OSU to host global horticulture conference

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Gardening enthusiasts who are interested in learning more about horticulture from around the world can do so without having to get a passport or deal with jet lag.

Oklahoma State University will host the fourth annual Global Horticulture Conference Nov. 6, said Mike Schnelle, OSU Cooperative Extension ornamental floriculture specialist. The event will begin at 8 a.m. in Room 108 at the Wes Watkins Center on the OSU campus.

“This focused conference will address horticultural topics of interest from multiple continents. The goal is to expose participants to horticultural practices and crops from around the world,” Schnelle said. “We have a diverse group of professionals who will share their expertise during a wide variety of breakout sessions.”

Registration is $80, includes lunch and must be postmarked by Oct. 27. The Botanic Garden at OSU members, Master Gardeners, OSU Cooperative Extension educators and students may register for $60. No walk-ins or late registrations will be accepted. Please register early as seating is limited. For more information about the conference contact Stephanie Larimer at 405-744-5404 or email at stephanie.larimer@okstate.edu.

Participants also may register online at http://orangehub.okstate.edu/ustores/web/index.jsp. Under the “Stores” heading, click Horticulture/Landscape, then select Conference Registration and then choose 2014 Global Horticulture Conference.

Schnelle said the conference will feature horticultural information from locations including Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Galapagos Islands, Haiti, Spain, Southeast Asia and Iran.

Some breakout session topics include plant life in China, horticultural research projects in Iran, fruits and other edibles across the continents, hand planter applications and more.

“We have a great group of specialists from OSU, as well as industry professionals, who will be available to share their expertise,” Schnelle said.

In addition, Barbara Brown, OSU Cooperative Extension food specialist, will be on hand to give a presentation on the potato in Spain.