Amyotte

This research explores alternative pest management strategies to reduce and eliminate the infestation of two-spotted spidermites on strawberry plants grown in a controlled environment agriculture system. The methods include intercropping strawberry plants with garlic chives, introducing predatory mites, and the combination of both treatments.

Beaucage

The research consists of evaluating the impact of different lighting on the development of crops in a greenhouse while determining the energy impact caused by the different lighting regimes.

Vargas Cedeno

Evaluation of wearable bendable biodegradable pH sensors in dry bean crops, affected biologically (White Mould) and non biologically (wounding).

The primary goal of this research is to evaluate the impact of different lighting treatments on the growth, yield, and quality of greenhouse-grown tomatoes. The study will focus on four specific treatments: No supplemental lighting, One layer of interlighting from the bottom level, One layer of interlighting from the top level, and Two layers of interlighting.

We tested the compatibility of various predators (Nabis, lacewing, syrphid, and midge) with the parasitoid wasp Aphidius colemani in a greenhouse bell pepper system. The effectiveness of predator-parasitoid combinations against the green peach aphid Myzus persicae was tested in summer and autumn. Autumn results suggest that Nabis is compatible with the parasitoid, while lacewings have a deleterious effect. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

The microclimate at different heights in the canopy was characterized during a summer season in a commercial pepper greenhouse under clear and diffused glass. More consistent microclimates were observed at the bottom, middle, and top heights of the canopy under diffused glass than clear glass.

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) is a rapidly spreading RNA virus that infects tomato and pepper crops worldwide, resulting in significant production losses. CRISPR-based diagnostics have recently emerged as a low-cost, power-free solution for highly sensitive and specific pathogen detection. We present the preliminary results of a CRISPR-based diagnostic for the detection of ToBRFV in agriculture settings.

This research examines the use of Earth-Air Heat Exchanger (EAHE) technology in greenhouse as a way store and more efficiently use thermal energy. The goal is to reduce costs and CO2₂ emissions through the optimal sizing and operation of EAHE systems, potentially integrating multiple energy systems to achieve better cost efficiency and reliability.

 
This project investigates the current state of greenhouse waste production, including grade-out fruit and cuttings, and end-of-season clean out waste, with a focus on Essex County, Ontario. Potential alternative methods for disposal of greenhouse waste are examined.

This poster presents the results of a resesarch trial performed by the Horticultural and Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre on determining the presence of a novel homozygous gene and subsequent phenotypic evaluation and characterization of Cannabis sativa grown indoors.

Ma

This study investigated the effects of UV-C radiation on the mortality and fecundity of strawberry aphids in a controlled greenhouse environment, with a focus on varying UV-C dosage and application frequency. The findings suggest that UV-C radiation is a sustainable and effective method for managing aphid populations in strawberry crops, potentially reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and contributing to more environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

My master's research project focuses on evaluating the efficacy of organic products containing beneficial bacteria in combating powdery mildew in greenhouse-grown tomatoes. The aim is to identify sustainable alternatives to chemical treatments for managing this common fungal disease.

Nguyen

Novel strategies to cultivate medicinal fungi are in need due to the rising demand for phytopharmaceuticals and emerging supply chain issues. Many fungal species are sensitive to fluctuations in climatic conditions which can alter the phenology and productivity of fungal species. To address these issues, we propose the cultivation of medicinal fungal species under controlled environment conditions.

This poster presents the results of a resesarch trial performed by the Horticultural and Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre on the effectiveness and commercial viability of EcoWool pellets, a pelletized form of raw, unwashed sheep wool, as a fertilizer/supplement in the cultivation of Ocimum basilicum 'Lettuce Leaf' (basil) within a controlled indoor agricultural setting.

In order to better manage the available irradiation, a controller has been implemented to pilot the agrivoltaic system of a raspberry winter greenhouse located in Québec. This research consists in the design of the strategies used to actuate the solar blinds to reach agronomic targets. These strategies operate to optimize the amount of Photosynthetically Active Radiation received by the plants throughout a day according to its phenological stage and weather conditions.

Qadar

To combat pathogen infections, growers traditionally use pesticides, antifungals, and copper products, which can lead to harmful side effects like antifungal resistance and environmental damage. Antimicrobial Photodynamic Inactivation (aPDI) offers a promising alternative for managing pathogens like Colletotrichum, a fungus responsible for anthracnose in various crops. aPDI relies on light-activated photosensitizers, such as Sodium Magnesium Chlorophyllin, to reduce microbial growth, presenting a novel approach to reduce chemical use and improve crop yields. With this promising new approach, the rainfastness of the product is tested to further assess the full capabilities of the product.

VanderVeen

A novel decontamination method was developed based on hydroxyl-radicals that are produced via the UV-C mediated degradation of hydrogen peroxide and ozone. The optimized treatments could effectively decontaminate contact surfaces, seeds, and plants with positive effects on germination rates and leafy-greens quality & shelf-life.

Pseudomonas syringae is a prevalent gram-negative bacterial pathogen that affects almost 200 plant species and causes major diseases in vital agricultural crops. Conventional management approaches, which are heavily dependent on copper and antibiotics, have resulted in extensive bacterial resistance. Antimicrobial Photodynamic Inactivation (aPDI) offers a promising new strategy to tackle resistant plant pathogens, utilizing light-activated photosensitizers to generate reactive oxygen species that effectively eliminate these pathogens.