2025 Session Details

 The 2025 Northeast Greenhouse Conference has passed. The information below is listed for reference only. 

Click on Session Titles below to see descriptions, presenters, and locations.
Learn more about the presenters here. 

Download a PDF version of the program!

Presentations for which Pesticide Applicator Recertification Credit has been approved are indicated with the insect symbol to the right.

​Please note that two of those presentations were approved for New England states, but not for New York.
​These two presentations are indicated by an asterisk (*) at the end of their titles.

Additional information about pest credits can be found here.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12

BLOCK 1 (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM)

Pesticides and Pollinators: What Are The Facts?
PRESENTER: Raymond Cloyd, Kansas State University
TRACK: Disease & Pest Management 1

Raymond will discuss the direct and indirect effects of pesticides on pollinators (e.g. bees), how pollinators are exposed to pesticides, and how fungicides may be directly and indirectly harmful to pollinators. Raymond will then address the ways to avoid exposing pollinators to pesticides.
LOCATION: Pemigewasset
CREDITS: Yes

POSibilities Unlocked: Planting Systems for Lasting Profit
PRESENTER: Erin Pirro, Sepe Farm, LLC
TRACK: Business & Marketing

Your point-of-sale system isn’t just for ringing up sales—it’s your underused secret weapon for making smart, sustainable business decisions. In this workshop, we’ll use Sepe Farm’s real life data to explore how to track what matters, avoid common pitfalls, and align your system with what you really want to know. From understanding true costs and profit to decoding reports that drive action, we’ll help you plant the seeds for more profitable outcomes—no tech degree required.
LOCATION: Piscataquog/Merrimack
CREDITS: No

Customizing your Recirculated Hydroponic Solution Recipe
PRESENTER: Ryan Dickson, University of Arkansas & Stephanie Cruz, University of Arkansas
TRACK: Hydroponic Production

This session will cover the basics of managing nutrients in recirculated hydroponic solutions and building custom-formulated hydroponic solution recipes. Participants can expect a review of the applied nutrient management principles for hydroponics as well as learn strategies for custom-formulating hydroponic starter and replenishment solutions to optimize plant growth and help keep nutrients and solution pH stable. This session is designed for an intermediate level.
LOCATION: Frost/Hawthorne
CREDITS: No

The Low-Down on the Down-Low: Growing Media
PRESENTER: Brian Jackson, North Carolina State University
TRACK: Soilless Substrates

The growing media industry continues to face many challenges that can impact growers. This presentation will give the latest updates on the current geopolitical and regulatory status of different media and media components, and insights on new materials and their applications, including wood fiber, that are being researched and used in production.
LOCATION: Contoocook
CREDITS: No

BLOCK 2 (10:30 AM - 11:30 AM)

Managing Pesticide Resistance
PRESENTER: Samantha Willden, Cornell University
TRACK: Disease & Pest Management 1

Pesticides are an important tool for managing invertebrates in greenhouses. However, many of the common targets (thrips, spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies) are well known to rapidly develop resistance to pesticides. With effective pesticide options in greenhouses becoming increasingly limited, preserving the efficacy of existing products is more critical than ever. The goal of any resistance program is reducing selection pressure of target pests. This talk will discuss how to achieve this using diverse strategies that apply to diverse greenhouse operations. 
LOCATION: Pemigewasset
CREDITS: Yes

Farm Labor Management and Communication
PRESENTER: Anna Meyerhoff, New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health and Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety
TRACK: Business & Marketing

This session will review best practices for more effective communication with staff that speak English as a second language. We will discuss free resources for training workers, increasing engagement, and improving workplace culture.
LOCATION: Piscataquog and Merrimack
CREDITS: No

Root Zone Management for Healthier Hydroponic Systems
PRESENTER: Camilo Villouta, University of Rhode Island
TRACK: Hydroponic Production

This talk will cover practical strategies for monitoring and managing root-zone EC, pH, and temperature in recirculating systems to optimize nutrient uptake and reduce disease risk. Attendees will learn how small shifts in root-zone conditions can impact crop performance and what tools and techniques can help maintain a healthy growing environment.
LOCATION: Frost/Hawthorne
CREDITS: No

Improving Microbial Activity of Growing Media: How and Why*
PRESENTER: Anissa Poleatewich, Mycorrhizal Applications
TRACK: Soilless Substrates

The design and management of horticultural production systems can influence soil microbial community structure (who is there) and function (what they are doing). Research has demonstrated that the microbial community in soil can have profound implications on plant health (and productivity) and thus are important to consider in agriculture. For this reason, strains of beneficial microbes have been commercialized for use in crop production systems to enhance plant growth, reduce disease, improve nutrient use efficiency, and conserve water. The importance of these soil microbes also applies to plants grown in bag or container systems using soilless substrates. The use of microbial biostimulants and biopesticides has been gaining traction in greenhouse production to promote plant health but deciding which products to use and how to maximize their efficacy has perplexed growers and intrigued researchers for years. This session will review the importance of soil microbes in horticultural production and describe how the physiochemical properties of different types of soilless substrates influence the native soil microbial community and the activity of introduced microbial-based products. In this session you will also learn about best practices for incorporating microbial biostimulants and biopesticides in greenhouse production.
LOCATION: Contoocook
CREDITS: Yes (only for New England states)

BLOCK 3 (1:30 PM - 2:30 PM)

Battling Bacteria - Tips on Identifying and Managing Bacterial Diseases in Greenhouse Crops
PRESENTER: Nora Catlin, Cornell University
TRACK: Disease & Pest Management 2

Avoid crop losses by learning to identify and manage bacterial diseases in greenhouse crops. Attendees will learn how to recognize symptoms and understand conditions that can promote outbreaks. The presentation will also cover best practices for prevention and management.
LOCATION: Pemigewasset
CREDITS: TBD

¡Enseñe a su personal cómo regar!/Train your Staff How to Irrigate!
PRESENTER: Paul Fisher, University of Florida with Nelda Hernandez, University of Florida
TRACK: Spanish Session

Saber cuándo y cuánto regar es clave para la rentabilidad, pero siempre necesitamos capacitar a los nuevos empleados. La IFAS Extensión de la Universidad de Florida ofrece módulos de minicertificación que combinan videos en línea y actividades prácticas que puede usar para capacitar a su personal. Aprenda cómo convertirse en un entrenador certificado y acceda a los recursos. Consistency in knowing when and how much to water is key to profitability, but with staff turnover we are always needing to train new employees. The University of Florida IFAS Extension has mini-certificate modules that blend online videos and hands-on activities you can use to train your staff. Learn how to become a certified trainer and access the resources.
LOCATION: Frost/Hawthorne
CREDITS: No

The Best of the Best, Annual and Perennial Results from the Penn State Flower Trials
PRESENTER: Krystal Snyder, Pennsylvania State University
TRACK: Floriculture Production 1

Get a look at the top-performing varieties of annuals and perennials showcased at Penn State's acclaimed Flower Trials, held each summer at the Southeast Agricultural Research & Extension Center in Manheim. This session highlights the standout winners. Krystal Snyder will unpack performance data, share insights on plant quality, growth habits, and environmental adaptability.
LOCATION: Piscataquog/Merrimack
CREDITS: No

Growing Cut Flowers in a Greenhouse
PRESENTER: Stephanie Burnett, University of Maine
TRACK: Cut Flowers

Greenhouses provide opportunities for season extension and control of flowering time for cut flower growers. Stephanie will discuss techniques for growing cut flowers in greenhouses and share recent research on the benefits of various greenhouse production systems.
LOCATION: Contoocook
CREDITS: No

BLOCK 4 (2:30 PM - 3:30 PM)

Going Viral: Viruses in the Greenhouse
PRESENTER: Dominique Holtappels, Cornell University
TRACK: Disease & Pest Management 2

Not all viral trends are welcome, especially in the greenhouse. During this talk, we will explore how plant viruses spread in greenhouses, the symptoms to watch for, and practical steps to reduce risks and respond effectively. From insect vectors, sanitation strategies, and even the good guys, we'll break down what it really means when plants start going viral. 
LOCATION: Pemigewasset
CREDITS: Yes

Pesticidas, la seguridad en el trabajo, y el equipo de protección personal/Pesticides, Workplace Safety, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PRESENTER: Anna Meyerhoff, New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health and Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety
TRACK: Spanish Session

Esta sesión en español proveerá información sobre cómo prevenir lesiones, enfermedades por calor, y exposición a pesticidas cuando trabaja en agricultura. Vamos a hablar sobre la seguridad en el trabajo, y el uso de equipo de protección personal (PPE, por sus siglas en inglés), incluyendo los respiradores. This session in Spanish will provide information about how to prevent injuries, heat illness, and pesticide exposure while working in agriculture. We will talk about workplace safety and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including respirators.
LOCATION: Frost/Hawthorne
CREDITS: Yes

Water Treatments Theory and Practice*
PRESENTER: Rosa Raudales, University of Connecticut
TRACK: Floriculture Production 1

This presentation will provide an overview of water treatment systems tailored for the irrigation of floriculture crops, emphasizing the importance of water quality for plant health and quality. It explains common contaminants and their impact, including pathogens, salts, chemical residues, and solid particles. Various treatment methods will be discussed, highlighting their effectiveness, costs, and suitability for different production systems. Case studies are presented to illustrate practical applications.
LOCATION: Piscataquog/Merrimack
CREDITS: Yes (only for New England states)

Cut Flowers that Work!
PRESENTER: Dave Dowling, Ball Seed
TRACK: Cut Flowers

Discover the varieties to grow to turn a profit. Greenhouse, high tunnel, and field crops will be covered.
LOCATION: Contoocook
CREDITS: No

BLOCK 5 (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM)

Identification of Mites in Greenhouse Production Systems
PRESENTER: Raymond Cloyd, Kansas State University
TRACK: Disease & Pest Management 2

Raymond will discuss the biology, ecology, feeding, and damage associated with mites in greenhouse production systems. Raymond will then address the management strategies, including cultural, pesticidal, and biological, that can be implemented to manage mite pest populations below plant damaging levels.
LOCATION: Pemigewasset
CREDITS: Yes

Identificación de enfermedades en cultivos ornamentales comúnmente producidos en invernaderos/Disease Identification of Common Ornamental Crops Grown in Greenhouses
PRESENTER: Rosa Raudales, University of Connecticut
TRACK: Spanish Session

Esta presentación se centrará en la identificación de enfermedades comunes que afectan a los cultivos ornamentales en invernaderos. Discutiremos síntomas clave, técnicas de diagnóstico y características distintivas de las enfermedades causadas por oomicetos, hongos, bacterias y virus. Se presentarán ejemplos prácticos y ayudas visuales para ayudar a los productores a reconocer los problemas a tiempo e implementar estrategias de manejo efectivas./This presentation focuses on the identification of common diseases affecting ornamental crops grown in greenhouses. It covers key symptoms, diagnostic techniques, and distinguishing features of major diseases caused by oomycetes, fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Practical examples and visual aids are used to help growers recognize issues early and implement effective management strategies.
LOCATION: Frost/Hawthorne
CREDITS: Yes

Train your Staff How to Irrigate!
PRESENTER: Paul Fisher, University of Florida with Nelda Hernandez, University of Florida
TRACK: Floriculture Production 1

Consistency in knowing when and how much to water is key to profitability, but with staff turnover we are always needing to train new employees. The University of Florida IFAS Extension has mini-certificate modules that blend online videos and hands-on activities you can use to train your staff. Learn how to become a certified trainer and access the resources.
LOCATION: Piscataquog/Merrimack
CREDITS: No

Tips on Manipulating the Day Length to Extend the Cut Flower Season
PRESENTER: Roberto Lopez, Michigan State University
TRACK: Cut Flowers

Do you struggle getting your cut flowers ready for holidays such as Valentines Day, Easter, and Mother’s Day? Learn which specialty cut flower crops are day length sensitive and how to improve cut flower quality and reduce time to harvest. Roberto will also share the latest MSU research on how crops such as dahlia, ranunculus, snapdragons, etc. can be induced into flower earlier in the field, high tunnel or greenhouse
LOCATION: Contoocook
CREDITS: No

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13

BLOCK 1 (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM)

Pesticides and Beneficials: The Challenge of Integrating Them Effectively
PRESENTER: Suzanne Wainwright-Evans, Bug Lady Consulting
TRACK: Disease & Pest Management 3

Combining pesticides with beneficial insects is tricky. In this practical presentation, Suzanne Wainwright-Evans (The Buglady) shares real-world insights on how to best integrate chemical pesticides into a program when needed—without completely derailing your biocontrol efforts. Learn which products are compatible, how application methods can matter, and how to make informed choices based on science, not guesswork.
LOCATION: Pemigewasset
CREDITS: Yes

Tips for Growing Foliage Plants in the North
PRESENTER: Roberto Lopez, Michigan State University
TRACK: Floriculture Production 2

Are you interested in growing foliage plants or refining your propagation and production practices to reduce crop timing? Join Roberto as he will provide you with temperature, light, irrigation, and PGR recommendations for the top foliage crops. He will also show you how to identify physiological disorders, virus symptoms and more.
LOCATION: Contoocook
CREDITS: No

Blooms that Buzz: Perennials for Pollinator Friendly Gardens
PRESENTER: Wendy Brister, Cavano's Perennials
TRACK: Perennials and Natives 1

Bring the bees, birds, and butterflies to your yard with perennial flowers. Whether you garden in shade or sun, wet or dry - there is a palette of plants that will work for you! We will discuss the who (the insects), the what (the plants), and the why (what the insects are looking for).
LOCATION: Piscataquog/Merrimack
CREDITS: No

Introduction to Growing Caneberries (Blackberry and Raspberry) in Soilless Substrate and Using "Long-cane" Techniques
PRESENTER: Ryan Dickson, University of Arkansas & Stephanie Cruz, University of Arkansas
TRACK: Small Fruit Production

This session will provide an overview of soilless long-cane production. We will cover the basics of variety selection and plant care, including substrate, fertilizer, and cane management. We will also review different stages of production including transplants, growing of long canes, packing and storage, and fruiting. We will discuss some key differences between long-cane raspberry and blackberry. The session will conclude with a summary of production opportunities and challenges as well as research updates from the University of Arkansas long-cane program. 
LOCATION: Frost/Hawthorne
CREDITS: No

BLOCK 2 (10:30 AM - 11:30 AM)

Considering the Structure of your Greenhouse for Pest Management
PRESENTER: Samantha Willden, Cornell University
TRACK: Disease & Pest Management 3

Greenhouses are unique production systems that have diverse structures. Greenhouse height and covering type, vent placement, airflow, quarantine zones, and space partitioning are all structural elements of a greenhouse that impact where pests will be and how they can be managed. This talk will discuss how invertebrate pests behave in a greenhouse and where "high-risk" areas are likely to occur. Lastly, this talk will discuss tools for management with an emphasis on managing pests in the vertical space (i.e., high wire tomatoes and hanging baskets). 
LOCATION: Pemigewasset
CREDITS: Yes

Diagnosing Common Nutrient Disorders of Floriculture Crops
PRESENTER: Garrett Owen, Ohio State University
TRACK: Floriculture Production 2

This session will highlight the most common nutrient disorders and provide methods to confirm and correct these disorders that may develop on your floriculture crops during production.
LOCATION: Contoocook
CREDITS: No

35 Years Running a Nursery and I Just Want to Run Around in the Woods Finding Cool Plants!
PRESENTER: Peter Van Berkum
TRACK: Perennials and Natives 1

Peter will show photos of plants he has seen, discuss places and habitats where he has found them, and some stories that go along with them. He'll also ponder on how these plants got here and try to pass on some of his passion for plants.
LOCATION: Piscataquog/Merrimack
CREDITS: No

Greenhouse and High Tunnel Strawberry Production
PRESENTER: Neil Mattson, Cornell University
TRACK: Small Fruit Production

Nothing captivates a consumer like fresh local fruit. Strawberries are a great crop for winter production (greenhouse) or season extension (high tunnel). Mattson will discuss the fundamentals of growing strawberries in soilless substrates, crop establishment, production timing, and cultural management (growing environment, fertilization). Strawberries are prone to several common pests, diseases, and abiotic disorders. Symptoms and common control strategies will be discussed.
LOCATION: Frost/Hawthorne
CREDITS: No

BLOCK 3 (1:30 PM - 2:30 PM)

Identifying Key Pests of Ornamentals and Vegetables
PRESENTER: Suzanne Wainwright-Evans, Bug Lady Consulting
TRACK: Disease & Pest Management 4

Accurate pest ID is the foundation of any successful pest management program. In this informative and image-rich talk, Suzanne Wainwright-Evans (The Buglady) highlights the most common and damaging pests found on ornamentals and vegetables. Learn how to find them, understand their life cycles, and avoid common misidentifications. A must for growers, scouts, and anyone working with plant health.
LOCATION: Pemigewasset
CREDITS: Yes

Marketing Trends, Influencers and more
PRESENTER: Wendy Troncone, Adams Fairacre Farms
TRACK: Business Innovation

Join Wendy Troncone, Marketing Director of Adams Fairacre Farms, for this engaging session on marketing trends! This session dives into the latest marketing trends, the use of AI, the power of influencers, and innovative strategies to boost brand visibility and customer engagement.
LOCATION: Contoocook
CREDITS: No

How Drone Crop Monitoring Simplifies Floricutlure Greenhouse operations
PRESENTER: Frans-Peter Dechering, Corvus Drones
TRACK: Greenhouse Technology

Labor planning, higher costs and alignment of production and sales are daily challenges in greenhouse horticulture. The question is not why high-tech solutions are used in the greenhouse, but when to survive the current race. Good crop data registration and artificial intelligence (AI) are essential ingredients to take floriculture to the next level. Replace human scouting. Make labor planning smoother. Gain daily insight into saleable stock. Various technologies are available for collecting crop data, ranging from fixed cameras and sensors to rail systems and agile drones. A comparison between technologies provides relevant insights. A background is given on how AI works in combination with drones. Successful use cases from all over the world are presented.
LOCATION: Frost/Hawthorne
CREDITS: No

Native and Naturalized Perennials for Pollinators of New England
PRESENTER: Jane Sorensen, Northeast Pollinator Plants
TRACK: Perennials and Natives 2

Plant by plant description of pollinator attraction, sun/soil needs, hardiness, cultural traits, germination needs, and wild-seed collection for those with which we have experience.
LOCATION: Piscataquog/Merrimack
CREDITS: No

BLOCK 4 (2:30 PM - 3:30 PM)

Managing Diseases Perpetrated by Fungi and Water Molds
PRESENTER: Margery Daughtrey, Cornell University
TRACK: Disease & Pest Management 4

Margery will give tips on which diseases to watch for on which crops. Famous fungi such as Botrytis and powdery mildews will be featured, as well as dastardly downy mildews and rapacious root rotters such as Rhizoctonia and Pythium. Cultural, chemical and biological controls will be covered.
LOCATION: Pemigewasset
CREDITS: Yes

Engage, Educate, and Activate! How Are You Using AI/Technology to Grow?
PRESENTER: Wendy Troncone, Adams Fairacre Farms
TRACK: Business Innovation

Join our dynamic roundtable at the Northeast Greenhouse Conference, designed for owners, operators, and teams of commercial greenhouses and garden centers, alongside suppliers of products and services. This session explores cutting-edge AI and technology strategies, paired with practical tips, to elevate garden center marketing and enhance customer education. Engage with industry professionals to share insights and tackle challenges in today’s competitive landscape.
LOCATION: Contoocook
CREDITS: No

Powering Up: Growers Talk Greenhouse Energy Upgrades
PRESENTER: Camilo Villouta, University of Rhode Island; John Gedraitis, Van Berkum Nursery; Greg Berger, Spring Ledge Farms; Dan Birnstihl, Rimol Greenhouse Systems
TRACK: Greenhouse Technology

Discover how greenhouse operations of all sizes are cutting their energy bill. This moderated panel brings together growers who’ve implemented energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy projects. Learn about the timelines, outcomes, and funding strategies (including grants, rebates, and loans) that made these projects possible. Whether you're just starting or scaling up, this session offers practical insights.
LOCATION: Frost/Hawthorne
CREDITS: No

Propagating Perennials
PRESENTER: Garrett Owen, Ohio State University
TRACK: Perennials & Natives 2

This session will highlight the environmental and cultural factors that influence successful perennial propagation.
LOCATION: Piscataquog/Merrimack
CREDITS: No

BLOCK 5 (3:30 PM - 4:30 PM)

Winning Against Root Rots and Wilts: Management Strategies for Greenhouse Ornamentals
PRESENTER: Charles Krasnow, University of Connecticut
TRACK: Disease & Pest Management 4

There are many root rot pathogens that infect greenhouse ornamentals and cause significant economic loss. Phytophthora blight, Pythium root rot, Thielaviopsis, and Rhizoctonia are frequently observed in the Northeast region. Root and crown rot pathogens can enter the greenhouse on transplants, windblown dust, or contaminated pots. When conditions are favorable the pathogens reproduce and infect. Low areas where water accumulates, infested recirculating irrigation water, and contaminated potting media can be starting points for disease outbreaks. An integrated management approach is important to improve plant health and reduce disease. Monitor plants for signs of disease and practice good sanitation to reduce the sources of infection. This presentation will focus on common root rot diseases of ornamentals and provide methods of control.
LOCATION: Pemigewasset
CREDITS: Yes

Sparking Growth: Plasma Activated Water to Improve Plant Vigor and Pest Tolerance
PRESENTER: Neil Mattson, Cornell University
TRACK: Greenhouse Technology

Plasma-activated water (PAW) is a relatively new technology which ionizes atmospheric gas into water. PAW offers numerous benefits such as high nitrogen concentration, enhanced seed germination, protection against plant stressors, and antimicrobial properties. This presentation will cover findings from a team of researchers at Cornell, University of Minnesota, and UC Davis including a survey on growers’ willingness to adopt PAW, the stability of PAW under various storage conditions, its effectiveness in boosting germination/seedling vigor, and enhancing plant resistance to insect pests. Attendees will gain valuable insights into this emerging technology.
LOCATION: Frost/Hawthorne
CREDITS: No

Must Have Native Perennials and Grasses for Garden Centers
PRESENTER: Wendy Brister, Cavano's Perennials
TRACK: Perennials & Natives 2

Naturalistic planting is becoming mainstream - are you on board? We will discuss easily accessible and reliable native perennials and grasses and talk about their various uses in the traditional landscape project/garden. 
LOCATION: Piscataquog/Merrimack
CREDITS: No

 

Pesticide Recertification Credit

Pesticide applicator recertification credits have been approved for the sessions with this insect image next to the title. Please note that approved credits vary between New England and New York.
​
Presentations approved only for New England credits (not New York) are indicated by an asterisk (*) at the end of the 
​presentation title.
 
Credits will be available at the conference for the six New England states plus New York. A total of 14 one-hour presentations are approved for credit for New England states (indicated by the insect image above), and 12 one-hour presentations are approved for credit for New York . Presentations approved only for New England credits (not New York) are indicated by an asterisk (*) at the end of the presentation title.

Key to New York (NY) license categories:
1a=Agricultural Plant
3a=Ornamental and Turf
24=Greenhouse and Florist
25=Nursery, Ornamentals and Turf

Key to New England (NE) license categories:
Private License