News
Empowering Growers with Research-Driven Strategies and Solutions
June 06, 2024
The increase in challenges growers face is never-ending. From the new thrips invasion, to disease management, to water and nutrition of crops, AFE is here to help!
If you haven’t yet had a chance to participate in the American Floral Endowment (AFE)’s Grow Pro Webinar series, you and your team are missing out. Monthly educational webinars featuring nationally recognized researchers and speakers provide the latest research-driven strategies, solutions, and practical advice to help navigate through these ever-changing challenges.
Webinars are presented on a Tuesday each month and are 30-40 minutes in length, plus a 15-minute question-and-answer period with the researchers. This is a unique opportunity for the audience to ask questions directly to the expert about issues they may be experiencing around the topic.
“AFE is a leader in identifying and funding the most critical research to help solve industry challenges. We’ve found the sweet spot in providing education in an easy-to-understand format, while allowing participants to engage with the speakers. The sessions are then recorded so they can be shared and watched on demand,” says Debi Chedester, AFE Executive Director.
The recent May Webinar, Identification and Management of Root Diseases in Floriculture Crops, presented by Dr. Francesca Hand (OSU), had a record-breaking attendance with 262 registrants and received the highest ratings in our post-webinar survey in terms of information, resources, and presentation. The overwhelming majority of respondents noted that they could use this information “immediately” in their businesses.
“AFE’s Grow Pro webinars have become a game-changer for growers seeking the latest research-based solutions. Our webinars have shown a significant increase in registration, engagement, and views of past recordings, reflecting the valuable content and its impact on business practices,” noted Laura Barth, AFE Research Coordinator.
The series is provided free-of-charge to all, thanks to generous sponsors. In addition, each webinar is recorded and posted to AFE’s YouTube where they can be accessed 24/7. Viewers can subscribe to get notified when each webinar is posted, and sponsors get recognition each time the video is accessed.
“The Grow Pro Webinars are an incredible resource for both me, and my team of greenhouse growers,” Michael Wijesinghe, Grower at Bell Nursery, and a regular attendee and participant of the webinars, said. “The professional speakers present industry-relevant information, and field-applicable research, in a manner that is engaging and comprehensible.”
Learn more, become a sponsor, or register for upcoming webinars at https://endowment.org/growpro.
Become a Sponsor!
Reach thousands of growers, researchers, and other industry members by sponsoring one or more of these highly-attended sessions. In each session, the sponsor is acknowledged and thanked during the introduction and listed by their logo in the presentation, which is available to watch on YouTube 24/7 after the live webinar. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities and submit forms here.
Learn More and Register for this Summer’s Webinars Below!
Preventing Undesirable Purple Coloration on Cuttings Propagated Under LEDs
Tuesday, July 30th, 1:00 pm (EST)
Speaker: Dr. Roberto Lopez, Michigan State University
Dr. Lopez will discuss the phenomenon of foliage purpling in young plant propagation under LED lighting. We will uncover the reasons behind the purple coloration, exploring anthocyanin accumulation, nutrient deficiencies, and environmental stressors. Join us to understand how to mitigate and manage purpling issues, ensuring optimal growth conditions for healthy young plant development in evolving greenhouse environments.
Sponsored By:
Integrated Control of Thrips
Tuesday, August 20th, 1:00 pm (EST)
Speaker: Dr. Rose Buitenhuis, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre
Join Dr. Rose Buitenhuis to learn comprehensive strategies to develop and sustain an IPM program for thrips management to mitigate the risk of pesticide resistance. Gain invaluable insights into proactive measures and holistic approaches essential for effective thrips management in greenhouse environments.
Sponsored By:
Learn more and register for upcoming Grow Pro webinars here.
