Workshop to focus on challenges in floriculture

Thursday, June 29, 2017

If you have a green thumb, and even if you do not, make plans to attend the Current Challenges in Floriculture workshop to learn more about the world of floriculture.

Slated Aug. 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Wes Watkins Center on the Oklahoma State University campus in Stillwater, the workshop will be the third Shackelford Lecture Series.

Mike Schnelle, OSU Cooperative Extension floriculture specialist, said this lecture series was designed to honor Charles and Linda Shackelford, former owners of TLC Garden Center in Oklahoma City, and their many contributions over the years to the Oklahoma greenhouse industry.

“This conference has been designed for the green industry professional, as well as the advanced hobbyist/gardening enthusiast,” Schnelle said. “Everyone who attends will go home with many new ideas regarding greenhouse gardening and plant materials. We’ve got several Extension and industry specialists who will be on hand to share their expertise in a variety of topics.”

Genhau Niu, a professor with Texas A&M AgriLife Research, will address water quality and quantity issues. Other topics on the agenda include using banker plants for aphid control, cutting-edge pest control, greenhouse structures and materials, challenges and opportunities in floriculture and more.

“One of our sessions will deal specifically with the importance of pollinators to green industry workers, and ultimately their clientele,” he said. “We’ve got something for everyone.”

The $30 registration fee includes lunch and materials and is due by July 21. No late or walk-in registrations will be accepted. The registration form is available online at https://secure.touchnet.com/C20271_ustores/web/index.jsp. Select Horticulture/Landscape and then click on Conference Registration. Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry CEUs have been requested for categories 3 and 10.

“This lecture series is chock-full of tips, strategies and general information that is beneficial to greenhouse and garden center professionals, as well as the home gardener,” Schnelle said. “Not only will we be offering the latest research-based information, the workshop is a great opportunity for green industry personnel to network with one another. We’re looking forward to a great turnout for this Shackelford Lecture Series workshop.”

For more information, please contact Stephanie Larimer at 405-744-5404.