By Andi Anderson
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will host the sixth annual Controlled Environment Horticulture Conference on Dec. 5 in Dallas. This conference, held from 8 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, offers a day of expert-led sessions and discussions on advanced crop production techniques within controlled environments.
Both in-person and virtual options are available for attendance, with registration fees set at $150 for in-person, $100 for virtual, and a discounted rate of $50 for qualified students.
The conference will feature a round-table discussion on strawberry production in greenhouses and high tunnels, moderated by Dr. Nathan Howell from West Texas A&M University.
Attendees will gain insights into strawberry cultivation challenges and solutions and participate in a guided greenhouse tour showcasing the latest hydroponic and aquaponic research. The day concludes with a dinner and reception, offering networking opportunities for all participants.
Joe Masabni, Ph.D., a horticulture specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife, highlighted the impressive lineup of speakers, which includes experts from Michigan State University, North Carolina State University, Arizona State University, Hort Americas, and Texas A&M University.
Key topics include:
Electric Lighting in Controlled Environments: Presented by Dr. Erik Runkle from Michigan State University, this session will cover the role of electric lighting in regulating crop growth and development.
Strawberry Propagation and Production: Dr. Ricardo Hernandez from North Carolina State University and Karla Garcia from Hort Americas will discuss optimizing root environments and maximizing quality and yield in hydroponic strawberry production.
Indoor Strawberry Production: Arizona State University’s Dr. Yujin Park will explore optimal conditions for indoor strawberry farming.
Organic Lettuce Production: Texas A&M’s Dr. Jun Liu will present techniques for organic lettuce production, focusing on sustainable urban agriculture practices.
Integrated Pest Management: Dr. Arash Kheirodin from Texas A&M will provide insights into pest control strategies within controlled environments.
This event offers a wealth of information for both new and experienced growers interested in specialty crops and controlled environment systems. Participants can register at tx.ag/6thControlledEnvironmentHortConference to secure their spot at this informative conference on the future of indoor and greenhouse farming.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Michigan, Education