Nurseries

Nurseries

	Consultation on Growing Practices We provide technical information based on research and industry standards such as pruning, irrigation and fertilization. *"Roots of Change for the Better"* A 3-page document by Dr. Edward Gilman, University of Florida, published in 2009 in "Arborist News", the magazine of ISA (International Society of Arboriculture). The same material was presented in October 2009 in Kelowna, B.C. at the Annual Training Meeting of the ISA-PNW (International Society of Arboriculture, Pacific Northwest chapter.)

	Diagnostic of Plant Problems We provide on-site diagnostic of plant problems and recommendations for action. We collect soil and plant tissue samples for laboratory analysis. We provide a technical report on identification and recommendations. Including interpretation of laboratory results. Including the preparation of soil-fertilizer blends and fertilization programs. For more details, see the page Diagnostic Services *"Common Symptoms Of Nutrient Deficiencies In Ornamental Plants"* A flyer of common nutrient deficiencies of landscape plants in the B.C. Interior region. Presented in Kelowna, B.C. in October 2009 at the annual Pacific Northwest chapter meeting of the ISA (International Society of Arboriculture.)

	IPM Programs We design customized Integrated Pest Management programs. For more details, see the page Pest management "Integrated Pest Management in Nurseries" A 5-page document designed to be a step-by-step process to start, develop and maintain a program that is successful and adaptable to the special needs of each nursery. Prepared for publication in the "B.C. Landscape and Nursery Production Guide", 2001. *"Biology And Management Of Spruce Spider Mites"* A 2-page article on life cycle and management of spruce spider mites., Published in October 2003 in "Arborist News", the magazine of the ISA. "Ash Leafcurl Aphid (Prociphilus fraxinifolii Riley): Field Studies In The Okanagan Valley, British Columbia" Results from field monitoring by our company in the Okanagan Valley. Presented in November 2003 in Kelowna B.C. at the annual meeting of the Entomological Society of Canada. *"The Ash Borer Podosesia syringae (Lepidopter:Sesiidae): the morph fraxini as a new pest of nurseries in Western Canada"* Poster explaining the pest problem and use of pheremone-baited lures. Presented in 2008 in Edmonton, A.B. at the annual meeting of the Entomological Society of Alberta. *"Influence of Container Mulches on Irrigation and Nutrient Management"* Authored by Dr. James Altland (Oregon State University) and Mario Lanthier Published in 2007 in the Journal of Environmental Horticulture *"Non-chemical weed control with mulches and disks for nursery container production"* Poster results from trials in nurseries with various commercial mulches and disks. Presented 2006 in Victoria, B.C. at the meeting of the Canadian Weed Science Society.

	Monitoring We use a variety of methods to inspect crops on a regular basis and determine optimum timing for treatment options. For more details, see the page Monitoring Services "Monitoring Calendar For Insect Pests Of Ornamental Plants In The Okanagan Valley, British Columbia" An 11-page text on seasonal appearance of insect pests based on monitoring data from a 10-year period. Prepared in 2001 for publication in the "B.C. Nursery & Landscape Pest Management & Production Guide".

	Porosity Testing We help to select the materials and ratios in preparing a potting mix that has adequate porosity while using locally available ingredients. For more information about porosity testing, see the article Importance of Aeration in Container Media published by the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, available at http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/ornamentals/floriculture/aeration.pdf

	Research Trials We set-up and maintain on-site trials to verify growing procedures and test products such as growing media and controlled release fertilizers. For more information about this topic, visit the page Research Services. Herbicide trial "Flumioxazin, a herbicide for pre-emergence control of groundsel, bittercress and liverwort in nursery container production" Results from field trials over 3 years at different nurseries in British Columbia and Alberta. Presented in 2006 in Victoria, B.C. at the annual meeting of the Canadian Weed Science Society. Mycorrhizal fungi for plant propagation trial "Mycorrhizal Fungi: Impact of Commercial Products in Nursery Propagation" A 13-page text presenting results from field trials over many years. Presented in 2006 in Coquitlam, B.C. at the Western Region meeting of the IPPS (International Plant Propagator's Society). The PowerPoint presentation is available from the website of IPPS at http://www.ippswr.org/home/ippsna/2006/Presentations/Lanthier.pdf. Mycorrhizal fungi for nursery production "Perspectives on the use of commercial mycorrhizae products in nursery production" A 4-page text reviewing results of studies in container production. Presented in 2003 in Burlington, Ontario at the Landscape Ontario Growers Short Course.

	Calibration of Spray Equipment We conduct on-site visits to help calibrate sprayer equipment. A calibrated sprayer uses expensive pesticides more efficiently and gets the results that are required.

	Staff Training We offer training services on specific topics. Training workshops for employees are available and specific topics can be organized. For more information, please visit the page Training and Classes.