News
AFE in Action: Recent Events and Highlights
October 15, 2024
September was filled with exciting events where AFE actively engaged with the industry, participating in multiple conferences and tours. Here’s a recap of some key happenings!
ASCFG Regional Conference: Boulder, Colorado (September 11-12)
AFE staff and researchers participated in the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers (ASCFG) Regional Conference, which took place in Boulder, Colorado. A highlight was the tour of The Fresh Herb Co., a local grower of cut flowers, culinary herbs, and succulents.
During the conference, attendees benefited from presentations by industry-leading experts and researchers. During a special session, Dr. Jim Faust from Clemson University shared insights into his latest AFE-funded research, Biocontrol for Botrytis Management in Cut Flower Production, addressing solutions for managing one of the most pervasive floriculture diseases.
Dr. Francesca Hand from Ohio State University presented her research, “Supporting the Specialty Cut Flower Industry Through Diagnostics and Sustainable Disease Management Solutions,” which is supported by both AFE and ASCFG.
If you missed these sessions, don’t worry—they were recorded and are available on our YouTube channel here for your convenience!
ASHS Conference: Honolulu, Hawaii (September 23-27)
This year’s American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) conference took place in the beautiful setting of Honolulu, Hawaii. AFE proudly sponsored two key competitions at the event through educational grant funding, highlighting some of the brightest young minds in floriculture and horticulture. Here are the winners from these events:
- Graduate Student Floriculture Oral Competition:
- 1st Place: Andre Truter, NC State University
- 2nd Place (tie): Seth Benjamin, Michigan State University & Patrick Veazie, NC State University*
- 3rd Place: Juan Quijia Pillajo, The Ohio State University*
- Undergraduate Poster Competition:
- 1st Place: Sawyer Zook, University of Wyoming
- 2nd Place: Kathryn Braun, Colorado State University
- 3rd Place: Colin Krisulevicz, West Virginia University
*Notes AFE Young Professionals Council (YPC) Members
AFE is also proud of Dr. Qingwu Meng, a previously AFE-funded researcher, current YPC Member, and Assistant Professor of Controlled-Environment Horticulture at the University of Delaware, who earned 2nd place in the Early Career Competition.
While there, Dr. Melinda Knuth, previous YPC Advisor to the Board, also hosted a networking lunch for any of our Young Professionals Council members in attendance to connect, share news, and discuss additional opportunities for the next generation in our industry.
Plug and Cutting Conference: Apopka, Florida (September 23-25)
AFE’s Research Coordinator, Laura Barth, attended the Plug and Cutting Conference in Orlando, Florida, where she participated in informative tours and educational sessions related to plug, liner, and young plant production.
The group visited:
- Agri-Starts — Since 1984, Agri-Starts has been a supplier of plant tissue culture starter plants and services, achieved through careful selection, rigorous heat treatments, and state-of-the-art production techniques. The greenhouses use ebb and flood irrigation systems with a harvesting system that captures and reuses water and fertilizer, promoting sustainability and resource efficiency.
- Costa Farms — Costa Farms, a family-run company for over 60 years, has grown into one of the largest horticultural growers in the world, cultivating over 1,500 varieties of plants on 5,200 acres. In their Apopka, FL, operation, they maintain more than ten ranges of greenhouses, which are crucial for growing most of their Exotic Angel Plants collection, including the Hoya and English Ivy varieties.
- Knox Horticulture — A second-generation family-owned business, they have been supplying young plant plugs and liners since 1962. Their facility is equipped with Dutch rolling benches for efficient material transport and incorporates extensive automation and computer technology to optimize production. They use the eco-friendly EZ-Pot System to minimize traditional plastic pot usage, which produces healthier plants and reduces environmental impact.
- University of Florida IFAS Research Center — Here, attendees gained insights into the latest research and innovations including new biocontrol options being researched to manage insect pests, including Thrips parvispinus.
This event was packed with excellent educational sessions on best management practices, pests, and disease management, and production inputs for young plant production. Speakers included YPC member Dr. Josh Henry of Ball Seed and AFE-funded researcher Dr. Rose Buitenhuis of Vineland Research and Innovation Centre.
Looking Ahead
These events showcased the vital role of research, education, and collaboration in driving the future of floriculture. AFE remains committed to supporting these initiatives, connecting with industry leaders and experts, and bringing the latest advancements in sustainability, pest and disease management, and plant production techniques to growers everywhere. We look forward to more opportunities to engage, innovate, and empower the floral industry in the months to come!
