-parametric approach to evaluate a risk management-training program designed to empower women farmers in New Jersey. Submitted for publication to Vimarsh Journal.

 

Gottlieb, P.D., R.G. Brumfield, R.I. Cabrera, D. Farnsworth, and L. Marxen. 202x. An Online Tool for estimating return-on-investment for water recycling at nurseries. Submitted for publication to HortTechnology.

 

Greenwood, D., R.G. Brumfield, M. Flahive DiNardo, A.J. Both, J.R. Heckman, N. Polanin, A. Rouff, A. Rowe, and R. VanVranken. 202x. Annie’s Project: Farming in New Jersey’s Cities and the Urban Fringe. Submitted for review to the Journal of Extension.

 

Llewellyn, D., T.J. Shelford, Y. Zheng, and A.J. Both. 202x. Measuring and reporting lighting characteristics important for controlled environment plant production. Submitted for publication to Acta Horticulturae. Presented at LightSym, Malmö, Sweden, June 2021.

 

Shelford, T.J., A.J. Both, and N. Mattson. 202x. A greenhouse daily light integral control algorithm that takes advantage of day ahead market electricity pricing. Submitted for publication to Acta Horticulturae. Presented at LightSym, Malmö, Sweden, June 2021.

 

Shelford, T.J. and A.J. Both. 202x. On the technical performance characteristics of horticultural lamps. Submitted for publication to AgriEngineering.

 

Wei, X., H. Khachatryan, A.P. Torres, R.G. Brumfield, A. Hodges, M. Palma, and C.R. Hall. 202x. Exploring firms’ marketing choices in the US ornamental horticulture industry. Submitted for publication to Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics.

 

OH

Cui, S., E.A. Alfaro Inocente, N. Acosta, H. Keener, P. Ling, and H. Zhu. 2021. Development of portable E-nose system for fast diagnosis of whitefly infestation on tomato plant in greenhouse. Chemosensors. In review.

 

TN

Walters, K.J. and R. G. Lopez. 2021. Hydroponic basil production: Temperature influences the profile of volatile organic compounds, but not overall consumer preference. Horticulturae. Under Review.

 

UT

Sun, Y., G. Niu, H. Dou, C. Perez, and L. Alexander. 2022. Growth, gas exchange, and mineral nutrients of hydrangea hybrids irrigated with saline water. Submitted to HortScience

 

Book Chapters (Pending):

NJ

Both, A.J. 202x. Greenhouse energy efficiency and management, Chapter 11. Submitted for publication in Regional Perspectives on Farm Energy. 10 pp.

Both, A.J. 202x. On-farm energy production – Solar, wind, geothermal, Chapter 12. Submitted for publication in Regional Perspectives on Farm Energy. 13 pp.