7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast in the Exhibit Hall

8:00 a.m. - 8:10 a.m. Introduction/Welcome

8:10 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. 2010 - Not Business As Usual

Speakers: Jim Bethke, University of California Cooperative Extension, Scott Ludwig, Texas A&M, Paul Fisher, University of Florida and Cristi Palmer, IR-4.

This session will provide a preview of how the conference will address emerging issues and challenges in the nursery and greenhouse industry.

8:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. Alternative Pathogen Control

Speaker: Dave Norman, University of Florida

Biopesticide science is expanding as newly formulated products provide an alternative to synthetic chemicals in response to environmental regulations and consumer demand. Our research details efficacy trials of biofungicides and biobacteriacides from natural plant and animal sources. Additionally, novel delivery technologies are being explored and screened.

9:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Alternative Pest Control

Speaker: Ray Cloyd, University of Kansas

Greenhouse producers are continually looking for alternative pest control materials that will alleviate the prospect of resistance and preserve already existing products. Pest control materials based on plant-derived essential oils and sugar-based compounds have been promoted as means to deal with arthropod pests (insects and mites) in greenhouses. However, minimal information is available on their efficacy and other factors that may influence their use by greenhouse producers. This presentation will discuss the issues associated with plant-derived essential oil and sugar-based products.

10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall

10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. New Plant Growth Regulation Tips for Improving Drought Tolerance, Branching and Height Control

Speaker: Sonali Padhye, University of Florida

There are noteworthy additions to the plant growth regulator (PGR) toolbox available to ornamental growers. In this presentation, research-based information will be presented on new products and tips on successful uses of existing PGRs. Strategies to improve drought tolerance with ABA, improving branching with BA, and techniques for controlling height of aggressive ornamental plants will be discussed.

11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Pathogens in Water: Their Biology

Speaker: Mary Hausbeck, Michigan State University

Phytophthora and Pythium are called water molds because of their unique life cycle that uses water to find new plant targets. Water can appear clean, yet harbor water molds that nibble on roots and cause crown and root rot. Is your production system at risk? Emphasis will include cultural strategies and fungicides that can be used to protect your plants.

11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Pathogens and Algae in Water: Treatment Technologies

Speaker: Paul Fisher, University of Florida

With several treatment technologies available, it can be confusing to select a water treatment system that works for your location. We will discuss factors to consider, and the technical and financial features of different options.

12:10 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. Lunch/Exhibit Hall Open

Lunch Sponsored by American Floral Endowment

1:15 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Simultaneous Breakout Sessions

• Breakout A: What's In Your Water

Speakers: Paul Fisher, University of Florida, Bill Argo, The Blackmore Company

Water quality includes the salts and specific ions in your water, and what is living in the irrigation system including microbes, biofilm, and pathogens. We will demonstrate how to use and interpret different types of water tests, with an emphasis on techniques you can use on site, including measurement of bacteria, yeasts and molds using Petrifilms; measuring sanitizing agents such as ORP and chlorine levels; pH, EC and alkalinity.

• Breakout B: PGR's How To Apply & Ask The Experts

Speakers: Jim Barrett, University of Florida, Sonali Padhye, University of Florida

Proper PGR use is an important factor in successful production of many greenhouse and nursery crops. Often, obtaining the best efficacy depends on how the product is applied. This discussion will cover the variety of PGRs available and various application techniques.

• Breakout C: Bio-control Organisms

Speakers: Lance Osborne, University of Florida, Jim Bethke, University of California Cooperative Extension, Scott Ludwig, Texas A&M and Ray Cloyd, Kansas State University

Bio-control organisms are a key component to managing pests of many greenhouse and nursery crops. It is important to recognize resident bio-control organisms as well as how best to encourage the continued maintenance of resident and introduced species. This interactive session will cover these topics and feature microscopes to view living biological control agents and parasitized or killed pests. Examples of banker plants and plants grown using natural enemies will also be available for inspection.

• Breakout D: Disease Diagnosis

Speakers: Dave Norman, University of Florida, Margery Daughtrey, Cornell University and Mary Hausbeck, Michigan State University

When crops are unhealthy or even dying, proper diagnosis is critical when deciding on how to manage the problem(s). Speakers will draw on local examples of common and uncommon diseases, and problems mimicking disease, to cover how to diagnose the more common issues and when to send samples to a diagnostic lab.

2:05 p.m. - 2:50 p.m. Simultaneous Breakout Sessions repeated

2:50 p.m. - 3:20 p.m. Networking Break/Visit the Exhibit Hall

3:20 p.m. - 4:05 p.m. Simultaneous Breakout Sessions repeated

4:10 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. Simultaneous Breakout Sessions repeated

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