ASHS 2024 Conference

Metware Biotechnology Inc.

A forum for discussion of potential collaborations with regards to plant growth and culture – i.e. propagation, root growth, water management, weed control, PGRs, plant nutrition, etc.

A forum for discussion of potential collaborations with regards to international horticulture – i.e. International issues and networking, international consultants, international horticulture groups, etc.

The Department of Horticultural Science at North Carolina State University is located in Raleigh, NC. The program has 3 graduate degrees, MHS (non thesis and optional DE), MS (thesis) and PhD (dissertation). Studies range from landscape design, production, sustainable agriculture, herbicide and weed science, plant physiology, breeding, molecular biology and biotechnology, and genomics. Research is conducted in modern labs, excellent controlled environment and greenhouse facilities, and 18 field research stations across the state. Thirty-one graduate faculty are located on campus and at off campus research sites. We currently have 60 graduate students in the 3 programs. The department has a number of graduate assistants available each year that provide the student with a stipend and pay for the tuition. Raleigh is located in the center of the state with easy access to highways, an international airport, many parks and greenways, and is just a short drive to the mountains and the beach. Raleigh is a cosmopolitan city and is one corner of the Research Triangle Park, a community of numerous universities, colleges, and biotech research companies.

A forum for discussion of potential collaborations with regards to ornamentals – i.e. floriculture, nursery crops, breeding, turf, ornamentals industry, botanic gardens, landscape industry, orchids, etc.

Come to the Hort Theater to hear about exciting job opportunities with Driscoll’s, the global leader in fresh market berries! You’ll hear an overview of our business operations and locations as well as the types of roles we hire for and what we look for in prospective candidates. You may even hear a few tips and tricks to help get your application noticed that you can use with us – or other prospective employers. Please join for an informal presentation and short Q&A session.

This year Conviron is launching three new products:
•             GEN1000-ECO (introduction date: April 16, 2024)
•             ConvironDirect (introduction date: March 4, 2024)
•             PGR15/E15 LED Retrofit (introduction date: Jan 5, 2024)
GEN-1000-ECO:
The GEN1000-ECO is a new compact reach in chamber ideal for short and tall plant research that comes standard with humidity control and energy efficient features such as a smaller compressor and LED lighting - for up to 15% reduced energy consumption. Low, medium and high light options are available to meet a range of research requirements.
ConvironDirect:
ConvironDirect is a new premium software tool that enables users to manage chamber setpoints and actual conditions remotely through any building LAN connected desktop, notebook or handheld mobile device. ConvironDirect is ideal for users that have Conviron reach-in plant growth chambers or walk-in rooms and want a seamless connection to their chamber, their plants, and their data from virtually anywhere.
PGR15/E15 LED Retrofit:
Fluorescent lamps such as T5, T8 and T12 have been the standard for many years and have been used in tens of thousands of plant growth chambers around the world. However, fluorescent lighting is trending towards obsolescence and replacement lights are increasingly difficult to source economically. Conviron is now offering a retrofit for aged PGR15-E15 chambers to enable users to take advantage of the latest LED lighting technology and save up to 80% on energy costs.

People in academics and in the industry are regularly asked to write letters of recommendation for students, or even employees.  Writing recommendation letters is generally not something people learn or get formal guidance about.  And it’s not something that graduate students typically learn in their degree program. Undoubtedly, many members of our industry and profession will have (student) requests for a support letter for a scholarship, internship, employment, promotion, etc.  Based on personal experience reviewing hundreds of scholarships and award applications for several programs, this presentation will provide insight to assist in writing effective letters of recommendation. Providing a quality recommendation requires thought and effort to enhance the requestor’s success. Specific items a recommender should consider when crafting a recommendation ideally would include obtaining the person’s current resume; a copy of the scholarship or opportunity they are applying to so the nominator can specifically address and connect the individual to the opportunity; specific details including when the recommendation is needed, format required, etc.  Things to consider in the nomination letter include specific relationship to the individual; anecdotes with the particular person that can set the candidate apart; relevant industry/work experiences; awards, recognitions, and involvements, especially if they are not always included in the resume.  Authors should avoid letters that are too long, or too short, and adhere to any limitations outlined by the request. Avoid simply repeating or rehashing the student’s resume, instead provide more detailed insight and praise related to specific resume items.  Sometimes sharing the letter with the student can be appropriate.  It provides an opportunity for them to express concern for something that the author might have over-represented or, perhaps add something the author did not include that could increase impact.  Moreover, the letter is form of feedback and can foster a growth mindset and has the potential to enhance the student’s performance. Additionally, this activity should and can be documented for a faculty performance review.  Writing letters can be time consuming and rewarding, both for the nominee and yourself.  Hopefully insight shared will assist individuals with constructing quality support letters and recommendations.

A forum for discussion of potential collaborations with regards to fruit, vegetable, and edible crops – i.e. citrus, breeding, production systems, postharvest, pomology, crop management, viticulture, etc.

A forum for discussion of potential collaborations with regards to specialty crops – i.e. hemp, herbs, medicinal plants, and tropicals, breeding, production, etc.

A forum for discussion of potential collaborations with regards to technology in horticulture – i.e. biotechnology, UAVs, cameras, sensors, artificial intelligence, etc.

Traditional disciplines in food and agriculture education are insufficient to fulfill the gaps of knowledge and innovation to solve future challenges. How agriculture and farming have been perceived is very different from what reality needs to be. We will share examples and current jobs available in an integrated farming/food system program in North Carolina to provide skill training, career development, and workforce development opportunities within a private/public collaboration. The integrated approach including production, marketing, finance, risk management, renewable energy, Workload, expectations, and types of tasks will be explained including compensation and other support.