ASHS 2024 Conference

Seed Your Future Horticultural Salary Survey - John DoleHorticultural and Plant Science Undergraduate Enrollment Summary Based on Food and Agricultural Education Information System (FAEIS) Data - John DoleCreating a Sustainable Vegetable Production Registered Apprenticeship Program: A Review of Curriculum Development and Lessons Learned - Angel Cruz
Impact of Greenhouse Training Online Program - Nelda Raquel Hernandez Martinez
Invasive Species Education in Florida: Insights from a Yearlong Webinar Pilot Program - Morgan Pinkerton
Closing the Gap: Developing Greater Awareness of Horticulture Careers in Controlled Environment Agriculture in Secondary Schools - Melanie Yelton
Educational Initiatives in Cannabis: Curriculum Development for a Growing Workforce - Yousoon Baek

What do careers in the horticultural industry pay? To answer this question, Seed Your Future (SYF) in cooperation with the American Floral Endowment (AFE) and North Carolina State University jointly launched an industry-wide salary survey program in Fall 2022. The survey collected salary and benefits information on a broad range of positions from CEO to seasonal workers as well as hiring trends for eight horticultural sectors: floriculture/greenhouse, florist, nursery, landscape, public gardens, fruit/vegetables and other edibles, garden center/markets, and horticultural services. More information on the sectors can be found at: https://research.seedyourfuture.org/. Average production salaries ranging from a low of $30,160 for fruit/vegetable production seasonal workers to $98,590 for public garden production manager. Pay for most positions was above $40,000. Pay for administration positions was higher and ranged from $46,740 for public garden merchandizers and $50,800 for landscape inventory managers to over $100,000 for fruit/vegetable production maintenance managers at $120,580, horticultural services research/development managers at $129,750 and horticultural services sales managers at $132,633. Needless to say, executive positions were the highest paid. While the average salaries for several positions were relatively low, the large range of salaries for those positions indicates that some positions had high pay, likely where employees had greater longevity. Salaries for many of the administrative-type positions were higher and potential horticulture students need to be aware that these positions are open to them as well. Indeed, these positions could be attractive to students as they would allow them to combine a love of plants and horticulture with various other interests such as business management, marketing, IT, graphic design, etc. Overall, the most common benefits for employees were paid time off, professional development and medical. Other common benefits provided include dental, vision, life insurance, and retirement. A host of other benefits reported by individual companies included Employee Stock Ownership Plan, profit sharing, bonuses, short-term/long-term disability, vehicle, phone, purchase discounts, flexible working environment, meals, and wellness days. The outlook is bright. Future hiring plans were mostly split between increasing hiring (51%) and hiring at the same rate (43%). Few businesses in either sector planned to decreasing hiring. For those looking for positions at either large or small business, horticulture has it covered. Of the businesses surveyed, 54% had 21 or more employees and 46% had 20 or fewer employees.

There’s a colloquial belief that horticulture-based enrollment in associates, bachelors, master’s, and doctoral degrees across the United States is waning. However, based on data compiled by the Food and Agricultural Education Information System (FAEIS), enrollment in horticultural bachelor majors went from the lowest enrollment in twenty years in 2018 to reach the highest point in last ten years in 2021 (3786 students). Bachelor’s degree enrollment in the West has steadily increased over the last ten years, while remaining level in the South. Enrollment in the Midwest has been generally declining for the last 20 years, while enrollment in the Northeast has been declining since 2015. However, both of the latter regions showed an increase in 2021. The West has the highest proportion of students enrolled in horticulture as a percentage (0.15%) of the total number of public high school graduates. Enrollment in horticultural master’s programs reached a peak in 2018 and has been variable since. Doctoral horticultural enrollment peaked in 2018 and 2019, declining in 2020 and 2021. Associates degree enrollment remained generally level from 2002 to 2019; however, it declined to a ten-year low point in 2020 and recovered by about 1/3 in 2021 to 432 students. Horticulture associates degree students have been predominantly male for the last ten years. However, when turfgrass enrollment is excluded, horticulture disciplines were 42% female and 58% male in 2021. At the beginning of the reporting period, in 2002, horticultural science bachelor programs were predominantly male (62%); by 2021 female enrollment increased to 48%. Over the last twenty years, the gender ratio in horticultural master’s degrees has remained quite consistent with the percent of female students ranging from 44 to 50% and of male students generally a little higher at 46% to 54%. In 2002 about a third of the doctoral graduate students were female, with the percentage increasing over time such that it reached close to parity by 2021 with 52% male and 47% female. Enrollment across all the fields and degrees, except for doctoral, is predominantly White, non-Hispanic. The percentage of bachelor Hispanic students has increased over time, representing the largest ethnic group after White, non-Hispanic. Asian student numbers also increased but not to the same level as Hispanic students. The percentage of non-US citizens in doctoral degrees has been quite high for many years across all the plant-related areas and was often the largest category. Implications are discussed.

The average age of principal farm operators was 58.1 years in 2022. With this reality, agricultural educators, extension personnel, and agricultural businesses are looking for innovative strategies to recruit and effectively train the next generation of diverse farm operators. On-farm apprenticeships in the U.S. are an increasingly popular method of training future farmers. However, these apprenticeships tend to be informal with little or no formal curriculum. Registered apprenticeships are an emerging trend in workforce development with rapidly increasing popularity among non-traditional trade occupations such as healthcare and information technology, but are still relatively new in agriculture. Registered apprenticeship programs have been shown to help recruit and develop a diverse and highly skilled workforce, increase productivity, allow employers to participate in training, and increase job retention. At the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS), we developed North Carolina’s first two registered agricultural apprenticeship programs. This session will cover the basic components of registered apprenticeships and how they can meet the growing need for skilled farm labor in vegetable operations. We will share how we created the Sustainable Vegetable Production Apprenticeship in North Carolina, including curriculum development, administrative logistics, and the opportunities and challenges associated with registered agricultural apprenticeships. We will also share reflections on the successes and challenges of our first three years of the program. During the first two pilot cohorts we had 123 applications with more than 40 applications from military veterans with 13 veterans joining the apprenticeship program. Our pilot program demonstrates that registered agricultural apprenticeships are a viable pathway for recruiting and effectively training veteran and minority beginning farmers.

Availability of trained labor is a challenge for greenhouse and nursery growers in the U.S., and access to online education is limited in many countries. To supply this need, the Greenhouse Training Online extension program was initiated in 2015 at the University of Florida (UF). The goal of the program is to deliver bilingual professional development training on horticultural science. Four-week courses on crop management topics (basic skills, nutrients, weeds, diseases, water quality, climate management, and economics) are delivered in English and Spanish using an eLearning platform. Each course consists of eight pre-recorded lessons and associated assignments, with interactive feedback provided by instructors via email or discussion forums. Mandatory pre- and post- evaluation surveys were used to measure impacts. For 2023, a total of 563 participants enrolled in seven courses with 473 successfully completing requirements (84%). The completion rate is high for an extension program because of asynchronous delivery across time zones and work schedules, specific deadlines, a course fee to increase perceived value, interaction with instructors to customize instruction, and a certificate of completion as a graduation reward. Participants included 23% international, and 17% completed lessons in Spanish. The majority (73%) of participants were industry professionals in production and other roles, and 71% indicated that their highest level of horticulture training was either learned on the job, or in high school. The proportion of students rating their technical knowledge in the course topics as very good to expert increased from 11% to 53% following the completion of the courses. Instructors are currently from 12 institutions, and Michigan State University (MSU) and UF have collaborated since 2022 on a "Plant Health Professional" certificate program through their combined institutions. We have a keen interest in collaborating with university and industry partners to develop a comprehensive and coordinated curriculum tailored to the needs of the industry. UF is well-positioned to assist in promoting, hosting, or translating courses, to mitigate barriers to course development and enhance accessibility for learners. Overall, the Greenhouse Training Online program has proven to be a sustainable model for bridging a gap in horticultural education, and empowering greenhouse and nursery growers with the knowledge and skills needed for success in their industry.

Invasive species pose significant threats including economic losses in agriculture and horticulture, decreased biodiversity, human and animal health hazards, disruption of native ecosystems, and more. In the U.S., the losses due to invasive species were historically estimated at around $120 billion annually, but a more recent study suggests this cost is much higher at $1.2 trillion. Florida is a high-risk state for the introduction and establishment of invasive species due to the state’s diversity of agricultural commodities, mild winters, large number of international deep-water ports and airports, and highly desirable tourism operations. Research shows that the public plays an important role in early detection of invasive species, but awareness is critical to the development of strong volunteer-based networks. Licensed pesticide applicators, often the first to observe suspicious pests, play a crucial role in both early detection and ongoing management of non-native species in Florida. To address these challenges, the First Fridays with Florida First Detector webinar program was developed. This yearlong pilot program offered one-hour lunch time webinars on the first Friday of every month beginning in September 2022. Leveraging innovative online education techniques, the program aimed to connect diverse professional and public audiences across Florida. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of invasive species issues, webinars engaged multiple stakeholder groups including farmers, horticultural professionals, landscapers, land managers, master gardener volunteers, homeowners, and beyond. The content focused on increasing knowledge about invasive species, including the identification of species not yet detected and recently introduced species in Florida. The goals were to promote early detection of new species, monitor the spread of recently introduced species, and offer sustainable management recommendations for species currently impacting Florida. Each month highlighted a different pest group including invasive fruit flies, palm pests, wood boring insects, citrus pests, snails, and more. Post-reflective surveys demonstrated that 94.7% (n=675) of respondents increased their knowledge on invasive species and 99.9% intended to adopt at least one practice learned. Six-month follow up surveys, evaluating behavior implementation over time, showed that 97.5% (n=166) of respondents had adopted at least one practice (i.e. submitted samples of suspicious pests, employed integrated pest management, etc.) since attending a webinar. The findings underscore the effectiveness of interdisciplinary, collaborative approaches in addressing invasive species challenges. This presentation will discuss the methodologies and experiences in developing and implementing the one-year pilot program as well as the program’s future directions and potential applicability to other regions.

In today's high schools, students are often unaware of the diverse and meaningful careers available in horticulture, especially within controlled environment agriculture (CEA). From machine learning to design engineering, CEA encompasses a wide range of technical fields, yet these opportunities are frequently overlooked in state-led agriculture curricula. This presentation underscores the need for improved national communication among agriculture teachers to develop effective programs that educate students about the rich array of horticulture careers. We advocate for the creation of equipment and curriculum that vividly depict these career paths. Furthermore, there's a pressing need to expand students' awareness of post-secondary education options beyond state boundaries. While careers in medicine are well-known, horticulture careers, which are equally complex and rewarding, often go unnoticed by technically-minded students. As the demand for locally-produced, sustainable food rises, the need for skilled horticulturists in every niche grows. We urge for a greater influx of horticulture students to meet this demand and drive innovation in the field. In summary, this presentation highlights the urgency of bridging the gap between students and the myriad opportunities available in horticulture, particularly within the dynamic realm of controlled environment agriculture.

The cannabis and hemp industries have grown at a remarkable rate over the last decade, requiring the creation of comprehensive curricula to ensure proper workforce development. This discussion focuses on the educational initiatives employed at Cornell University to support industry growth and mitigate business failure in hemp-related fields. Our approach to curriculum design was tailored to meet the unique requirements for both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as industry stakeholders. This includes the creation of in-person and robust online hemp programs that are data-driven and up to date with the rapidly growing field of scientific knowledge. In doing so, we aim to ensure that students and the public are equipped with the most recent insights from scientifically-sound resources to support responsible practices within the industry, while also aligning with the institution’s curriculum standards. The School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS) at Cornell University has been at the forefront of offering hemp-specific courses including Cannabis: Biology, Society and Industry, Hemp Breeding, Hemp Production, Hemp processing, and Chemistry and Pharmacology of Cannabis since 2019, with two of them also available through the online certificate program. Additionally, many professionals in the cannabis industry participated in the Cannabis Science and Hemp Sciences concentration for one year master’s degree program, Master of Professional Studies (MPS) at Cornell University, with approximately 30 students completing the degree in 2023. We will also highlight prior years' student expectations in order to suggest effective educational experiences and the challenges of this growing discipline in the absence of a comprehensive textbook. Through sharing insights, best practices, and case studies, this presentation aims to inspire dialogue and collaboration among educators, industry professionals, and legislators to advance the development of cannabis education within higher education institutions.

Development of Crop Water Stress Index for Hazelnuts in the Willamette Valley Using Distributed Low-Cost Infrared Thermometers - Dalyn McCauley
Performance Evaluation of a Robust Chip-based RF sensor for Soil Moisture Determination - Jannatul Ferdaous Progga
Development and Demonstration of a Sensor-Based Method for Monitoring Container Substrate Fertility - Michelle Ezequelle
Enhancement of air quality in agricultural facility using particulate matter reduction systems - hyojae Seo
Experience with New Generation Horticultural Education, Research and Production Through Indoor Ag. - Bipul Biswas

Incorporating data-driven technologies into agriculture offers an effective strategy for optimizing crop production, particularly in regions reliant on irrigation. This becomes increasingly crucial in the face of escalating heatwaves and droughts associated with climate change. Recent advancements in sensor technologies have spawned various methods for assessing irrigation needs. Notably, infrared thermometry stands out as a non-destructive remote sensing method capable of monitoring transpiration, holding significant potential for integration into drone- or satellite-based remote sensing models. This study focuses on the application of infrared thermometry to develop a Crop Water Stress Index (CWSI) model for European hazelnuts (Corylus avellana), a significant crop in Oregon, the leading hazelnut-producing state in the United States. Using low-cost open-source infrared thermometers and data loggers, this research aims to provide hazelnut farmers with a practical tool for monitoring crop water status, improving irrigation efficiency, and ultimately enhancing hazelnut yields. The study, spanning from June to September 2021 in a ‘Jefferson’ hazelnut (Corylus avellana) orchard, applied three distinct irrigation treatments. The calibration of the low-cost IRT sensors achieved a high accuracy (R² = 0.99), validating their utility in detecting variations in canopy temperature consistent with irrigation treatments. The developed CWSI is well-correlated with traditional plant water status indicators including stem water potential, leaf conductance, and transpiration. These results demonstrate the potential of this model to accurately reflect physiological symptoms of water stress in hazelnuts. This research not only introduces a novel CWSI model tailored to hazelnuts but also underscores the utility of low-cost technology in enhancing agricultural monitoring and decision-making.

Controlling water cycles, anticipating disasters, and enhancing agriculture depends on accurate soil moisture understanding. To address climate-related challenges, precise and real-time measurements from soil moisture sensors are essential. Radio Frequency (RF) soil moisture sensors are wireless, low-cost, and simple devices that revolutionize agriculture with real-time accuracy, advance environmental science, and promote sustainable resource management. This study aims to calibrate an innovative chip-based RF sensor using the gravimetric method for moisture content detection. Sensor calibration will be performed for sandy and loamy soils, as varying soil types affect the dielectric constant and complex permittivity measured by RF sensors. The project will explore linear and polynomial regression machine learning techniques to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and reliability of the calibration curves. A pot test with sandy and loamy soils will validate the sensor for moisture content monitoring by comparing it with a commercial moisture content device. The detection range of the sensor is calibrated and validated up to 35% moisture content. This research can demonstrate the accuracy, simplicity, affordability, and robustness of the chip-based RF sensor for soil moisture detection, contributing to the improvement of precision agricultural enhancements.

Substrate electrical conductivity (EC) measurement is a required Best Management Practice (BMP) for the application of supplemental fertilizers in Florida nursery and greenhouse industries to protect and conserve water resources. The current method of measuring substrate EC is through the Pour-through (PT) procedure, a multi-step method in which representative plants are selected for EC measurement, and a predetermined volume of water is poured on the surface of each test plant. The resulting leachate is collected and EC is determined using an EC meter. This process can be extensive for large-scale nursery production zones, requiring a significant amount of time and manual labor. With the personnel shortages that exist in production nurseries, technologies are needed to improve and optimize EC measurement and recordkeeping so the BMP is effective. This project aims to develop a new, sensor-based method for measuring EC to reduce the time invested by producers compared to the current PT method and provide real-time information on the fertility status of container-grown plants. To achieve this goal, a variety of low-cost, soil-based EC sensors were selected for measuring container substrate EC. Laboratory tests were conducted to evaluate the impact of various environmental parameters on sensor performance and select an optimal sensor for use in this application. A sensor system was designed for field deployment and wireless communication was established to monitor sensor data remotely. A field study is currently being conducted to compare EC data obtained from the sensors to EC measurements collected manually using the PT procedure and develop a protocol for sensor deployment in nurseries. At the end of the experiment, a destructive soil sampling technique will be employed to examine salt stratification within the nursery containers and help determine optimal sensor placement in the pots. This study highlights the need for technology and data-driven methods in modern agricultural practices to address challenges such as production efficiency and personnel shortages.

In agricultural facility, which are equipped with mechanical and closed ventilation systems, have faced the challenge to reduce fine dust concentration for enhancing working environment. Among the dust sources, fruit fuzz, characterized by its dense and needle-like structure, can induce allergic symptoms in agricultural workers upon exposure to their respiratory systems and skin, adversely impacting their health and deteriorating the work environment. The focus of this research is the development of a fine dust reduction system aimed at enhancing the working conditions. The system operates by generating a downward airflow to prevent fine dust from reaching the workers' respiratory systems. To assess the efficacy of the fine dust reduction system, real-time measurements of dust concentrations were conducted at commercial peach sorting stations, both before and after the operation of this system. The findings revealed that during peach sorting task, the total dust concentration was 6.89 times higher than the normal condition, representing the critical need for reducing fine dust levels. The deployment of a particulate matter reduction system specifically within the fruit sorting area, a section identified for substantial dust generation due to the removal process of fruit covering bags, has led to a substantial decrease in airborne particulate concentrations. This targeted intervention resulted in an 80.4% reduction in Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) levels and a 60.3% decrease in PM-10 concentrations at the site of implementation. Additionally, a broader assessment across the entire sorting facility revealed a significant decline in fine dust levels, with TSP concentrations diminishing by 67.6% and PM-10 concentrations by 52.2%. This research underscores the efficacy of targeted fine dust control measures within agricultural facilities, markedly enhancing air quality and the occupational environment for agricultural laborers.

These days it has become almost impossible to depend on climate for agricultural production of any crops mainly horticultural crops. Unpredictable climate conditions have been a significant challenge to growers. Therefore, it is an urgent need for horticultural educators, researchers, and growers to come up with new approach to explore new farming techniques. This abstract is to discuss over 8 years experiences of research and education on Indoor Ag includes hydroponics with vertical, horizontal, fully automated, or partially automated farming techniques. It has enormous potential to overcome all challenges that is claimed to grow plants and global food security due to population growth, unpredictable climate, water scarcity, space, labor, and food safety related. Indoor Ag is mainly soilless, it is controlled environment agriculture (CEA). Opening educating opportunities to new generation who can come up with new innovative designs with new techniques to improve it for better. In recent times Indoor Ag has come up with very high expectation, and capable of growing plants from several hundred times more than traditional farming per year. Besides, Indoor Ag (IA) facility or controlled environment agriculture could produce the best quality crops. With the experiences in Indoor Ag along with traditional outdoor Ag, the conclusion is we need to develop education, research, and extension curricula about Indoor Ag, urgently. Indoor Ag as a new discipline it has a few challenges but could be overcome easily by our intelligent next generation students. They can take Indoor Ag education, research and production techniques as the future Horticulture. At present, globally a limited number of faculties and researchers has been involved that needed to be increased through interest and hands-on training in this new technology. It has been observed, most of the Indoor Ag is run by business owners and for business secret they cannot share their true success story to increase competition that we all agree. But we researchers who have been working for the better future to overcome multifaceted challenges can see the Indoor Ag as potential alternative. Therefore, now is the time we should adopt Horticultural education, research, and production through Indoor Ag. We need to develop academic courses, education, and research activities from K-12 to undergraduate and graduate programs in college and Universities. So, whoever involved in agricultural research and education at this moment Indoor Ag should be our goal to make it future global horticulture education, research, and production method.

Curated Literature as Continuing Education for Master Gardener Volunteers - Alicia Herzog
A Landscape Performance Evaluation of Sun-Loving Impatiens x hybrida in Mississippi - Scott Langlois
Evaluation of Selected Commercially Available Tabletop Hydroponic Systems and Their Performance on Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) Growth Characteristics - Leonard Githinji
Needs Assessment Evaluation to Inform Statewide Horticulture Newsletter - Cynthia Domenghini
Master Gardener Volunteers Learn Basic Plant Research Through the A.R.T.S. Rose Evaluation Program - Jeff Wilson

There has long been demand from the Master Gardener population for approved continuing education credit for reading specific literature. This program aims to fill that gap while defining a clear scope of acceptable reading material and demonstrable learning. A quarterly suite of reading materials was made available to program participants through email. Participants have one quarter (3 months) to read the materials and complete a quiz through Qualtrics. Participants who successfully completed the quarter were awarded one hour of continuing education toward their annually required minimum. Results from the first quarter of the study indicate positive change in knowledge across all areas surveyed from pre- to post-. For the first topic, tree care and planting, participants were asked to rank their knowledge about proper planting techniques, factors affecting decline in trees, selecting appropriate planting sites, identifying tree problems, and managing storm damage to trees. In all areas, at least a few participants reported not being knowledgeable at all prior to completing the educational materials. When asked about their knowledge after completing the materials, no participants reported this level of lack of knowledge. The greatest improvements were seen in the areas of knowledge about identifying tree problems and managing storm damage to trees. When asked about knowledge of managing storm damage to trees prior to completing the educational materials, 43.6% reported being not at all knowledgeable, 30.8% reported being slightly knowledgeable, 23.1% reported being moderately knowledgeable, and 2.6% reported being very knowledgeable. After completing the materials, 12.8% reported being slightly knowledgeable, 48.7% reported being moderately knowledgeable, 33.3% reported being very knowledgeable, and 5.1% reported being extremely knowledgeable. The assessment also included open-ended questions that asked participants to envision how they would put the knowledge to use in their volunteer roles. More research is needed to determine if knowledge gained from literature review is both worthwhile and feasible for volunteer development and continuing education. The study is being conducted over the course of a year, with participants able to opt out of any quarter they do not feel inclined to participate in. First quarter results show high participation and high knowledge gain, but more information is needed to see if engagement and knowledge gain remain high after the initial novelty period has worn off.

A long-standing favorite for shade gardens, Impatiens remain a popular choice for home gardeners who crave the multi-colored bloom options and long season performance. Many varietal choices currently exist for incorporation of these garden favorites into sunny locations. Full sun coupled with high heat and humidity of the deep South can add layers of challenges when growing Impatiens. A variety trial of sixteen cultivars of ‘sun safe’ Impatiens was conducted in Mississippi USDA hardiness zones 8b and 9a. Selected varieties of the SunPatiens® and Solarscape® series were procured as unrooted cuttings in the Spring of 2023 and after rooting and growing out in 3.25” pots, they were planted in the landscape as four 2-plant reps in full sun at two locations. These trials were conducted at the Mississippi State University South Miss Branch Experiment Station in Poplarville, MS and at the MSU Truck Crops Experiment Station in Crystal Springs, MS. Evaluations of flowering quality, plant health and overall landscape performance were made every two weeks on a 1-5 rating scale (5 = top rating). Irrigation was provided via drip tape daily. The summer of 2023 saw some of the driest and hottest weather observed in recent years at these locations with many days recorded over 100 degrees F. Results from the two trial sites showed the same two cultivars with the highest average numerical rating: SunPatiens® Classic White and Blush Pink (results not significant). This variety trial is expected to be expanded to include additional cultivars and locations in 2025.

With increasing urban populations and limited arable land for horticultural production, food security is becoming a growing concern worldwide. Hydroponic systems, defined as cultivation techniques involving soilless media, offers a potential solution to enhance food security by increasing urban food production. For this study three tabletop hydroponic systems, viz., iDOO, INT, and MUFGA were used for cultivating of Rex butterhead lettuce (Lactuca sativa). Three seeding trays, with 200 cells each embedded with rockwool were sowed 9 days before being transplanted into the hydroponic units. Growth parameters were recoded for 6 weeks, viz., plant height, and leaf number, length, and width. Visual rating (1 through 10) were also recorded. Additionally, the pH and the electrical conductivity (EC) of the nutrient solution were monitored. Following the harvest, fresh weight and root length were recorded. The data collected was subjected to ANOVA. Results indicated that plants grown in MUFGA unit were significantly (p

The Kansas State University Horticulture Newsletter is distributed to over 5,000 subscribers on a weekly basis for 50 weeks every year. The purpose of the newsletter is primarily educational, informing Kansas residents of the proper timing for garden-related tasks such as planting and maintenance. Other timely hot topics such as disease, pest monitoring and control methods are also provided. In January 2024 a needs assessment was deployed to all subscribers to evaluate their gardening behaviors and newsletter preferences. Almost 200 subscribers responded during the six weeks the needs assessment was available. Results indicate the primary audience is female (62%) over 60 years old (65%). Most subscribers (57%) use the newsletter to support their home gardening practices while 28% use it to support their community. Seventy-five percent of subscribers access the newsletter through the email distribution. Readers were asked their preferences for content they would like to receive in the newsletter. Thirty percent of subscribers rank vegetables as the topic of highest importance. The second highest ranked topic (18%) is garden spotlight content which features specific gardening practices of gardeners across the state. Sustainable gardening practices is the topic most requested to be added into future newsletters. This presentation will share details about providing an electronic resource to support gardeners and extension agents statewide.

Modern consumers prefer to purchase shrubs and trees for the home garden that can be sustainably grown without using preventative insecticides and fungicides. Roses, which are known to be high-maintenance plants, often requiring these preventative fungicides and insecticides for optimal garden performance. The American Rose Trial for Sustainability (A.R.T.S) program seeks to determine growth data of new rose cultivars that will hopefully require fewer preventative inputs. This trial was one of 13 locations from multiple regions across the country. Seventeen unknown rose cultivars were grown during 2022–2023 and 20 additional cultivars are being grown in 2023-2024, with no additional inputs beyond sufficient irrigation. Plants were installed in production beds amended with ammoniated pine bark and top-dressed with shredded pine bark mulch. A completely randomized block design with one replication per block, with 3 blocks was used. A rating system provided by the A.R.T.S. program was used and based on forty-five percent flowering, forty-five percent foliage health, and ten percent plant form. Plants were evaluated twice monthly from April through November by 2 two-person Master Gardener teams for 2 years. Evaluations are submitted electronically in real-time directly to the national trial site manager. This trial/research opportunity allows Master Gardeners first-hand knowledge of how basic plant research in conducted. The regional and national winning selections from will be released at the conclusion of each two-year trial.

Master Gardener Volunteers (MGV) are a highly trained corps of volunteers whose mission is to assist extension agents in providing research-based horticultural information and education to residents. MGV’s accomplish this through participating in a variety of volunteer activities including gardening, youth and adult education, writing articles, testing soil pH, and providing diagnostic services at plant clinics. An objective of this program is that 75% of MGVs will report improved wellbeing as a result of participating in the MGV program. Annual surveys have been distributed from 2019 to 2023 to access the benefits derived from participating in the program both as a volunteer and specifically as a volunteer in a garden setting. Results from 5 years of annual surveys revealed that as a result of participating in the MGV program: 87% (n=168) feel physically healthier; 77% (n=170) experienced reduced levels of stress; 88% (n=171) experienced improved mental health; 78% (n=169) increased social connectedness; 88% (n=171) increased overall life satisfaction; and 91% (n=170) feel they make a difference in their community. When these MGVs were surveyed about their experience specifically volunteering in a garden setting, 90% (n=132) reported improved mental health; 86% (n=136) increased social connectedness; 81% (n=131) increased energy and vitality; 91% (n=132) increased sense of wellbeing; 84% (n=132) improved outlook on life; 96% (n=131) increased physical activity; and 90% (n=131) improved physical health. Volunteers experience improved health and wellbeing from participating in the MGV program and from gardening opportunities the affiliation provides.

African Americans (AA) have a rich history intertwined with agriculture, yet modern agricultural opportunities often elude them. Despite the industry

Enchanted Garden 4-H Day Camp was inspired by our whimsical fairy garden, which is one of the most popular Florida-Friendly demonstration gardens located at UF/IFAS Extension St. Johns County Botanical Garden. The objective of this program is to cultivate appreciation for the natural environment and increase knowledge of sustainable horticultural principles among youth participants. Methods include teaching plant propagation, design and construction of a fairy house, clay saucer design, guided sensory walk, and a scavenger hunt in the garden. Problem solving, critical thinking skills, and teamwork were encouraged throughout this 2 day, 6 hour camp for youth ages 9 to 12. Integrative, experiential, and reinforcement methods of teaching were used to meet the various learning styles. Of the 18 youth participants in 2022 and 2023, 100% reported increased gardening knowledge; 89% increased appreciation for the natural environment; 83% learned how to transplant a plant; 100% increased construction and design skills; and 100% intend to share information learned with others. Additionally, 9 fairy houses were constructed for display in the garden, and each participant took home their new planters to hone their horticultural skills. Enchanted Garden Day Camp was successful in cultivating appreciation for the natural environment and increasing knowledge of horticultural principles among youth participants.

Conserving Soil Moisture in High Tunnels to Maintain Soil Health - Claire Barnhart
Introducing A New Biobased, Biodegradable Mulch: Lignocellulosic Film - Aidan Williams
Performance and suitability of biodegradable plastic mulches for winter strawberry production in Florida: Mulch deterioration, microenvironment modification, and growth and yield responses - Hadi Ghasemi
Plastic and Biodegradable Mulches in Agroecosystem: A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment Perspective to Environmental Impact and Economic Considerations - Oluwatunmise Dada

The use of polyethylene tarps is becoming popular for urban and small-scale vegetable farmers to manage weeds through occultation. Similar tarps can also be used as plastic mulch in high tunnels during the growing season. However, little is known about how this will affect crop productivity and soil moisture retention. Trials were conducted in 2022 and 2023 to determine the effect of white silage tarp, black silage tarp, paper mulch and black landscape fabric as compared to bare soil for lettuce and tomato grown in high tunnels. Two lettuce varieties (red and green) were planted in a split-plot randomized complete block design in the fall and tomatoes were grown during the summer. Soil samples were used in combination with soil moisture meter readings to determine gravimetric and volumetric soil moisture content throughout the season. Tomato trials were conducted in six high tunnels and six open-field plots. For both crops, harvesting occurred to monitor total, marketable, and non-marketable yield. According to a one-way ANOVA test, there was not a significant treatment effect in the 2022 lettuce trial. However, the 2023 lettuce trial revealed that white and fabric treatments were the most effective at conserving soil moisture. On average, there was 2.6% higher soil moisture in plots with white silage tarp and black landscape fabric as compared to the bare ground plots. In the high tunnel tomato trial, the bare plots had significantly lower volumetric and gravimetric soil moisture levels (P

Lignocellulosic film is a new biobased, soil-biodegradable mulch option for horticultural cropping systems, created as an environmentally friendly substitute to polyethylene (PE) and non-biobased soil-biodegradable mulch. PE mulch is widely known as a large contributor to agricultural plastic waste since it is made from non-biodegradable polymers. To provide a more sustainable alternative to PE mulch, commercially available soil-biodegradable mulches are on the market, as they are designed to biodegrade in soils upon tillage. One of the main limitations of the currently available soil-biodegradable mulches is that they are not allowed in certified organic agriculture, because they are not made with 100% biobased feedstocks. Lignocellulosic film is made with fully biobased, renewable feedstocks, such as wood chips, giving it the potential to address this problem. Lignocellulose is plant biomass consisting of the components of plant cell walls, which include lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. Wood chips are ground up, and through a facile dissolution/dispersion and regeneration process, lignocellulosic film is created. When preparing black lignocellulosic films, biochar may be added as a colorant. Within a recyclable solvent, the ground wood and biochar mixture are dissolved and/or dispersed. Once the mixture is cast into a sheet, it undergoes a washing and drying procedure, which results in an entirely biobased film. Information regarding the material properties of lignocellulosic film relative to other agricultural mulches will be presented along with future directions of research to improve end-of-life outcomes of agricultural mulch film in horticultural systems.

Biodegradable plastic mulches (BDMs) have been introduced as an alternative to polyethylene (PE) mulches, which are costly to remove and dispose of. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance and suitability of biodegradable plastic mulches for winter strawberry production in Florida. We conducted a field experiment using ‘Florida Brilliance’ short-day strawberry in the 2023-2024 winter season in West Central Florida. The experiment consisted of five mulch treatments: black PE mulch (control), black starch-based BDM (Mater-Bi®), black resin-based BDM (Ecovio®), white starch-based BDM (Mater-Bi®), and white resin-based BDM (Ecovio®). Although mulch deterioration was minimal on the bed top, it was more evident on the sides or at the base of the bed, especially for starch-based BDMs. Compared to black PE and BDMs, white BDMs increased light reflection and light interception by the canopy. Consequently, white BDMs recorded lower mulch surface, canopy, and fruit temperatures. White BDMs had 35% and 15% higher early season marketable yield (December–January) than black PE and BDMs, respectively, whereas total marketable yield did not show any significant difference. White BDMs showed significantly higher fruit soluble solids content than all black mulches. These results of suggest that the performance and suitability of biodegradable plastic mulches depend on their colors and compositions.

The rise in the use of agricultural plastic mulch films raises environmental concerns, necessitating sustainable alternatives. Despite acknowledged benefits, the widespread adoption of biodegradable mulch over traditional plastic mulch remains a topic of debate. This review employs a comparative life cycle assessment perspective to explore the interplay between environmental impact and economic considerations associated with the production, use, and end-of-life of plastic and biodegradable mulch films. It also postulates impact mitigation strategies for mulch use in agroecosystem. Overall, biodegradable mulch films demonstrate superior merits in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, but often contribute more to eutrophication, acidification, and land-use occupation compared to plastic mulch films. Environmental burden was found to vary based on polymer type, life cycle stage, end-of-life strategy, fertilizer application, additive content, film thickness, and climate. The manufacturing stage for both mulch types significantly contributed to greenhouse gas emissions and energy use, while plastic mulch film post-use stage contributed to human toxicity, ecotoxicity, eutrophication, acidification, GHG emissions, and photochemical effects depending on the end-of-life choices and adsorbed waste content. Energy and material recovery options are major strategies to mitigate post-use impacts, with recycling being preferable, albeit with the need to address eutrophication and human toxicity. Both mulch types increase yield, but deposited plastic mulch film residue creates soil health problems. On all fronts, biodegradable mulch films, especially starch-derived films, are more environmentally justifiable replacement for plastic mulch films, but higher production costs hinder widespread adoption. From an alternative perspective, straw mulch is a promising replacement for plastic mulch films in dryland areas due to yield, cost, and GHG reduction advantages. However, prevention of open burning and minimizing N-fertilizer applications to reduce N2O releases must be considered. The choice between plastic and biodegradable mulch films, therefore, requires a holistic assessment considering specific contextual nuances. This review elucidates these intricacies from economic, agronomic, and environmental viewpoints, providing an unbiased decision-making tool for agronomists, farmers, mulch film manufacturers, recyclers, and policymakers.

Hydroponic Production of Seed Ginger Rhizomes in Virginia - Christopher Mullins
Enhancing Monoterpene Indole Alkaloid Production in Catharanthus roseus Through Controlled Environment Cultivation and Hormone Applications - Matthew Housley
Multipronged Strategies to Combat Seed-Piece and Soil-borne Diseases of Ginger - Zelalem Mersha
Seed emergence of Fagonia indica, a plant with potential chemistry active against breast cancer. - Clinton Shock
Impact of Polyploid Induction on Apigenin Production in Parsley - Rebekah Maynard
Alzheimer’s Disease: Prospecting for Sterubin in California Yerba Santa - Clinton Shock
Genomic Variation in Wild Sabadilla (Schoenocaulon officinale, Melanthiaceae) Populations for Key Phenotypic Traits of Interest for Domestication and Breeding - Albert Radloff

The length of field growing season in the temperate and subtropical regions of the United States including Virginia, does not allow ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizomes to mature naturally. As a result, saving rhizomes as seeds is often impossible and the supply of seed ginger rhizomes (seeds) has been mostly from Hawaii. To mitigate this challenge, Cooperative Extension at Virginia State University attempted to produce ginger seeds hydroponically in a greenhouse for two years. In 2022/23, cultivar Chinese Ginger (4-6 buds/rhizome) was presprouted in the greenhouse using 1-gallon pots filled with soilless media in January and transplanted into 20-gallon fabric containers filled with soilless media or pine bark on May 6 or 17, 2023. Plants were fertigated on weekdays with a nutrient stock solution containing 6 oz 4-18-38 plus micros, 3 oz magnesium sulfate and 8 oz calcium nitrate per gallon. Seed harvests took place from January 15 to March 18, 2024. The yield was significantly higher with soilless media (12.7 lb./plant) than with pine bark (11.1 lb./plant) although the marketable yield was not statistically different. Plants in soilless media were difficult to harvest (heavy and wet soil, tangled roots). Marketable yield was the highest for plants harvested from 240-269 days after transplanting (DAT), followed by 270-289 DAT. Harvests after 290 DAT had 37-53% culls. The overall yield was not different in terms of transplanting dates, but May 6 transplanting had significantly less marketable rhizomes compared to May 14 transplanting. The first-year results favored using pine bark and harvesting 260-290 DAT. In 2023/24, ‘Blue Ring’ and ‘Yellow Ginger’ were added. Pre-sprouting started in March and transplanting occurred in late May 2023 with only pine bark as the media type. Fertigation and irrigation were discontinued in mid-December to allow media to dry. The yield of ‘Chinese Ginger’ raged from 11.3 lb./plant in early November 2023 to 13.7 lb./plant in late February 2024, indicating possible early harvests and curing if storage space is available, which would avoid heating greenhouse in deep winter. ‘Chinese Ginger’ had the highest yield (13.8 lb./plant), followed by ‘Yellow Ginger’ (12.5 lb./plant) and ‘Blue Ring’ (9.7 lb./plant). All three cultivars had 10-20% culls due to rotting (disease) and scarring. Our results proved the feasibility of ginger seed production in local greenhouses and the great yield with a hydroponic system. We will refine the system and test the quality of seeds in field and high tunnels in 2024.

The monoterpene indole alkaloids (MIAs) Vincristine and Vinblastine are medicinally important anti-tumor chemotherapy drugs derived from Catharanthus roseus metabolites, but the production of these alkaloids is difficult due to low levels in plant tissue and cost-prohibitive extraction methods. Cultivation of C. roseus in controlled environment systems could allow for increased production of desirable metabolites. There currently is a lack of knowledge concerning hydroponic and controlled environment production of C. roseus for alkaloid production. In two separate experiments, C. roseus was grown in deep water culture hydroponics (DWC) to determine its suitability for hydroponic cultivation and the effect of applying the plant hormones jasmonic and salicylic acids on MIA levels. In experiment 1, two cultivars, ‘Sunstorm Mix’ and ‘Cora Mix’, were cultivated under greenhouse conditions in DWC with two substrates, rockwool (Grodan AO 36/40) or 75% peat: 25% coir ( Jiffy Preforma *HP* DJ) and two fertilizer solution concentrations [150 or 300 mg/L N using a 15N-2.2P-12.4K water-soluble fertilizer (Jack’s Professional® LX 15-5-15 Cal-Mag LX)]. Shoot and root fresh and dry weight (SFW, SDW, RFW, RDW), leaf chlorophyll (CCI) and anthocyanin content (ACI), and total alkaloids (TA) were analyzed. The most favorable combination for many plant growth parameters measured was ‘Sunstorm Mix’ with Jiffy at 150 mg/L N, showing higher SFW, SDW, RFW, and RDW compared to other combinations. In experiment 2, ‘Sunstorm Apricot’ was cultivated under greenhouse conditions in DWC with the same75% peat: 25% coir using a modified Sonneveld solution at 150 mg/L N. Jasmonic and salicylic acids were applied at three rates and at two time points [34 and 41 days after transplant (DAT)]. Two sets of leaf samples were collected at 6,12,18 and 24 hours after application (HAA) and analyzed for the MIAs Vincristine and Vinblastine. Plants were destructively harvested 47 DAT for measurement of growth parameters FSW, FRW, DSW, and DRW. Together, these experiments assisted in improving the crop production for alkaloid use in healthcare and other applications.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is esteemed for its diverse uses in flavoring beverages, enhancing cuisines and offering medicinal benefits such as aromatherapy and home remedies. Yet, its global production struggles to meet demand due to persistent seed-piece and soil-borne diseases (SSDs) caused by fungi, bacteria, oomycetes and nematodes. Lack of genetic diversity because of vegetative propagation exacerbates the situation. This study explored the efficacy of hot water treatment (HWT, 47°C for 30 minutes or 52°C for 10 minutes), Trichoderma-based biocontrol products (BPs, RootShield®, RootShield®Plus) and chitosan (1 or 5g/L in 1% HCl) alone or in combination with each other using ‘Chinese’ variety grown in a 10-lber grow-bags in a high tunnel. Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. zingiberi) was inoculated (2 X 103 conidial suspension/ml) prior to and after HWT, BPs and / or Chitosan. Results showed significantly higher mortality when seed-pieces were treated and then inoculated with pathogen before planting than vice versa. In one of the experiments, ginger plants grew significantly taller when treated chitosan (5g/L) when compared with non-treated control. Dipping seed-pieces in BPs also showed significantly higher growth and yield compared to only HWT or the non-treated control. The research contributes components that can be added towards developing integrated preventative and curative measures to mitigate SSDs. Recently, leaf spot caused by Curvularia sp. and postharvest infections by Pythium sp. and Penicillium sp. are under investigation. Scouting research plots in high tunnels and a grower’s greenhouse also revealed arthropod damages by grasshoppers, caterpillars, mites and sucking insects in protected systems.

Phytochemicals from the genus, Fagonia, have potential beneficial effects on human health. Fagonia indica is a Pakistani traditional herbal medicine thought to be useful for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer Acid-hydrolyzed extracts of Fagonia indica have bioactivity on breast cancer MCF-7 cells in vitro. Horticultural production of Fagonia indica is largely undeveloped. Seeds planted without special treatment show poor emergence and come up slowly over many weeks. Seed treatments with vernalization, scarification, gibberellic acid soaking and their interactions were tested. Seed were treated and planted into mulch. Less than 1 percent of untreated seed emerged within 3 weeks of planting. Both seed scarification and gibberellic acid greatly enhanced emergence. Vernalization had a small effect on total emergence but did increase seedling emergence during the first two weeks following planting, Scarification and gibberellic acid could be refined by making variations in these practices.

Apigenin, an anticancer secondary metabolite, is produced in fruits, vegetables, and herbs, and has been used to prevent patient resistance to cancer treatments. Petroselinum crispum (parsley) is one of the highest natural producers of apigenin. Three parsley cultivars, ‘Darki’, ‘Giant of Italy’, and ‘Wega’, were trialed in an indoor vertical hydroponic system to determine biomass production and apigenin accumulation. The cultivar ‘Giant of Italy’ was selected as the superior cultivar with 0.16 mg apigenin accumulated in each plant and significantly higher biomass than the other cultivars. A viable strategy for increasing secondary metabolite production in plants is through polyploid induction. Although polyploid induction has not previously been used to increase apigenin, it has been used to increase production of other secondary metabolites including quercetin and kaempferol. ‘Giant of Italy’, which has been reported as 2n = 2x = 22, was induced to form tetraploid tissue by treating seeds with an antimitotic agent. Seed germination decreased with increasing treatment concentration and the surviving seeds were grown to maturity in a greenhouse. New leaf tissue was harvested for analysis, and tetraploid cells were confirmed using flow cytometry. Polyploid induction of ‘Giant of Italy’ in this study suggests potential for elevated apigenin production.

California yerba santa (Eriodictyon californicum) is a chaparral shrub of western California and south western Oregon. Its leaves are rich sources of natural flavonoids. Leaves collected from wild stands in general contain the flavonoids homoeriodictyol, eriodictyol, hesperetin, and smaller amounts of other flavonoids. These flavonoids are of possible medical value and are subjects of intensive medical research. California yerba santa leaves containing substantial amounts of the flavonoid sterubin would be of special interest due to sterubin’s potential activity against the enzymatic and inflammatory pathways leading to Alzheimer’s disease in humans as discovered by the Salk Institute of La Jolla, California. We collected leaf samples from SW Oregon through California over the range of plant distribution. Not all areas were sampled. Total flavonoid content in excess of 10 percent of leaf dry weight were common. Leaves with sterubin content were relatively rare. Sterubin content of several samples exceeded 5 percent of leaf dry weight.

Sabadilla (Schoenocaulon officinale), a perennial geophytic species with various medicinal properties and historical uses as a natural insecticide or “green pesticide”, has been used by human cultures in the Americas for >2,000 years. Its history parallels the domestication of pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium) in Europe with similar green pesticidal properties, although the active ingredients differ. Alkaloids extracted from sabadilla seeds have been used to control many insect pests also killed by pyrethrum as well as additional insect pests. With the renewed consumer interest in botanically derived products and the growth of organic chemical industries, S. officinale has re-emerged as a viable source for insect management. To meet market demands, rapid crop domestication must occur. However, sabadilla is an herbaceous perennial geophyte (tunicate bulbs) with an extended juvenility period of at least 64 wks and little is known about the phenotypic and genetic structure of wild populations, alkaloid content variation, and flowering times from seed. Current production is limited to wild-harvested seed (open-pollinated) in Venezuela which is threatening native populations. The purpose of this study was to assess phenotypic and genotypic structure of wild sabadilla populations and seed lots; species comparison with S. texanum were also performed. Through introduction of wild-sourced composite seed into a modern breeding and cropping system, phenotypic traits (rate of seed germination, growth rates, factors of flowering, timing of seed maturity, seed yield, and alkaloid content) were assessed in multiple locations. Genotypic analyses (GBS; DArTseqLD) were used to identify low density SNPs and determine genetic structure within and among wild species populations. Seed lots from varying locations in Venezuela showed distinct SNP arrays with little overlap. SNP-trait association of seed germination weeks was an unexpected, rather tight linkage. Both species are genetically distinct from each other. Phenotypic and genotypic data will be integrated with a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify SNP-trait associations and aid in marker-assisted selection.

The USDA National Plant Germplasm System (NGPS) is an invaluable resource to researchers and breeders of horticultural crops. Crop Germplasm Committees, with members from academic, private and governmental organizations provide expertise in a variety of topics, including collection priorities and vulnerabilities, identifying important traits for evaluation, and reviewing Plant Exploration and Evaluation grant proposals. The CGCs are a great opportunity for ASHS members to get more involved in setting germplasm related priorities for their crops of interest. This session gives an overview of the activities of the CGC and highlight activities of 3 specific CGCs. The talks will be followed by a 30-minute discussion session on avenues for increased interaction between the ASHS PIGs and the CGCs to ensure that germplasm collection priorities are relevant to the needs of stakeholders.


Coordinator(s)

• Cecilia McGregor, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States

Speaker/Participant(s)

• Gayle Volk, USDA, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States
  Introduction to Crop Germplasm Committees: An Opportunity to have an Impact on Crop Collections in the USDA-ARS National Plant Germplasm System (20 mins)
  Summary: The USDA-ARS National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) maintains over 620, 000 accessions of more than 200 crops at 22 sites around the United States. Most crop collections have Crop Germplasm Committees (CGC) that provide guidance to the curator with regard to vulnerabilities, acquisitions, maintenance, genotypic characterization, phenotypic evaluations and distribution. CGCs welcome new members to improve the quality and impact of the NPGS collections.
• Glenn Wright, University of Arizona - Yuma Agriculture Center, Yuma, AZ, United States
  The Rewards and Challenges of Chairing Two Crop Germplasm Committees (20 mins)
  Summary: The Citrus CGC and the Date Palm CGC are both affiliated with the National Clonal Germplasm Repository for Citrus and Dates in Riverside, CA. Membership of both committees include representatives of the federal government, academia, and industry. Activities of both committees include advising the NCGRCD on critical issues, including staffing, infrastructure, threats to the genebank, and germplasm backup, acquisition, sanitation, and distribution. We also advise repository staff on project plans, relevant research, and strategic planning. Finally, the committees comment and approve germplasm evaluation, plant exploration and plant exchange proposals.
• Kim Shearer, The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL, United States
  Seeing the Forest for the Trees (20 mins)
  Summary: The Woody Landscape Plant Crop Germplasm Committee has a somewhat unique task in that the wild crop relatives can include all of the trees and shrubs of all of the forests. As a group, we found that the task of identifying priorities and vulnerabilities limited to specific taxonomic categories seemed insurmountable. How could we predict an event like the introduction of emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) wiping out native floodplain forests and masses of street trees? What can be lost in an uncertain future with the onset of climate change? And how could we communicate this vulnerability in a way that was politically palatable? In this talk, the strategy for developing a new crop vulnerability statement and QUAD will be presented along with some examples of projects that have been funded and implemented for both plant exploration and evaluation.
• Cecilia McGregor, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
  Crop Germplasm Committees: An Opportunity for Value-added Research (20 mins)
  Summary: The Cucurbit Crop Germplasm Committee (Cucurbit CGC) includes experts from local and global academic institutions and private industries, as well as the federal government. In addition to the routine activities of the CGC, the participation of several Cucurbit CGC members in the federally supported SCRI CucCAP and CucCAP2 projects provided the opportunity for improved coordination and alignment of federally funded academic research and germplasm priorities This contributed to the development of tools and resources that adds value to the existing Cucurbit germplasm collections.