Category: Resource

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Biofilm Microbial Ecology in Canadian Greenhouse Systems: A Comprehensive Analysis

Biofilm and Greenhouses Biofilm and greenhouses come hand in hand. Canadian greenhouse agriculture represents a rapidly expanding sector within the controlled environment agriculture industry, with significant implications for food security and sustainable production (Morales Moreira & Haney, 2024; Bambara et al., 2021). Biofilm formation in these systems presents both challenges and opportunities for optimizing crop […]
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Fusarium Pepper Wilt (Greenhouses) – May 2025 Update

Fusarium pepper wilt in greenhouses has become the top disease threat in Ontario, infecting nearly 400 acres in 2024 and triggering urgent research into its biology, diagnostics, and control. In this May 2025 update, we chart the wilt’s spread, highlight the jump from 36 to 48 FOSC strains, and the overall research progress about this […]
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Spring Greenhouse Disease Prevention | qPCR & Diagnostics Guide

Spring Conditions and Greenhouse Pathogens (Spring Greenhouse Guide) Spring greenhouse disease prevention is crucial for a successful growing season, especially as the days become sunnier. By mid-April, many Canadian greenhouse operations—especially in southern Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec—have already cycled through winter propagation and are in full spring production of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, strawberries, and […]
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Detecting Neopestalotiopsis in Strawberries NeoP banner

Detecting Neopestalotiopsis in Strawberries with qPCR

Detecting Neopestalotiopsis sp. in Strawberries: From Traditional to Advanced qPCR Diagnostics Introduction Neopestalotiopsis, strawberries, and qPCR are words we can find together, in the same sentence, more often than ever before. Growers worldwide are increasingly concerned about Neopestalotiopsis, a type of fungi that includes both harmless and highly aggressive species. The emergence of a new, […]
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Peat Insights for Nurseries: Science-Backed Data Every Grower Must Know

Peat, Nurseries, and Science Introduction Peat moss has been a staple in nurseries for decades, valued for its ability to retain moisture, provide structure, and help buffer pH levels. However, despite its many advantages, peat isn’t without its challenges. Growers using peat-based media often face issues related to pathogen risks, nutrient imbalances, water retention problems, […]
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The Microbial World: A Deep Dive into Greenhouses and Hydroponics banner

The Microbial World: A Deep Dive into Greenhouses and Hydroponics

Updates on Microbes, Greenhouses, and Hydroponics The tiny world of microbes just got a lot bigger, and 2025 is set to bring groundbreaking advancements to everyday growing practices. From inoculants and biologicals to beneficial microbes and even pathogens, the year ahead is all about embracing microbial innovation in greenhouses and hydroponics. Explore these research highlights, […]
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Microbiology – The Hidden World That Powers Agriculture (Hydroponics and More)

Microbiology for Agriculture: Hydroponics and More In this blog, we’ll explore the foundational topics of microorganisms and the intersection between microbiology, agriculture, and hydroponics. Explore how this science works and applies to indoor agricultural systems like greenhouses, hydroponics, and vertical farms. 1. What is Microbiology, and Why Does It Matter to Agriculture and Hydroponics? Microbiology […]
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top 3 pathogens on strawberries grown indoor

Indoor Strawberries: Top 3 Plant Pathogens to Watch For

Indoor Strawberries: Top 3 Plant Pathogens to Watch For While controlled environments offer many advantages for indoor strawberries, they also create the perfect conditions for certain plant pathogens to thrive. In 2024, agricultural experts are drawing attention to three major pathogens impacting strawberry crops: Botrytis cinerea (Gray Mold), Neopestalotiopsis spp., and Phytophthora spp. To help […]
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Neopestalotiopsis on strawberries

Managing Neopestalotiopsis in Indoor Strawberry Production

Pathogen Profile: Neopestalotiopsis Introduction Neopestalotiopsis is a significant fungal pathogen threatening strawberry growers globally, including indoor cultivators. This aggressive fungus damages various plant parts and has evolved to become more virulent, posing serious risks to production. Recent reports highlight its presence in indoor growers in Quebec and the Northeastern United States. Neopestalotiopsis is a genus […]
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Bacterial leaf spot (Pseudomonas cichorii) in chrysanthemum leaf (bioassays) (Chrysanthemum L.) by Ron Jones, North Carolina State University, Bugwood.orgBacterial leaf spot (Pseudomonas cichorii) in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) by Gerald Holmes, Strawberry Center, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Bugwood.orgBacterial leaf spot (Pseudomonas cichorii) in sage (Salvia spp. L.) by Penn State Department of Plant Pathology & Environmental Microbiology Archives, Penn State University, Bugwood.orgBacterial leaf spot (Pseudomonas cichorii) in sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) by Florida Division of Plant Industry, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Bugwood.org

Pathogen Profile: Pseudomonas cichorii

Pseudomonas cichorii Introduction Bacterial leaf blight caused by Pseudomonas cichorii is a significant disease affecting many crops and ornamental plants. Here’s an overview of this pathogen and its impact.  P. cichorii has a broad host range and has been reported in numerous countries: Ornamental Plants: Chrysanthemum, Gerbera, Monstera adansonii, Calceolaria hybrida (pocketbook plant), aglaonema (Aglaonema […]
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