US (UT): Students enjoy classes at Life Sciences Greenhouse

Many students think of campus as a place to sit at a desk and listen to a lecture. In the Life Sciences Greenhouse, however, students and professors get their hands dirty learning about plants and systems. Students from all different majors can take classes in the greenhouse. Art, plant, and wildlife…

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US (OH): Loudonville school board approves deal for Greenhouse Project

The Loudonville-Perrysville Exempted Village School District (LPEVSD) Board of Education (BOE) has passed a resolution to move forward with the Greenhouse Project at Loudonville High School. Based on the recommendation of Garmann Miller, the BOE has awarded Yoder Produce Inc. the base bid contract valued…

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US: The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) leadership academy is now accepting applications for the class of 2025

The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) announces the opening of the application window for the Leadership Academy Class of 2025, with completed applications due February 9, 2024. The HRI Leadership Academy offers an unparalleled opportunity for leaders in the green industry to enhance their…

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Effect of nano-bubble irrigation on the yield and greenhouse gas warming potential of greenhouse tomatoes

Nano-bubble irrigation, as a new irrigation technology, can deliver fertilizer-mixed oxygen-enriched water to the root zone of crops, representing a new means for increasing crop yield and carbon sequestration and emission reduction. To systematically analyze the effects of nano-bubble irrigation on crop…

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US (NB): USDA facility at Innovation Campus will start construction next year

As Nebraska Innovation Campus has grown out of the former State Fairgrounds, bringing with it classrooms, startup companies spun out of research labs, and new places to hang or grab a bite to eat, one piece has remained missing. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s research park, which opened in 2015,…

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Control of two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, on strawberry by integrating with cyetpyrafen and Phytoseiulus persimilis

The two-spotted spider mite (TSSM, Tetranychus urticae Koch) is a significant agricultural pest, particularly in strawberries. Management of TSSM has traditionally relied on synthetic acaricides, but to mitigate dependency on these chemicals, the control of TSSM on strawberries is often combined with…

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Hydroponic smart farming gains momentum in South Africa

In a world where no seed touches soil to germinate, hydroponic smart farming is gaining momentum and revolutionizing South Africa’s agricultural landscape. This innovative method produces high yields while reusing water. Tebogo Masobe from Lomanyaneng, outside Mahikeng in the North West, is passionate…

Record vegetable harvest at Vostok Antarctic station: advancements in sustainable cultivation

At the Vostok Antarctic station, scientists have concluded a groundbreaking experiment in vegetable cultivation, achieving record yields. Using "panoponica" technology in greenhouses, they managed to harvest up to 100 kg of cucumbers, 149 kg of leafy cabbage, 29 kg of tomatoes, and 11 kg of sweet peppers…

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Trinidad and Tobago: Community council builds greenhouse, trains growers in hydroponics

A hydroponics greenhouse project has been installed by the Hampden/ Lowlands/ Auchenskeoch Community Council. The community council will supervise the greenhouse produce, which includes celery, chives, lettuce, and kale, first harvested in August 2023. Speaking at the commissioning at the multi-purpose…

US (AL): Grant awarded to study tomato-killer pathogen

Dr. Tuan Tran, assistant professor of biology at the University of South Alabama, describes Ralstonia solananacearum as something like a supervillain in the world of plant pathogens. The soil-based bacterium causes wilt in crops such as tomatoes, peppers and potatoes. Scientists around the world have…

$2.1M boost to expand exotic mushroom production in Australia

QUT researchers have been awarded $2.1M for a project to develop advanced technologies to expand Australia’s production of exotic and native mushrooms to meet growing domestic demand. The project is funded through the Future Food System CRC and industry partner Kenon Corporation, Queensland’s largest…

New research programs focus on ToBRFV toolkit and vertical farming food safety

The newly launched Enigma II project is aiming to tackle the rise of tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), working with growers, to build a more effective toolkit for disease monitoring, prevention and outbreak management. Both Engima research projects are launched by agri-food experts of Fera…

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Different cultivation systems and foliar application of calcium nanoparticles affect the growth and physiological characteristics of pennyroyal

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of different cultivation systems (soil cultivation, hydroponic cultivation in greenhouse conditions, and hydroponic vertical cultivation in plant factory under different LED lights) and foliar spraying of nano calcium carbonate on pennyroyal plants.…

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India: Sher-e-Kashmir University to host greenhouse and postharvest trainings

Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir inaugurated two advanced management development programs (A-MDP) on the postharvest handling of horticulture produce and greenhouse advantages in vegetable production at the Shalimar campus. The seven-day training programs of…

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Waste-derived fertilizer acts as biostimulant, boosting tomato quality, and aroma, research shows

Tomato quality is intricately regulated by a combination of factors, including the presence of bioactive compounds referred to as secondary metabolites and various organoleptic characteristics. These attributes are notably influenced and harmonized by the specific growing conditions, with a particular…

A library of 50 years of shade cloth and energy screens

Behind the screens of Svensson, there's a library of great ideas and breakthroughs – and some failures and missteps. An evolution. It documents the journey of Svensson's work with the greenhouse climate. From an idea to provide shade that grew from 100 years of curtain manufacturing through the formative…

US (NY): Josh Manser named supervisor of Cornell AES Tower Road Greenhouses

Josh Manser, a 15-year employee of the Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station (Cornell AES), has been promoted to supervisor of the Kenneth Post Laboratory greenhouses on Tower Road. The complex of greenhouses and plant growth chambers is used extensively for on-campus teaching and includes…

CAN: Olds College launches new indoor agriculture certificate

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology is proud to announce the launch of the groundbreaking Indoor Agriculture Certificate program, the first of its kind offered in Canada. Designed to meet the surging demand for skilled professionals in the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) sector, this…

The World Vegetable Center celebrates 50 years of R&D

From November 2 to 4, the World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) celebrated its golden jubilee with a series of events at its headquarters in Shanhua, Taiwan. This started with Vegetable Science Day on Thursday, November 2, with some 150 attendees. Then, on Friday, November 3, some 400 special guests celebrated…

100 years of phytopathology at Wageningen: a century of research into plant diseases

It's been 100 years since Wageningen University & Research (WUR) started working on phytopathology. Over the past century, the department has nurtured the careers of leading scientists and produced groundbreaking research in the field of plant disease. Researcher Joeke Postma and chairholder Gert Kema…

US: Hops are rolling in North Carolina

Beer is big business these days. Ignited by an increase in interest in local foods and evolving consumer tastes, a craft brewing boom has exploded in cities and towns across the country. The number of U.S. breweries has increased by nearly five-fold since 2010, not too shabby for a centuries-old…

Plant protects next generation via soil

Plants recruit soil bacteria to protect against downy mildew, forming a leaf-based defense system. The bacteria not only combat pathogens but also leave a protective legacy in…

Blueberries get a $3.9 million + boost with a multi-disciplinary, multi-institution project

Blueberries are a lucrative yet long-term investment in which demand is high, and supply is subject to the caprices of climate and a host of biological assaults. Dr. Timothy Miles has assembled a team of researchers, extension specialists, and educators who work in states that represent approximately 75%…

US (MO): New greenhouse owners plan research and development activities

A proposal for the operation of agricultural activities has residents concerned about its effect on the environment. Solis Real Estate is seeking a conditional use permit (cup) under the proposed use of agricultural research activities for the 5-acre property on the south side of St. Albans Road, west of…

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US (NV): Nonprofit announces hydroponics programs for Nevada schools

Green Our Planet, a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Las Vegas encouraging school gardening, sustainability, and nutrition programs, is encouraging Title I schools across Nevada to apply for grant funding for its HydroConnect hydroponics systems by Nov. 23. The funding, provided by a recent grant from the…

Rooftop greenhouse in downtown Seoul operated as a “living lab”

A technology for saving the energy used by buildings and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by constructing a building-integrated rooftop greenhouse in the city center has been developed. It has actually been demonstrated in a building for the first time in the country. The demonstration of the rooftop…

Philip Benfey, trailblazer in plant genetics and agtech innovation, passed away

The North Carolina Biotechnology Center was saddened to learn that Philip Benfey, Ph.D., an inspiring and pioneering plant geneticist and entrepreneur, passed away on Sept. 26 at the age of 70. Benfey was the Paul Kramer professor of biology at Duke University and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI)…

New research project to study crisp lettuce grown with biological pest control

Grofondet supports a number of projects that explore alternative methods to replace the use of chemical pesticides. The projects include everything from the use of farm animals to new technology. In this project, it is the popular Norwegian crispy salad that takes center stage. The project led by…

Horticulture Research

Unlocking the mystery of skin cracking in chili peppers

The outermost epidermal cell layer of fleshy fruit is surrounded by a hydrophobic cuticle, notably thicker than that found on vegetative tissues. This cuticle, primarily composed of the cutin polymer, also contains waxes and sometimes polysaccharides. It serves crucial functions, including regulating…

US (NJ): Kean University puts research efforts in urban farming

Hydroponics brings farming indoors, allowing people living in urban communities to grow their own fruits and vegetables while also protecting the environment and water resources. Kean University researchers are studying the best approaches so hydroponics and aquaponics can make the biggest difference…

Ceickor and Blue Radix integrate Autonomous Growing in Mexican education

The greenhouse industry in Mexico is growing fast. At the same time, daily greenhouse operations need continuous improvement as greenhouse owners struggle with a shortage of skilled growers and labor. To respond to this challenge, Ceickor, the greenhouse University of Mexico, and Blue Radix, a specialist…

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US (PA): Launch party signals opening of campus greenhouse at Mercyhurst University

Leveraging its expertise in environmental science and a core commitment to stewarding Earth's resources, Mercyhurst University launches its latest green initiative, a campus greenhouse, while simultaneously announcing a new major in Sustainability Studies for Fall 2024. It all begins with a launch party…

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CAN (QC): Chisasibi’s agriculture research dome empowers food sovereignty

The construction of a new geodesic agriculture research dome is gaining attention in Chisasibi. It’s the newest project of the growing Chisasibi Resource and Research Institute (CERRI), a community-driven project. The dome and an accompanying greenhouse to be built early next year aim to improve food…

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US (OH): Poland High School gets new greenhouse

Poland Seminary High School students now have the opportunity to learn about the long-term commitment of growing plants. Members of the science department and Poland Schools Foundation recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the new Sungrow 20 greenhouse that will enhance science courses at the…

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Drought-responsive genes in tomato

In the study, researchers explored the genetic mechanisms by which plants protect themselves from environmental stressors and adapt to changing conditions. The investigation involved the analysis of RNA-Seq data from various tomato genotypes, tissue types, and drought durations. A time series approach…

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Micro-nano oxygenated irrigation improves the yield and quality of greenhouse cucumbers under-film drip irrigation

To understand how micro-nano oxygenated irrigation (MNOI) affects cucumber growth in arid and semi-arid cold areas, a two-year study was conducted on greenhouse-grown cucumbers in Ningxia. They tested three levels of dissolved oxygen in the irrigation water (6, 7.5, and 9 mg/L) and compared it with…

US (NB): Student hydroponics open house set for November 21

The public is invited to explore University of Nebraska–Lincoln student hydroponic prototype systems and greenhouse systems on November 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Plant Science Teaching Greenhouse, 3855 Fair Street, on Nebraska East Campus. “We hope to see people drop in to learn more about…

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Australia: The science of Botrytis, trunk disease, and fighting fungus without fungicide

Researchers from the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) shared findings from current projects at Wine Tasmania’s Annual Field Day in Launceston on October 24. Over 60 viticulture and winemaking representatives from the Tasmanian wine sector, together with complementary suppliers and government…

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US (IA): Turkey Valley School greenhouse teaches students to grow

Turkey Valley Community School District and its students are excited to utilize the school’s greenhouse for a second year and all the projects, ideas, and experiences it brings. With one full greenhouse year under their belts, valuable lessons were learned, and second-year plans are underway. “We had a…

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Exposing plants to an unusual chemical early on may bolster their growth

Just like any other organism, plants can get stressed. Usually, it’s conditions like heat and drought that lead to this stress, and when they’re stressed, plants might not grow as large or produce as much. This can be a problem for farmers, so many scientists have tried genetically modifying plants to be…

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Iceland: Geothermal energy is used to grow cucumbers in this greenhouse

In Iceland, a remarkable application of geothermal energy is transforming the way vegetables, including cucumbers, are cultivated. This innovative approach is particularly evident at Laugaland farm in Varmaland, located in the northern part of Iceland. Here, geothermal steam sourced from beneath the…

Financial allocation for research facilities at Wageningen University & Research

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy has awarded approximately 40 million euros in the first funding round of the Facilities for Applied Research program to four proposals from Wageningen Research for high-quality and future-proof research facilities. These facilities enable innovative…

France: Collaboration to source variety of molecules and active ingredients

Interstellar Lab has entered a collaboration with L'Oréal R&I Green Sciences Incubator to explore the potential of BioPod, Interstellar's controlled growing chambers, to source a variety of molecules and active ingredients. This new collaboration aligns perfectly with L'Oréal's commitment to having 95%…

How can you effectively use various sensors for cultivation solutions?

Last summer, Aranet and 30MHz joined forces. Curious about the power of connected sensors to the horticulture data platform? How can you effectively use various sensors for cultivation solutions? Learn about the uses of Aranet’s sensors and valuable tips & tricks of the 30MHz platform in the webinar on…

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US (AZ): New ASU incubator provides support, funding for sustainable food-system ventures

Arizona State University has started a new entrepreneurship initiative called Cultivate PHX to grow innovation in sustainable food systems and agriculture. The Cultivate PHX Agrifood Tech Incubator will provide seed funding, mentorship, collaboration, coworking space and other support to founders whose…

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Trinidad and Tobago: Presto takes hydroponics to schools nationwide

Following the delivery of its first Hydroponics Garden to the Arima Presbyterian Primary School in March, Presto Market installed a second system at the Arima Government Primary School on Wednesday, October 25, 2023. Jean Luc Mouttet, Presto Market Business Development Manager, explained that the…

Strawberry consumption may reduce dementia risk for middle-aged people

New research from the University of Cincinnati found that daily strawberry consumption could help reduce the risk of dementia for certain middle-aged populations. In 2022,…

US (CA): Ribbon-cutting at Salinas' crop improvement and protection research center

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony today for the opening of the newly constructed Sam Farr United States Crop Improvement and Protection Research Center in Salinas, California. The over 117,000-square-foot research center features…

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US (MO): MARSfarm inspires urban farming education with classroom greenhouses

MARSfarm, a STEM-education startup based in Overland, designs and manufactures greenhouses that can fit on a classroom desk. Cofounders Peter Webb and Drew Thomas have been manufacturing counter-sized greenhouses since 2020 and are now in 600 schools across the country. Their goal is not only to impact…

Survey: The opinion of hydroponics professionals about aquaponics

Against the background of current efforts with respect to transitioning global food production systems towards more circularity, aquaponics has gained much attention in recent years. However, the attention is not translated into commercial adoption of aquaponic food production. Researchers at the…

Chinese astronauts grew tomatoes and lettuce in space

Chinese astronauts from the "Shenzhou-16" mission, who returned to Earth after spending several months in space, have successfully grown lettuce, tomatoes, and green onions on…

NL: Wageningen horticultural scientist appointed top expert at Netherlands Academy of Engineering

Silke Hemming, a researcher in horticultural technology affiliated with Wageningen University & Research, has been appointed top expert of the Netherlands Academy of Engineering (NAE). This new national organization brings together 62 experts in technological sciences, applied engineering research, and…

Zimbabwe: Ebenezer ag training center's a beacon of hope for young growers

In the heart of Zimbabwe, just 65 kilometers from Bulawayo, lies a farm with a profound mission. Ebenezer Agricultural Training Centre, affectionately known as 'Ebenezer,' isn't just a place where crops grow and livestock are tended to. It serves as a beacon of hope and knowledge for young, aspiring…

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CAN: Ontario Agri-Tech Pitch Competition open for entries

Early-stage Ontario agri-innovation start-ups are encouraged to participate in the second annual Ontario Agri-Tech Pitch Competition run by the University of Guelph’s Research Innovation Office (RIO) in collaboration with the Government of Ontario. T he competition supports promising pre-seed and seed…

British scientist in China seeks to enhance tuber productivity

In the greenhouse of the China Center for Asia and the Pacific (CCCAP) of the International Potato Center (CIP), Philip Kear closely monitors the growth of disease-resistant…

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US (PA): Greenhouse opens Lewisburg students to new experiences

Lewisburg Area senior Summer Evans has never grown her own food or farmed. Like many other students in the Lewisburg Area’s new science curriculum “Sustainability: Farm-to-Table,” this is Evan’s first time gardening. The class takes place in the new $308,517 greenhouse behind the high school where 32…

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US (OH): Yoder Produce wins Greenhouse Project contract at Loudonville High School

The Loudonville-Perrysville Exempted Village School District recently opened bids for the Greenhouse Project at Loudonville High School. This project would replace the current structure with a more accessible greenhouse with classroom space for students to learn about potting, hydroponics and…

Greenhouses and growth chambers to help fight against citrus greening

University of Florida scientists plan to utilize $2 million from an initiative by UF President Ben Sasse for a Crop Transformation Center to help Florida farmers improve production of citrus and specialty crops. The $2 million covers two years of research and facilities upgrades. In that time, UF/IFAS…

New York Sun Works awarded grant to support climate education

New York Sun Works has been awarded its first climate grant from CIV:LAB to support climate education and the science of sustainability programming at the organization's existing partner schools across the boroughs. It will also support the expansion of the organization's urban agriculture workforce…

Unlocking the Power of Peas: Genetic discovery promises high-iron vegetables and cereals

A genetic breakthrough has opened new opportunities for iron-fortified vegetables and cereal crops to help address the global health issue of anaemia. John Innes Centre researchers used a newly available map of the pea-genome to identify the underlying genetic sequence responsible for two high-iron…

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Spinach downy mildew-resistant gene identified

Spinach, a healthy vegetable, is facing a big problem called downy mildew disease. It's caused by a specific germ called Peronospora effusa. This germ has different types, and it can infect even the spinach plants that were once resistant. Scientists are working hard to find new ways to protect spinach…

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How did China set up a tiny farm on the moon?

On January 3, 2019, China's Chang'e-4 lander touched down on the far side of the moon and deployed the Yutu rover. In addition to its many instruments, the rover carried an important science experiment known as the Biological Experiment Payload (BEP). Over the next eight days, this payload conducted a…

WOS/NIHM

Historic images resurfaced: Mobilisation among Westland's greenhouses

It isn't often that images from before World War II surface. Last week, it happened, and they just happened to be images from Westland, WOS shares. The discoverers soon noticed that there were images of greenhouses amongst them. These are images taken mainly in Monster and Ter Heijde during mobilization.…

Research on low-energy tomato cultivation with an expected savings on heat-input up to 40%

Grodan and Signify, the world leader in lighting, will continue their partnership and collaborate on a research trial at Botany, the Netherlands, to further refine tomato cultivation strategy and continue to make advancements in sustainable agriculture. The trial started September 2023 and will explore…

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US (CT): Hartford church helping tackle quality food shortage in North End

A Hartford church is trying to fix what many call a "food desert" in the city's North End. Urban Hope Refuge Church celebrated its new hydroponic farm with a ribbon cutting. Nestled behind the church is a new green space meant to provide access to farm-fresh vegetables for community members in the North…

AU: Hi-tech glasshouse to boost global food security

Launched today by Victorian Minister for Skills and TAFE, the Hon. Gayle Tierney MP, at La Trobe’s Melbourne campus in Bundoora, the glasshouse will be used by researchers and industry partners to rapidly optimize management and breeding of crops, boost early disease detection, and the use of ‘big data’…

New record holder: the hottest pepper in the world could be tasted by only five people

Ed Curry, a hot pepper breeder from South Carolina who crossed and cultivated the Carolina Reaper, spicier than most pepper sprays used by the police to subdue unruly…

Two-acre research facility realized in Ruthven, Ontario

A branch of JEM Farms, HORTECA is a new two-acre research facility dedicated to showcasing the latest green technologies in joint ventures with ecoation, including advancements in integrated pest management (IPM) to robotics and AI. The partnership also involves the University of Windsor providing a…

US (PA): Plant pathologist to research plant diseases in organic vegetables

A plant pathologist in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has received support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to study plant diseases in organic vegetable operations. Sharifa Crandall, assistant professor of soilborne disease dynamics and…

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Predation potential and life history of three nabid species as biological control agents of pests in Canadian greenhouses

Nabids are hemipteran generalist predators commonly associated with agroecosystems. In this study, the predation rate of Nabis americoferus Carayon, N. roseipennis Reuter, and Hoplistoscelis pallescens Kerhzner on several common greenhouse pests was assessed in the laboratory, compared to the most…

Efficacy of biocontrol products to fight tomato late blight and powdery mildew in tomatoes

Amoeba, an industrial biotech in pre-commercialization specialized in the treatment of microbiological risk, developing a biocontrol agent for crop treatment in agriculture that has obtained a marketing authorization in the United States and a biological biocide that has also obtained a marketing…

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Detection of trait donors for early blight resistance in tomatoes

By conducting hierarchical clustering along a sliding window, we generated haplotypes across hundreds of re-sequenced genomes in a few hours. We leveraged our method to define cryptic introgressions underlying disease resistance in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and to discover resistant germplasm in…

Summer-quality, Canadian-grown strawberries in January

When it comes to buying fresh fruit like strawberries, Canadians are largely vulnerable to global food supply chains, which can break down in a matter of weeks. This became very clear to families trying to keep fresh food on the table during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ceragen, a company at Velocity, University…

Abu Dhabi University

Abu Dhabi University launches container farm to grow potatoes and tomatoes

Abu Dhabi University has launched a new portable farm, AirFarm, that can grow potatoes and tomatoes. Alberto Peralta, director of innovation at ADU, said the indoor container takes about 10 minutes to inflate and can be used to start a farm within a day. "The AirFarm is not a new idea, and there have…

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Study on the plant and fish production in the aquaponic system as affected by different hydraulic loading rates

Aquaponics is the combined culture of fish and plants in recirculating aquaculture systems, considered to be an innovative, eco-friendly, and sustainable technology. The effect of the hydraulic loading rate (HLR) on the performance of fish and plants in the aquaponic system was the main aim of this…

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US (OH): “To bring something as large as this greenhouse is very unique for the North Omaha community”

Light pours into the Highlander Accelerator’s 65,000-square-foot greenhouse, and soon, people and produce will too. North Omaha-based non-profit No More Empty Pots will soon occupy the space and collaborate with another non-profit, Seventy Five North. Both organizations work to eliminate poverty and end…

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US (TX): IDEA San Benito students learn to grow crops in school's first hydroponic farm

From farm to table, that's what students at IDEA San Benito are learning through their farm program on campus. All food grown at their hydroponic farm goes straight to the school cafeteria for students to eat. "How can we get them to taste it before they don't like it with their eyes? That would help to…

US (OR): Researchers race the clock to study alternatives to banned pesticide

Soon after the 2020 announcement of a ban on an effective and relatively inexpensive pesticide, Oregon State University Extension Service researchers were at work on finding alternatives for affected growers in Oregon. Chlorpyrifos, which is being phased out, targets persistent insects affecting more…

US (CA): CSU Monterey Bay receives $5 million USDA research grant

A five-year $5 million USDA grant is providing funding for a multipronged research project at CSU Monterey Bay. Arlene Haffa, professor in the Department of Biology and Chemistry, and researchers will be measuring off-gassing in local agricultural fields. The data will be used to improve the way the USDA…

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The effect of Trichoderma harzianum on physiological-biochemical characteristics of cucumber and the control effect against Fusarium wilt

At the seedling and adult plant phases, pot experiments were carried out to enhance the physiological-biochemical characteristics of cucumber, guarantee its high yield, and ensure its cultivation of quality. Trichoderma harzianum conidia agents at 104, 105, 106, and 107 cfu g−1 were applied in accordance…

US (KY): University of Kentucky researcher leads organic farming advancements using mesotunnels in $3.5 million grant

Diversification continues to be an important part of organic agriculture. Organic growers' commitment to this practice opens new doors to markets, acts as a safeguard against risks, promotes biodiversity, and fosters the growth of robust local communities and economies. However, organic diversification…

University of Wrexham receives funds for Welsh Horticulture Project

"We are delighted to announce that our horticultural project is back and ready to make a positive impact with renewed energy. We are excited to confirm that we have received funding from UKSPF, which is funded by the UK government, to cover the counties of Flintshire and Denbighshire. This funding…

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US (NB): Healthy Blue Nebraska donates $10,000 towards GHS greenhouse

The Gering High School Ag Pathway receives another sizable donation as they prepare to break ground on their four-season greenhouse. Healthy Blue Nebraska was on hand late last week to present the FFA program a $10,000 check to help build a greenhouse to compliment the GHS Agriculture, Food and Natural…

Spinach and basil, sustainably produced

Anyone who buys spinach or basil in the supermarket only sees products that meet the high demands of consumers. However, there are always challenges to be overcome before they…

Dutch horticultural orientation mission visits Kurdistan region of Iraq

From September 17 to 21, 2023, Veteffect, RVO, and the Dutch Consulate General-agricultural team organized a Horticultural Orientation Mission to the Kurdistan region of Iraq (KRI). Because of urbanization and climate change, protected horticulture offers attractive opportunities for business, food security,…

Funding granted for revival of Horticulture Wales Project

Prifysgol Wrecsam Wrexham University's horticultural project is back. "We are excited to confirm that we have been granted funding from UKSPF, funded by the UK government, to cover the counties of Flintshire and Denbighshire. This funding allows us to shift our focus to a more concentrated area, enabling…

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US (MO): MU Extension to teach gardening with Hydroponics

In the near future, you might not need to go to the garden or the grocery store to get your favorite salad fixings. Instead, you might be able to pluck them from your desktop or kitchen countertop. Horticulture educators from the University of Missouri Extension and Lincoln University Cooperative…

UK: New coordinator for North East’s biodiversity partnership

Working together is more critical than ever to support people and nature recovery in the North East, says the new coordinator of the North East Scotland Biodiversity…

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UK: New research facility planned for Riseholme Campus

The Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership is providing a grant of £1,333,000 for the project, and the University of Lincoln is providing a further £888,666, bringing the total project cost to just over £2 million. This new purpose-built glasshouse will offer access to specialist research…

$16.5 million CAD to support agri-food research and innovation

The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $16.5 million through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) to support agri-food…

New Zealand: Proposed new BSc major in horticultural and plant sciences

Researchers at Lincoln University, including Associate Professor Clive Kaiser, have proposed a new qualification major: a Horticultural and Plant Science Major (Bachelor of Science) to be introduced in 2024 to 2025. NZPPI has examined the proposed course content and fully supports it. We have long…

US (NC): Remington’s mural in Fox Greenhouses mixes horticulture and art

Anyone who has experienced the glory of a Bob Ross Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) program knows you can quiet your mind, combat anxiety, and find a rare peace that only art can provide. However, in the past few years, interest in horticulture and horticulture therapy, both on and off campus, has…

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How climate change is affecting growers in Trinidad and Tobago

For residents in the village of Les Coteaux, Tobago, agriculture is a key economic activity as it sustains their livelihoods. But in the last 15 years, farmers in the village have observed that temperatures are gradually getting warmer, which has affected their ability to farm. Rising temperatures…

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Optimizing light use efficiency and quality of indoor organically grown leafies with different lighting strategies

Vertical farming is experiencing significant growth, and the optimization of artificial lighting is essential for enhancing the sustainability of this growing system. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine how light segmentation, the incorporation of a low-intensity lighting phase known as the…

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New Zealand: New scholarship program to grow on-the-ground support for farmers and growers

Six scholarships will be offered to students studying agriculture and horticulture at Massey and Lincoln universities to help boost the number of advisers providing on-the-ground support to farmers and growers. "Farmers, growers, and whenua Māori owners are operating in an increasingly complex…

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US (IL): How hydroponics is inspiring the next generation of students in agriculture

Food insecurity has been an ongoing battle in Chicago and will only worsen if action is not taken to restructure our farming practices in the wake of our changing climate. Thankfully, Loyola, through its Urban Agriculture program, is looking ahead to remedy this issue before its effects are felt. Loyola…

WayBeyond launches curriculum for CEA growers

WayBeyond is launching their digital agronomy curriculum tailored specifically for protected cropping growers. As protected cultivation becomes the path forward for horticulture, WayBeyond recognizes the increasing need for growers to access timely, actionable, and scalable agronomy data. Greenhouses…

Webinar: greenhouse market in Poland

A couple of days ago, the Embassy organized a webinar about the current situation on the greenhouse market in Poland. Similar to the Dutch market, Polish growers also had difficulties caused by the energy crisis. There are, however some differences between the two markets. Watch the whole webinar or read…

US (IN): $1.1 million grant to fund research on molecular response of plants to environmental stress

The National Science Foundation has awarded a $1.1 million grant to Purdue University’s Gyeong Mee Yoon to research how plants acclimate to environmental stress. Her findings could have implications for food security in an era of climate change. Yoon, an associate professor of botany and plant pathology,…

Production and food science faculty unite to train next generation

WSU extension and research faculty recently wrapped up a multi-year, High-Value Horticulture and Processing internship program. In total, 24 interns were hosted by WSU in the summers of 2018, 2019, and 2022. Support for the project came from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Research and…

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US: Weakening crop prices, high production costs weigh on farmer sentiment

Agricultural producers’ sentiment declined for the second month in a row as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer index fell 9 points to a reading of 106 in September. Producers expressed concern about their current situation as well as future prospects for their farms. The Current…

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Agronomists found microbes to protect tomatoes from dangerous fungus

RUDN University agronomists and colleagues from Tunisia have discovered a way to stop the spread of a phytopathogenic fungus, Botrytis cinerea. It affects crops, especially tomatoes. The Trichoderma fungus and the Pseudomonas bacterium can protect the crop from this pathogen. The results were published…

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UK: "It's projects like this that will keep driving our food security as a country"

"Looks like the weather's turning more autumnal..." says Oli Pascall, walking back to his truck in a farmyard at Yalding. Casting an eye to the greying sky above the barn, he could be any other farmer from centuries past; only he's not any other farmer, this is not any other farm, and that's not even a…

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CAN (ON): Researchers land $1M to grow berries year-round

A coalition of Northern Ontario researchers has received $1 million to develop a new process for growing berries year-round in extreme climates. Announced on October 4, the funding will go to Research & Innovation Boréal, the applied research arm of Sudbury’s Collège Boréal, along with partners including…

ARS scientists develop ever-flowering fruit to feed astronauts

Space travel in the future is expected to last from several months to years, and astronauts will need to maintain healthy diets during those extended voyages. Scientists with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are working with NASA to develop sustainable farming techniques and technologies to…

Elevated atmospheric ethylene and high temperatures independently inhibit tomato fruit set

Ethylene is an essential plant hormone at low concentrations. Concentrations in the field rarely exceed 5 nmol⋅mol−1 (0.005 ppm), but it can accumulate as a gas in closed, indoor environments. These elevated levels can reduce growth and yield. Ethylene regulates a wide range of developmental processes…

Scientists engineer fruits packed with amino acids and flavonoids

In a recent study published in Plant Biotechnology Journal, researchers in Spain used a cisgenic approach to metabolically engineer tomatoes and fortify them further with flavonoids and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). The fortified fruits showed a multifold increase in amino acids such as valine,…

France: Indoor Farming R&D Center opened on campus in Rouen

UniLaSalle has inaugurated the Indoor Farming Research Center on its Rouen campus. The center completes the teaching and research establishment's R&D facilities, providing it with the tools it needs to devise solutions to support farming and local communities. Composed of 3 modular units, covering a…

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US (TX): Four researchers on Earth are spending a year on ‘Mars’

On June 25, four NASA recruits set off for Mars — on Earth. They embarked on the first of three-year-long missions to prep Earthlings for life as extraterrestrials. But these missions are terrestrial. This summer, the first crew of four volunteers entered a unique structure called Mars Dune Alpha. It’s…

Pioneering pollination strategies to boost strawberry production

Fresh fruits are a key source of micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals in our modern diets. Nevertheless, in the UK, fewer than 30 percent of individuals follow the recommended fruit and vegetable intake, increasing the risk of potential health issues. While the UK produces 50 percent of domestic…

Researchers see a future for agricultural solar parks, but also challenges

Solar parks and agriculture do not have to be placed on separate fields. It is possible to combine both functions in the same field, researchers from Wageningen University & Research and Renergize Consultancy write in their position paper Producing food and electricity on the same square meter -…

Pest-control project to protect fresh produce

QUT researchers will lead a research project targeting insect pests as part of a $130 million collaborative research initiative designed to protect and grow Australia’s horticultural exports. The research team - all from the QUT School of Biology & Environmental Science and the Centre for Agriculture and…

Low-chill strawberry varieties produce more with less energy

Traditional strawberry varieties for the greenhouse have two significant production peaks. To achieve this, the plants need a cold period in winter and then warm daytime temperatures for a longer period of time. Low-chill varieties do not need that cool period. In addition, harvesting can take longer in…

US (SC): Clemson scientists study watermelon to improve organic vegetable production

Consumer interest in organically produced fruits and vegetables is growing and to help growers meet this demand, Clemson University scientists are studying watermelon production methods to develop strategies to improve productivity and profitability of organic vegetables. The team is led by Bhupinder…

Whole Cities and GrowGeneration(R) unite to grow locally led hydroponic agriculture initiatives

Whole Cities has partnered up with GrowGeneration to support hydroponic growing efforts by community-led nonprofit organizations. GrowGen is contributing in-kind equipment totaling more than $329,000 to the following five Whole Cities community partners: Restore OKC in Oklahoma City, Okla.; FoodChain in…

NL: Plant research lab NPEC opens its doors in Utrecht

Equipped with advanced robotics, hyperspectral imaging, laser scanners, climate chambers, and other installations, the Netherlands Plant Eco-phenotyping Centre (NPEC) opens its doors today in Utrecht. Researchers at this lab can automatically monitor the growth and development of thousands of plants.…

UK: Addressing knowledge gaps and enhancing the efficiency of aquaponic systems

Laurence Anderson is in the concluding stages of their PhD studies at the University of Liverpool's Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, supported by the Low Carbon Eco Innovatory and the Liverpool-based social enterprise Farm Urban. The Academic Odyssey"My academic journey began with a…

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Compensation of adverse growing media effects on plant growth and morphology by supplemental LED lighting

There is an increasing interest in alternatives to peat in growing media due to environmental constraints. However, plants grown in peat substitutes often show impaired growth compared to plants grown in peat-based media. Hence, it would be interesting to know whether these deficiencies can be…

Shading level and harvest time affect the photosynthetic and physiological properties of basil varieties

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is one of the most important medicinal and aromatic plants. Light intensity is an indispensable factor for plants due to its effect on…

Is clear-night heat loss stealing critical quality and profitability from your greenhouse?

The trials Svensson is currently carrying out in Almeria test a simple but powerful, and at times strange, hypothesis. Can we increase crop production and quality in a traditional greenhouse by reducing night-time heat loss while letting in as much of the best growing light as possible by day? The answer…

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Philippines: High school yields first hydroponic lettuce harvest

The Iligan City National High School (ICNHS) harvested for the first time on Monday lettuce propagated through a hydroponic farming system initiated by the Maxell and Einstein (Maxtein) Alumni Batch 1997. The school harvested 30 kilograms (kg) of lettuce with a market value of P9,000, or P300 per kg.…

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Tomato growth stage modulates bacterial communities across different soil aggregate sizes and disease levels

Soil aggregates contain distinct physio-chemical properties across different size classes. These differences in micro-habitats support varied microbial communities and modulate the effect of plants on the microbiome, which affects soil functions such as disease suppression. However, little is known about…

New coating ensures high energy savings in greenhouse

A newly developed coating on the greenhouse glass can save energy up to 20%. The coating (low_ε) is 'baked' on the outside of the glass and prevents heat from leaving the greenhouse - which saves energy, especially in winter. This is tested in research by the Greenhouse Horticulture and Flower Bulbs…

“With greenhouse cucumbers, it’s tricky to get the water balance right"

Agricultural runoff, also known as diffuse source pollution, is a priority threat to the water quality of our coastal waterways. That is why the Clean Coastal Catchment project on the Sandhu and Chouhan farms in Bucca on the NSW north coast is a success story worth sharing. These families have managed to…

Astanor Ventures closes €360 million fund combatting climate change

Astanor Ventures, an agrifood tech impact investing, closed its second venture fund at €360 million. This latest closing tops Astanor's existing various funds and special…

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US (AK): Food co-op donates to middle school agriculture

Kodiak Harvest Food Co-op, a locally owned grocery store, raised $770 for the Kodiak Middle School’s agriculture program, according to a press release from their board of directors. The co-op raised the money through a silent dessert auction held during the co-op’s annual meeting. Staff said in the…

UK researchers boost B12 in pea shoots using aeroponics

A team of UK researchers has discovered a way to biofortify pea shoots with Vitamin B12 using aeroponic indoor farming. This breakthrough could contribute to more sustainable and healthier diets, in line with the Eat Lancet Planetary Health Diet and the recent WWF Eat4Life dietary recommendations.…

US: USDA signs contract for R&D in CEA vegetable production

AmplifiedAg received a contract award from the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Fort Pierce, Florida, to supply vertical farming research labs to the agency's Horticultural Research Laboratory. The labs will be customized to carry out CEA vegetable production research unique to the agency's…