Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

On Wednesday 22 May 2024, the NC-1186 members attending the meeting in-person arrived in southern New Jersey, and met at 2PM at Pinelands Nursery in Columbus, NJ (323 Island Road). This 40-acre nursery specializes in the production of native plants, with sales and distributions to New Jersey and surrounding states (MD, DE, PA, NJ, CT). The group learned about the unusual array of plant taxa grown here, and the cultural and logistical challenges associated with the production of seedlings and finished plants and trees. The visit ended at 5PM and the group was dismissed to their lodging in Glassboro and Vineland, NJ.

On Thursday 23 May 2024, the NC-1186 group met at 8:30AM at Lucas Greenhouses in 1049 Whig Lane, Monroeville, NJ. This intensive 50-acre greenhouse operation grows potted flowering & foliage plants, and features a state-of-the-art water recycling system. The entire drainage and runoff water from this growing operation is collected in massive underground concrete tanks, filtered and sanitized with ozone for reuse and/or blending with well water.  

After this visit, the group traveled to the Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center, (121 Northville Road, Bridgeton, NJ) for the annual NC-1186 meeting. The meeting, included in-person and virtual (via Zoom) participation, and ran from 11AM to 4PM. Station reports were presented from 11AM to 12:30PM, followed by lunch (12:30AM to 1:30PM). The report presentations resumed from 1:30PM until 3:30PM.

The business meeting was conducted after the station reports, from 3:30PM until 4:30PM on Thursday 23 May 2024. The officers were Raul Cabrera (chair), Jake Shreckhise (incoming chair) and Ping Yu (incoming vice-chair). A motion was made, and seconded, to nominate candidates for the secretary position. After a single nomination, and a brief NC-1186 membership discussion, there was a unanimous vote in favor of Kristopher Criscione as the incoming 2025 secretary. In January 2025 he actually starts his new post with Virginia Tech (in Virginia Beach).

The group had a discussion about the renewal of the NC-1186 multistate project for the 2025-2030 period. It was agreed to keep only four of the current objectives on the renewal proposal, namely: Water quality of irrigation sources (Obj. 1), Irrigation management (Obj. 2), Crop production runoff management (Obj. 3) and Substrates and nutrients (Obj. 5). The Urban stormwater (Obj. 4) was dropped by loss of expertise due to recent member retirements. It was agreed to have the writing of renewal proposal in sections by objectives, under leadership of expert volunteers in each, to be then integrated into single document by chair for compliance with updated NCRA guidelines, and lastly to be subjected to general revision/edits by the membership at large.

Motion was made, and seconded, to determine the location and date for the 2025 annual meeting. Floor opened for proposals, with Tennessee and California as options, selecting the former. Discussion ensued for a specific location in Tennessee, identifying McMinnville and Chattanooga, each with logistical advantages and disadvantages. It was decided to poll the membership at large (via e-mail or online survey) to decide final site and date(s) for the meeting. The business meeting was adjourned at 4:30PM, and the group visited briefly the Agrivoltaics Program research plots located at the Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center.  

On Friday 24 May 2024, the NC-1186 group toured (8:30AM-9:45AM) Centerton Nursery (345 Woodruff Rd., Bridgeton, NJ). This family-owned, 200-acre wholesale container nursery produces high quality plants for independent garden centers in the Mid-Atlantic and New England region. In addition to a water recycling system (recycles up to 60 million gallons per year, with UV-disinfection), this nursery is known for their continuous introduction of innovations to their growing operations. Thereafter, from 10:45AM-12:00PM, the group visited Overdevest Nurseries (578 Bowentown Rd, Bridgeton, NJ). This family-owned, 220-acre wholesale container nursery produces high quality plants for locally owned garden centers in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region. This nursery is known for their environmental consciousness, having a large water recycling system, which at the moment is upgrading its disinfection process from chlorination to ozonation. The nursery graciously provided lunch to the group. This concluded the activities of the 2024 annual meeting of NC-1186.

California

Field studies are being conducted to determine the effects of drought stress on the performance of various ornamental crops, as well as the mitigation of heat loads through crop canopy types. It is expected that results from these studies will lead to recommendations on the best types of plant to use in urban landscapes to minimize water use while simultaneously coping with stressful urban heat island effects. Pomegranates are a low water demanding crop, but the fruit quality of many cultivars can be affected by heat and drought stress. An evaluation and breeding pomegranate program has been launched to identify selections and develop cultivars that are more drought tolerant, and still produce desirable/edible fruit quality (i.e., no fruit splitting, softer seeds, good taste, etc.). These two projects are aimed to improve the nursery industry plant palette, providing aesthetic plant materials with reduced water demands in urban landscapes, and multi-purpose, edible crop-type plants that contribute to food production in our state.

Florida

An experiment was completed with recirculating nutrient solutions using basil as a model crop to quantify changes in nutrient balance over time as affected by plant species, irrigation water quality, and acid/base type for pH correction. Treatments included two water qualities (deionized water and alkaline well water) and two fertilizer strategies (standard commercial tank A and B, versus a "smart" solution that was customized to the water quality and tissue nutrient balance). The smart fertilizer strategies were more successful than the standard solutions in maintaining nutrient balance over time. In addition, weekly onsite testing using commercially-available (Horiba-brand) handheld nitrate-N and potassium-K meters was compared with nutrient analysis by a commercial laboratory. The onsite testing provided useful feedback on nutrient drift, particularly for potassium. In FY24 we will repeat the experiments and publish guidelines on strategies to help growers maintain nutrient balance, and conserve water and fertilizer by avoiding frequent dumping of nutrient solution.

Hemp and brassica crops were grown in substrates dosed with heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, and lead). Data are being analyzed to evaluate uptake of these heavy metals into the harvested plant tissues. In addition, we published articles on micronutrient metals in substrate components including their bioavailability and soil testing methods.

Cold plasma and ozone water treatments were tested in recirculating irrigation systems in plants grown in greenhouses and growth chambers, and the level of sanitation of irrigation water was measured. The first publication describes the oxidation of micronutrient fertilizers, and found that the iron-EDTA chelate form was more resistant to oxidation than other chelate forms.

Load cells were used to measure the weight and water status of plant propagation trays, and are using these data to relate evapotranspiration and mist timing to climate parameters (air temperature, air relative humidity, leaf temperature combined as leaf vapor pressure deficit, and irradiance). A low cost infrared sensor connected to a data logger was evaluated, finding this to be a reliable way to measure temperature of leaf and substrate in propagation trays. We are working with 12 grower locations to ensure they have adequate climate sensors, and are evaluating their climate data. Our spot checks of climate in these commercial operations provided a useful survey of current practice that was presented at an international irrigation conference.

Louisiana

Continued development of substrate stratification techniques from our research group has enabled growers to reduce peat use as much as 50% without detrimental effects to ornamental crops. Our research indicates that growers should be able to use substrate stratification techniques to reduce fertilizer and water inputs by at least 25%. In studies from the past year, we have further refined stratification strategies involving stratification ratio (depth of layers) and explored root response to stratified substrate systems. Stratification has also been shown to successfully produce rooted cuttings with reduced peat in propagation substrates, by improving air-holding capacity in small pots (tray cells), which can be beneficial for rooting some species.    

Nursery growers have been informed on topics of substrate-related information through our Nursery & Landscape Insider newsletter, which reaches >32,000 industry stakeholders. Invited presentations of substrate research have been made to stakeholders at various local, national and international industry events (International Plant Propagators Society, Cultivate, Louisiana State Horticultural Society, Alabama and Louisiana Nursery & Landscape Associations, Texas A&M Seminar Series) and also have shared research findings through academic meetings (American and International Societies for Horticultural Science). In addition to grower’s interest and implementation of substrate stratification practices, we are also them being explored by researchers in several universities across the country.

Michigan

An experiment evaluating the effects of stratified substrates and saturation with iron sulfate on phosphate retention in container-grown flowering shrubs was completed. Stratified substrates had no effect on plant growth, but reduced nitrate and phosphate leaching even with increased volumes of water leached. This project is part of a graduate student’s (Henry Gonzalez) research, and was conducted in cooperation with NC1186 members from USDA-ARS in Ohio (Jim Owen) and Tennessee (Jake Shreckhise). Preliminary results were reported at an international scientific conference. Adoption of these results by the nursery industry will require investment in infrastructure to allow mechanized stratification of substrates, some of whom are already capable. Adoption within the next 5-10 years is anticipated.

A second year of research on use of commercial-scale woodchip bioreactors installed at a large greenhouse operation in West Michigan was completed. One bioreactor with a 300-gallon capacity and a 25-hr hydraulic retention time (HRT), and another with a 600-gallon with a 58-hr HRT are treating recycled water from a 124,000 ft2 greenhouse operation. This greenhouse applied 69 pest control or growth regulator products during operation of the bioreactors on June-December 2023 and June 2024–present. In 2023 only 7 of these pesticides were found in the return water, and the bioreactors removed 2-50% of these 7 pesticides. Nutrients were also monitored, and in 2023 the short HRT bioreactor allowed over 99% of most nutrients (N, P, Ca, K, S) to be recycled. These studies are part of graduate student’s (Marcela Tabares) dissertation, and results have been presented at stakeholder conferences. Adoption of bioreactors by the industry should be enticed this project, as it has been conducted in a highly respected greenhouse operation. Broader adoption of bioreactors within the next 3-5 years is anticipated.

On-farm trials in four conifer nurseries and Christmas tree farms investigated several treatments on planting in 2021 to 2023. Fraser fir (4-yr old) transplants were planted using growers’ standard equipment/practices, plus experimental treatments that included combinations of wood chip mulch, shade blocks, polymer root dips, mycorrhizal root dips, anti-transpirants, fertilizer and biochar. Tree growth and survival were evaluated at the end of each season. Commercial root dips did not improve survival or growth relative to control trees. Anti-transpirant reduced shoot transpiration and photosynthetic rates by ~20%, decreasing growth compared to control trees. Mulching with wood chips provided the greatest benefits to tree survival and growth among all evaluated treatments. During an exceptionally dry period in early summer 2023, mulch increased available soil moisture and improved leaf water potential relative to non-mulched plots. Results have been presented at several grower association meetings, and a recent survey indicates that over 1/3 of growers are now applying mulch in their operations. The project is ongoing, with refinement of existing treatments and addition of biochar in 2024 as an additional treatment.

Missouri

Laboratory experiments were performed evaluate leaching in relation to soil water repellency. Potassium bromide (KBr) was used to track solute movement through columns filled with hydrophobic sands. Results found that leaching can be substantially reduced by using soil surfactants, suggesting they could improve the safety of reclaimed water used as an irrigation source. A field experiment was performed on early season weed management options for sweetpotato production. Results, shared in scientific and local grower’s meetings, indicate that adoption of fall planted cover crops with sequential application of residual herbicides significantly increased weed management and subsequent sweetpotato yields. This research indicates that an integrated approach to weed management for an increasingly important food crop in Missouri can be successful.

New Jersey

A greenhouse study was established to evaluate salinity tolerance of floral hemp. Seedlings of  diploid and triploid variants of two cultivars were grown in #4 containers with a pine bark-peat substrate and irrigated 2 months with well water (EC= 0.2 dS/m) salinized with 0, 16 and 32 mM of NaCl-CaCl2 (3:1 molar ratio), corresponding to ECs of 0.4, 2.4 and 4.4 dS/m. Data is being analyzed, and preliminary results point to diploid variants of both hemp cultivars having larger flower yields across salinity treatments. While salinity treatments might reduce overall plant growth, flower yields and harvest index appear minimally affected. Floral cannabinoid concentrations are being analyzed.

Data from a water and nitrogen mass balance study in container-grown crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia x fauriei) was used to estimate crop water use efficiency (WUE) and water footprint (WF). The plants, growing in #2 containers filled with a peat-based substrate, were fertigated with complete nutrient solutions with nitrogen (N) concentrations ranging from 15 to 300 mg/L. The WUE (total plant dry biomass produced per unit of transpired water) of crape myrtles averaged 0.95 g DW/L across treatments after a 9-month production cycle (that included an overwintering period). However, the WF ranged from a low of 20 L/plant to a high 253 L/plant. The plants receiving 60 mg/L N had the largest dry biomass (includes shots and roots), and the highest use efficiencies of water (WUE of 1.3 g DW/L and a WF of 47 L/plant) and N fertilizer (48% of applied N accumulated in plant biomass).

North Carolina

Sediment loads, nutrient concentration, and algae reduction in irrigation collection canals and source water reservoirs were evaluated in a nursery growing operation during 2023. A collaborative project was started in 2023, including NC-1186 members from NC, SC and USDA-ARS, to determine baseline data for water quality parameters like dissolved nutrients, pesticides, PFAS, and microplastics from samples collected from several southeastern nurseries. Additionally, instruments were installed in several of these locations to determine mass water flow, pH and electrical conductivity, and to take water samples over 24-hr periods to be able to answer water quality and irrigation management questions posed by nursery growers in this region. Nursery water quality monitoring will continue to determine how sediment and agrichemicals are introduced into nursery irrigation systems and how these affected by the design and materials used to construct the crop growing areas.  

South Carolina

In cooperation with scientists from Louisiana, North Carolina and USDA-ARS (Wooster, OH), researchers from Clemson University conducted water sampling at nursery operations in the Coastal Plain, Piedmont, Gulf Coast, and Midwestern Ecoregions of the US in August 2023. Samples were collected at strategic locations within each nursery to evaluate emerging contaminants of concern (PFAS, metals, harmful algal blooms, and microplastics). Data are currently being analyzed. This information will help inform growers of the presence of contaminants that could impact their operations in the future. We also conducted listening session with growers in OH (Sep. 2023) and CA (Jan. 2024), gaining valuable insights into grower perspectives about contaminants of emerging concern. We are in the process of preparing three publications related to the grower surveys and one publication integrating water quality information with grower perspectives to meaningfully direct future research.

Researchers from Clemson continue experiments with floating treatment wetlands. A final publication was submitted, related to treatment trains, paired floating treatment wetlands with bioreactors and iron oxide filters over the 2019-20 and 2020-21 winter seasons. The study determined that iron oxide filters enhance phosphorus (P) removal over winter, and supplemented removal efficacy from dormant plants in the floating wetlands and from bioreactors with reduced microbial activity due to cooler temperatures. We are also evaluating the salt tolerance of plants used in floating treatment wetlands, and developing processes where use of these plants can help ameliorate salinity-contaminated waters.

Researchers from Clemson are exploring P dynamics in coastal stormwater ponds, in particular the implications of pond age. Sediment core sampling was conducted in nine stormwater ponds in Summer 2023 and Winter 2024. In addition to water chemistry, various algal species present in the samples were also identified. It was determined that pond age influences legacy P available to support algal productivity. Results from the study could assist growers in understanding P dynamics in irrigation reservoirs.

Clemson researchers started characterization of the impact of emerging contaminants, particularly herbicides and pesticides, on phytoplankton in various agricultural and stormwater ponds. Also, work over the last four years has screened more than 12 species of plants that tolerate brackish (salty) waters to various degrees and evaluate their potential to mitigate nutrient contaminants in coastal stormwater ponds impacted by salinity. Three listening sessions have been held, and a nationwide survey was conducted with consumers interested in the use of floating wetlands in coastal stormwater ponds. We have a preliminary understanding of the factors influencing consumer acceptance use/installation of floating wetlands, and are working to develop installation guidelines that ensure their success in both fresh and saltwater coastal ponds. We are continuing a project characterizing the ecosystem services associated with full-size floating wetlands installed in three ponds in Mt. Pleasant, SC.

Tennessee

Dr. Fulcher’s lab, in collaboration with USDA and a pot-in-pot producer, continued a project to determine the water use and irrigation needs of hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) grown in #30 containers. Containers were fitted with EC, temperature, and volumetric water content sensors at 3 different heights within the substrate profile, and the containerized plants irrigated with either a dribble ring or traditional spray-stakes. A weather station and data logger with cellular connection provide instantaneous access to weather and substrate sensor data. Moisture characteristic curves of the nursery substrate used in this study were developed to support irrigation recommendations, and the nursery’s managerial and operations staff periodically receive graphical reports from the collected information, along with  interpretive information.

A similar collaborative project was initiated with a sand-bed propagation nursery to determine the moisture level and irrigation needs of cherry cuttings during their rooting process. Matric potential sensors and volumetric water content sensors, connected to a datalogging system with cellular access, were deployed in two 4 foot x 48 foot beds filled with masonry sand. Moisture curves were generated for the two types of sand used at this nursery. This information, along with automated (text and email) alerts from these sensors, and periodical graphical data and interpretive reports are provided to the grower to help manage and adjust the operation’s irrigation management.

USDA-ARS National Arboretum

Researchers in the USDA-ARS Floral and Nursery Plants Research Unit (FNPRU) and Application Technology Research Unit (ATRU) replicated experiments in Tennessee and Ohio to examine the effects of container color and sprinkler irrigation schedule on root zone temperature, plant growth, nutrient use efficiency, and controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) longevity in containerized nursery crops. Shrub roses and red osier dogwoods produced in white containers or with cyclic afternoon irrigation had lower root-zone temperatures, more shoot and root growth, higher nutrient use efficiency, and slower-releasing CRF than those grown in conventional black containers or with a single morning irrigation. One early adopter (a 1,000-acre wholesale nursery) found that switching to white containers saved them 40% on container costs and reduced production time by 30%. FNPRU researchers initiated experiments in 2024 to explore the impacts of shade and container color on root-zone temperature, nutrient leaching, root-rot disease severity, and efficacy of substrate-applied biological control agents during container-based nursery crop production.  In a separate study, the FNPRU and ATRU teams are exploring the effects of amending peat-based substrates with ferrous sulfate on the leaching potential and plant-availability of phosphorus during greenhouse crop production. Initial results indicate that addition of modest amounts of ferrous sulfate to peat-based substrates can reduce phosphorus leaching by up to 90%.

Elevated Impacts due to Joint/Collaborative Efforts between NC1186 Members 

As illustrated in some of the accomplishments listed by experiment stations, several collaborative efforts and projects occur annually between states, highlighting the synergy and leveraging of resources and expertise across state and regional lines. These efforts are also exemplified in the publication outputs, where a significant fraction of the listed scientific journal (11 out of 26) and popular press (7 out of 12) articles involved authors from different states/institutions.

Thirteen members of NC1186 participated as speakers and moderators at the 62^nd Annual Conference of the International Plant Propagator’s Association - Western Region held in Temecula, CA on January 23-26, 2024. The program included a bilingual module, where the presentations were made both in English and Spanish. Over the past few years NC1186 has been conducting and participating in this type of collaborative education/extension outreach efforts (regionally, nationally and even internationally), with a robust collective delivery of practical information and results from our research to specialty crop growers, consultants and allied industry personnel.

NC1186 members participated jointly in the submission of several (at least 3) proposals to the 2024 Specialty Crops Research Initiative of the USDA. These large transdisciplinary, multi-state proposals require significant planning and efforts that can only be successful through continuous and close collaborations over time, and multistate projects like NC1186 offer such opportunities.   

Graduate Students and Postdocs involved in NC1186 Activities during 2023-2024 FY

Nelda Hernandez, MS and now PhD student, University of Florida

Dharti Thakulla, PhD student, University of Florida

Kristopher Criscione, PhD student, Louisiana State University

Henry Gonzalez, PhD student, Michigan State University

Marcela Tabares, PhD student, Michigan State University

Morolake Fatunmbi, MS student, Clemson University

Silvia Valles, Postdoctoral researcher, USDA-ARS (Ohio)

Publications with an asterisk (*) involve collaboration between NC1186 members/institutions.

Scientific Journals:

* Alred, B., J.S. Owen Jr., A. Espinoza, and A. Fulcher. 2024. A revised approach to packing soilless substrate cores to aid in achieving consistent, appropriate bulk density. HortScience (In Press).

* Alred, B., J.S. Owen Jr., A. Espinoza, and A. Fulcher. 2024. Identifying native bulk density for static physical properties analysis. Acta Horticulture (In Press).

Bell, N.L., N.R. Redekar, S.N. Jeffers, D.R. Hitchcock, J.L. Parke, and S.A. White. 2024. A model system to evaluate the potential of floating treatment wetlands to manage Phytophthora species in recycled irrigation water. J. Natural Resources and Agricultural Ecosystems. DOI: 10.13031/jnrae.15949 (In Press).

Bestic-Pennings, A.E., P.R. Fisher, and J. Huang. 2023. Micronutrient Fe and Mn uptake from peat by marigold and petunia. Scientia Horticulturae 326 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304423823008749

Bestic-Pennings, A.E., P.R. Fisher, and J. Malcolm-McDonald. 2023. Container substrate components are a potential source of micronutrients for plant growth. Journal of Plant Nutrition. DOI: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01904167.2023.2217223

Cabrera, R.I. 2024. From water use efficiency to water footprint in greenhouse roses. Acta Horticulturae (In Press).

* Cabrera, R.I. and J.E. Altland. 2024. Residential graywater as an irrigation source for urban landscape plants. Acta Horticulturae (In Press).

* Criscione, K., J.S. Fields, J.S. Owen, and A. Gentimis. 2024. Stratified substrates enhance water storage and distribution between irrigation events. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. J. https://doi.org/10.1002/saj2.20636  

Dekle, J., W.H.J. Strosnider, and S.A. White. 2024. Phosphorus uptake and release patterns in overwintering constructed floating wetlands. Water Science & Technology. 89(3):588 https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2024.010

* Fessler, L., J.S. Owen Jr., W.C. Wright, X. Sun, C. Krauss, J.E. Altland, and A. Fulcher. 2024. Leaching fraction-based irrigation schedule, coir-amended pine bark improve sustainability of Hydrangea paniculata ‘Jane’ production. Acta Horticulturae (In Press).

Fessler, L.M., W. Wright, G. Pietsch, M.L. Schneider, H. Zhu, C. Fust, and A. Fulcher. 2023. Characterizing spray deposition for control of trunk pests from an experimental airblast sprayer with 5-port nozzle bodies. Acta Horticulturae. 1378:203-218. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2023.1378.28

* Fields, J.S, K.S. Criscione, and J.S. Owen, Jr., 2024. Conventional sphagnum peatlite substrate can be reduced by 50% in stratified substrate systems while growing equivalent size and quality Pentas lanceolata. Scientia Hort. 331:113121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2024.113121

* Fields, J.S., A. Lamm, J. Owen Jr., B. Jackson, J. Altland, L. Oki, K. Criscione, and Y. Zheng. 2023. Establishing North American specialty crop growers’ current use of soilless substrates along with future research and education needs. Agriculture 13:1727 (Special Issue: Advanced research on soilless culture in horticultural production) https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13091727

* Fields, J.S., L. Nackley, J. Shreckhise, M. Bampasidou, R. Contreras, A. Kantrovich, M. Knuth, J. Owen, Jr., and S. White. 2024. How natural resources, consumer perceptions, and labor are transforming the U.S. nursery industry. HortTechnology 34:424-429. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH05410-24  

* Fulcher, A.L. Rihn, L.A. Warner, A.V. LeBude, S. Schexnayder, J.E. Altland, N. Bumgarner, S.C. Marble, L. Nackley, M. Palma, L. Ribera, M. Velandia, H. Zhu, H. Gan and J.S. Owen. 2023. Overcoming the nursery industry labor shortage with automation: A survey of strategies to adapt to a reduced workforce and technology adoption levels, perceived helpfulness, and outcomes. HortScience. 58(12):1513-1523. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI17230-23

Jeffers, A., B.K. Behe, M. Vassalos, W.C. Bridges, and S.A. White. 2023. Consumer purchase likelihood of landscape management pest scouting program. HortTechnology. 33(6): 493–498. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH05268-23

* Lamm, A.J., L.A. Warner, K. Gibson, K.W. Lamm, P.R. Fisher, and S.A. White. 2023. A theoretical comparison of nursery and greenhouse growers’ water conservation and water treatment technology adoption in the United States. Acta Hortic. 1373: 213-222. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2023.1373.28

Landaverde, A.C., W.H.J. Strosnider, and S.A. White. 2024. Plant selections for floating treatment wetland applications in brackish waters. Ecological Engineering. 200:107183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2024.107183

McKercher, L., M.E. Kimball, A.E. Scaroni, S.A. White, and W.H.J. Strosnider. 2023. Stormwater ponds serve as variable quality habitat for diverse taxa. Wetlands Ecology and Management. 32:109-131. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11273-023-09964-x  

Oksel, C., F.A. Avin, P. Liyanapathiranage, J.H. Shreckhise, and F. Baysal-Gurel. 2024. First report of Achromobacter xylosoxidans causing bacterial stem and leaf blight on Cyrilla arida in Tennessee and the United States. Plant Disease 108(4): 1094. 10.1094/PDIS-01-24-0005-PDN

Parajuli, M., J. Shreckhise, D. Fare, B. Moore, P. Liyanapathiranage, P. Subedi, and F. Baysal-Gurel. 2023 Evaluation of camellia cultivars and selections for growth, cold-hardiness, flowering, and disease resistance in Tennessee, USA. HortScience 58: 1533-1541. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI17430-23

Sapkota, A., Haghverdi, A., Merhaut, D., Singh, A. and J.C. Iradukunda. 2023. Response of landscape groundcovers to deficit irrigation: An assessment based on normalized difference vegetation index and visual quality rating. HortScience, 169:15-22. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI16915-22

* Shreckhise, J.H. and J.E. Altland. 2024. A base layer of ferrous sulfate-amended pine bark reduces phosphorus leaching from nursery containers. Agronomy 14(4):757. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14040757

Rice, T.C., S.E. Dixon, X. Xiong, and R.J. Smeda. 2023. Differences in tomato and watermelon cultivar responses to increasing doses of dicamba. JOJ Horticulture & Arboriculture. 3(5): 555625. DOI: 10.19080/JOJHA.2023.03.555625.

Thakulla, D. and P.R. Fisher. 2023. Effects of cold plasma and ozone water treatment on micronutrient solubility. Horticulturae 9(5):568, https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9050568

Thiessen, M., J.S. Fields, D. Abdi, and J. Beasley. 2023. Sugarcane bagasse is an effective substrate amendment in short-term production of Osteospermum. HortScience 58:1170-1177. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI17286-23  

Proceedings (abstracts or full articles):

Cabrera, R.I., J.E. Simon, A.E. Vasilatis, and C.A. Wyenandt. 2023. Fine-tuning NO3:NH4 and Ca:K fertilization ratios in soilless-grown floral hemp. HortScience 58(9): S315 (Abstr.). https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI.58.9S.S1

Cabrera, R.I. 2024. Some important considerations for container production of ornamental crops, pp. 77-79. Proceedings of the 69th New Jersey Annual Vegetable Meeting. Atlantic City, NJ. 6-8 February 2024. https://nj-vegetable-crops-online-resources.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2024_Proceedings_69th_VGA_Meeting_Final.pdf   

Criscione, K.S. and J.S. Fields. 2023. Root growth and development in soilless culture – A review. Proc. Int. Symposium on Growing Media, Soilless Cultivation and Compost Utilization in Hort. Quebec City, Quebec, CA (In press)

Fields, J.S. and K.S. Criscione. 2024. Growing with Less: Substrate stratification can improve crop productivity and resource efficiency. Proc. In. Plant Prop Soc. Western Region. Temecula, CA (under review)

* Fields J.S. and J.S. Owen, Jr. 2023. Soilless Substrate Stratification: A review of the past and looking forward. Proc. Int. Symposium on Growing Media, Soilless Cultivation and Compost Utilization in Hort. Quebec City, Quebec, CA (oral presentation; In press)

* Gonzalez, H.A., R.T. Fernandez, J.S. Owen, and J. Shreckhise. 2023. Engineered substrates to improve nitrogen, phosphorus, and water retention in nursery container production. (Abstract) ISHS International Symposium on Growing Media, Compost Utilization and Substrate Analysis for Soilless Cultivation. Quebec City, Quebec, Canada June 11-15, 2023.

* Mizell, A., J.S. Fields, D.E. Abdi, and B.E. Jackson. 2024. Assessing the potential for microbial activity in hammermilled wood fibers of five tree species. Annual meeting of the Southern Region American Society of Horticultural Science, Atlanta, GA (in review)

Mizell, A., J.S. Fields, and M. Thiessen. 2023. Evaluation of sawdust derived from three different softwood tree species as substrate amendments. Combined Proc. Int. Plant Prop. Soc. 73:211-218. Student paper competition (2^nd Place), Durham, NC

Noel-Torres, R.J., R.J. Smeda, J.P. Brockenborough, and X. Xiong. 2023. Development of an early season weed management plan for sweetpotato production in Missouri. 2023 American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference. Orlando, FL. July 31-Aug 4, 2023.

Spinelli, Gerry (2023). Distribution uniformity of multi-stream multi-trajectory overhead sprinklers for outdoor container nurseries. HortScience 58(9S):S1–S387. Presented at the 2023 American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference. Orlando, FL. July 31-Aug 4, 2023 https://journals.ashs.org/hortsci/view/journals/hortsci/58/9S/article-pS1.xml

Thiessen, M. and J.S. Fields. 2023. Improving air-filled porosity in woody propagation at the Hammond Research Station. Combined Proc. Int. Plant Prop. Soc. 73:319-331. Durham, NC

White, S.A. 2023. Managing water quality on farm. International Plant Propagators’ Combined Proceedings. 73:370-376.

Books:

Eddy, R., B. Carleton, C. Azzaretti, R. Raudales, and P. Fisher. 2023. Water Circularity Best Practices Guide for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Operations. Resource Innovation Institute (https://catalog.resourceinnovation.org/item/controlled-environment-agriculture-water-circularity-practices-guide-581195).

Popular press:

* Ammons, A.S.H., A.V. LeBude, and J.S. Owen, Jr. 2023. Keep your nutrients in your plants. Nursery and Landscape Notes Fall: 50-52.

Cregg, B., Johnson, R. 2024. Improving conifer plantation establishment: Impacts of pre- and post-planting treatments. Great Lakes Christmas Tree Journal 20(3): 15-22.

Criscione, K.S. and J.S. Fields. The tortoise and the tap root – A root race to establishment. Summer 2024

Fields, J.S. and K. Criscione. Substrate stratification can effectively reduce peat reliance by 50% in ornamental crop production. Grower Talks, July 2023.

* Fields, J.S. and J. Owen, Jr. Substrate security – Thoughts on the future of soilless substrates in the United States and how things may change soon. Greenhouse Management Magazine, July 2023.

Fields, J.S., M. Thiessen and D. Abdi. Sugarcoating substrate security. Grower Talks, January 2024

* Fulcher, A., A.L. Rihn, L.A. Warner, A.V. LeBude, M. Velandia, N. Bumgarner, and S. Schexnayder. 2023. From Chasing to Solving Labor Scarcity, Part I: Current Automation Adoption by the US Nursery Industry. Tennessee Green Times. 24(1): 10-15.

* Fulcher, A., A.L. Rihn, L.A. Warner, A.V. LeBude, M. Velandia, N. Bumgarner, and S. Schexnayder. 2023. From Chasing to Solving Labor Scarcity, Part II: Advances in Automation within Task for Field Production. Tennessee Green Times. 24(2): 18-22.

* Harrell, W.M, J.S. Owen Jr., A. Rihn, K. McKim, and A. Fulcher. 2024. A Snapshot into Substrates: Components Used by Tennessee Producers. Tennessee Green Times. 25(2): 14-18.

* Nackley, L. and J.S. Fields. What’s in the pot? Exploring stratified substrates and soil hydraulics in agricultural science. Growing Knowledge, Digger, March 2024

* Owen, J.S. and J.S. Fields. To stratify or not to stratify: and if so – how? Tinkering for Profit, Nursery Management, June 2024

* Spinelli, G., B. Pitton and L Oki. 2023. Water retention characteristic curves for substrate in containerized ornamental production. Nursery Management, March 2023. https://www.nurserymag.com/article/moisture-retention-curve/

Workshop Participant:

Cabrera, R.I. 2023. Water Use Efficiency and Footprint in Plants Used in Urban Landscapes. Invited Seminar. Department of Biology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX. 25 October 2023. 90 Attendees

Simms L. and R.I. Cabrera. 2023. Proper Tree Planting (Bilingual English-Spanish). 98th Annual Conference of the NJ Shade Tree Federation. Cherry Hill, NJ. 27 October 2023. 20 attendees

Lovallo G. and R.I. Cabrera. 2023. Pruning Young Trees for Proper Future (Bilingual English-Spanish). 98th Annual Conference of the NJ Shade Tree Federation. Cherry Hill, NJ. 27 October 2023. 25 attendees

Cabrera, R.I. 2023. Plant Physiology Principles Applied to Fertigation Efficiency in Cut Flower Crops (In Spanish). International Floriculture Symposium SIFLOR 2023, Quito Ecuador. 22-23 November 2023. 185 Attendees.

Cabrera, R.I. 2024. Drought and Supplemental Irrigation Management in Urban Landscapes. Southeast Pennsylvania Green Industry Conference. Ambler, PA. 4 January 2024. 15 attendees

Cabrera, R.I. 2024. Best Management Practices for Landscape Plants (In Spanish). Total Pro Expo & Conference – New Jersey Nursery and Landscape Association. Convention Center, Edison, NJ. 30 January 2024. 80 Attendees

Cabrera, R.I. 2024. Water Use Efficiency and Water Footprint in Nursery Crops. 62nd Annual Meeting of the International Plant Propagators Society-Western Region. Temecula, CA. 24-26 January 2024. 92 attendees

Cabrera, R.I. 2024. Some Important Considerations for Container Production of Ornamental Crops. New Jersey Agricultural Convention & Trade Show. Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center, Atlantic City, NJ. 7 February 2024. 26 attendees

Cabrera, R.I. 2024. Plant Physiology Applied to Water and Nutrient Management in Cut Flower Crops (In Spanish). AgroEncuentro, a Flower Growers Seminar by Cosmocel, Bogotá, Colombia. 26 July 2024. 140 attendees

Cregg, B., Rouse, R. 2023 You’re Adding What? Best practices to improve tree establishment at planting and beyond. Christmas Tree Winter Webinar Series at Michigan State University. February 23, 2023.

Cregg, B., Johnson, R. 2023 Improving transplant success of container-grown trees. Kentucky Arborists Association, Elizabethtown, KY, Feb. 26, 2023.

Cregg, B. and R. Johnson. 2023. Research update on MSU Seedling establishment trials. Michigan Christmas Tree Association Winter meeting. Frankenmuth, MI, March 3, 2023.

Cregg, B. 2023. Techniques to improve transplant success. Christmas Tree Farmers Association of New York, Johnstown, NY, July 2, 2023.

Cregg, B. 2023. Seedling establishment. National Christmas Tree Association Summer meeting, Cambridge, MN, Aug. 4, 2023.

Cregg, B. 2023. MSU research update. Michigan Seedling Growers Association, Gobles, MI, Aug. 23, 2023.

LeBude, A.V. 2023. Efforts to control flatheaded apple tree borer. Idaho Nursery and Landscape Association Trade Show, Boise. 29 Jan 2023, 85 attendees.

LeBude, A.V. 2023. Accelerating automation in nursery production. Idaho Nursery and Landscape Association Trade Show, Boise. 29 Jan 2023, 6 , 85 attendees.

Noel-Torres, R.J., J.E. Schoelz, P. Tian, and X. Xiong. 2023. Isolation and characterization of fungal endophytes associated with symptomless orange-fleshed sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) storage roots. 2023 College of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources (CAFNR) Research Symposium. Columbia, MO. Oct 5, 2023.

Noel-Torres, R.J., R.J. Smeda, J.P. Brockenborough, and X. Xiong. 2024. Early season weed management for sweetpotato production. 2024 Great Plains Growers Conference. St. Joseph, MO. January 12, 2024.

Tabares, M., Gonzalez, H., Reguera, G., Owen, J., Fernandez, R.T. 2024 Woodchip bioreactors for improving water quality: How they work and what they do. Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association. January 23, 2024

Tabares, M., Gonzalez, H., Reguera, G., Owen, J., Fernandez, R.T. 2023. Woodchip bioreactors for managing nutrient and pesticide levels in recycled greenhouse irrigation water. GLEXPO 2023. December 6, 2023

White, S.A. 2023. Managing water quality on-farm. Annual Meeting of the Southern-Region International Plant Propagators Society. Durham, NC. 1 November 2023. 38 attendees.

White, S.A. 2024. Irrigation in greenhouses and nurseries: Problems & solutions". SC Green Industry Association Conference and Tradeshow. 24 January 2024. 160 attendees.

White, S.A. 2024. Reservoir design and water quality. Annual Meeting of the Western-Region International Plant Propagators Society. Temecula, CA. 26 January 2024. 95 attendees.

White, S.A. 2024. Exploring alternative water resources & managing water quality on-farm. Texas Nursery and Landscape Association. 26 April 2024. 45 attendees.

White, S.A. 2024. Water management: It’s not just about quantity, quality matters. Southeast Green Conference & Trade Show. Duluth, GA. 6 June 2024. 28 attendees.

Extension publications:

Escamilla, C., A.E. Scaroni, and S.A. White. 2024. An Introduction to Floating Wetlands. Clemson Cooperative Extension, Land-Grant Press by Clemson Extension. LGP 1185. https://lgpress.clemson.edu/publication/an-introduction-to-floating-wetlands-for-stormwater-ponds/.

* McKim, K., A. Fulcher, A. Rihn, L. Warner, A. LeBude, M. Velandia, N. Bumgarner, and S. Schexnayder. 2023. The Role of Automation in Addressing the Nursery Industry Labor Shortage. Part II. Advances in Automation within Task. U of TN Extension Publication. W.

Silva L., S.A. White, H.B. Nix, and D. Sahoo. 2023. Plants for Livestock Pond Buffers. Clemson Cooperative Extension, Land-Grant Press by Clemson Extension. LGP 1181. https://lgpress.clemson.edu/publication/plants-for-livestock-pond-buffers/.

Spinelli, G. and C. Shogren, Chris. 2023. How to estimate whether you are over-irrigating in nurseries: A quick-and-dirty method. San Diego Cooperative Extension Newsletter. November 2023.

Dissertations/ Thesis:

Fatunmbi, Morolake. 2024. Influence of pond age on phosphorus water column-sediment interactions in coastal stormwater ponds. MS in Plant and Environmental Sciences, Clemson University (Chair D. Sahoo & Co-chair S.A. White).