Category: Greenhouse Strawberries

What You Can’t See Can Hurt You and Your Bumblebees!

Published on by Fadi Al-Daoud

The Importance of Monitoring Natural UV Light Levels in Your Greenhouse

Authors: Dr. Fadi Al-Daoud1, Sharon Kitur1, and Dr. Caroline Strang2

1 Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA), Harrow, Ontario

2 University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario

Summary

Most Ontario greenhouse producers monitor light levels outside and inside their greenhouses to optimize their growing conditions for maximum yield. This article discusses how ultraviolet (UV) light levels inside greenhouses are affected by greenhouse coverings, and how this may impact bumblebees used for pollination of many greenhouse fruit and vegetable crops. It demonstrates how monitoring natural UV light levels inside greenhouses can benefit producers and allow them to make more informed decisions about their production practices.

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GrowON presents: How to Use Light Spectral Combinations to Steer Plants

Published on by Fadi Al-Daoud

Exciting new research from Dr. Youbin Zheng (University of Guelph) explores how plants respond to different light spectra and spectral combinations.

This GrowON talk was on July 22nd 1:00-2:30 p.m. EST in-person at Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG) and online.

Learn more about how to apply spectral variations to a diverse set of crops by accessing the recording and presentation files below.

Continue reading “GrowON presents: How to Use Light Spectral Combinations to Steer Plants” →

Effect of Light Abatement Curtains on the Greenhouse Environment

Published on by Fadi Al-Daoud1 Comment

Information on how light abatement curtains can be used and their effect on the greenhouse environment.

Continue reading “Effect of Light Abatement Curtains on the Greenhouse Environment” →

GrowON Lunch and Learn: Dynamic LED Lighting and the Circadian Rhythm

Published on by Fadi Al-Daoud

Access the recording and presentation from the GrowON lunch and learn that occurred on May 12, 2023 (12:00-1:00 PM EST) in person and online to learn about the effect of dynamic LED lighting on the circadian rhythm of crops.

Continue reading “GrowON Lunch and Learn: Dynamic LED Lighting and the Circadian Rhythm” →

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Enrichment in Controlled Environment Agriculture – Is it always a good idea?

Published on by Fadi Al-Daoud

Authors:

Dr. Fadi Al-Daoud (Greenhouse Vegetable Specialist, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Harrow, ON)

Dr. Xiuming Hao (Research Scientist, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Harrow, ON)

Table of contents:

  1. Introduction
  2. What is CO2?
  3. CO2 Enrichment and Plant Physiology
  4. CO2 Enrichment and High Light and Heat
  5. So, is CO2 enrichment always a good idea?
  6. References
Continue reading “Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Enrichment in Controlled Environment Agriculture – Is it always a good idea?” →

GrowON Lunch and Learn: Autonomous Greenhouse – Improving Production and Sustainability

Published on by Fadi Al-Daoud1 Comment

Enjoy this recording of the GrowON lunch and learn that took place in person at Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers and online (March 20, 2023) and learn more about autonomous growing technologies.

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GrowON Webinar: Greenhouse Dehumidification – a tool for dealing with the carbon crisis

Published on by Fadi Al-Daoud

We hope you enjoy this recording of the GrowON webinar about greenhouse dehumidification with Dr. Jeanine West, environmental specialist with Flowers Canada (Ontario) and Marco de Leonardis (Freeman Herbs).

Continue reading “GrowON Webinar: Greenhouse Dehumidification – a tool for dealing with the carbon crisis” →

Managing Nighttime Greenhouse Light Emissions

Published on by Fadi Al-Daoud
Nighttime greenhouse light emissions. Photo credit – Benjamin Snow, University of Guelph.

Author: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)

An increase in the use of supplemental lighting in greenhouses has been accompanied with an increase in the amount of light emitted from greenhouses at night during fall and winter months. Without proper management strategies, light emitted from greenhouses during nighttime hours can potentially be disruptive to neighbouring residents. As a result, the objective of this document is to outline the latest research in greenhouse light management for producers and to provide information on managing nuisance complaints should they arise.

Continue reading “Managing Nighttime Greenhouse Light Emissions” →