Boost your knowledge in greenhouse disorders and more

These non-credit courses are pre-recorded, and registrants have three months (Dec. 1, 2020, through Feb. 28, 2021) to complete them. Students in the course will take a pre-test and a final exam to gauge their learning on the topics. Registrants also can complete the optional self-assessment quizzes to engage with the material throughout the course. Registration for all courses ends Dec. 11, 2020.

"Abiotic Disorders of Greenhouse Crops" is intended for greenhouse and ornamental plant growers who are interested in learning what factors induce or contribute to the onset of abiotic disorders of greenhouse crops. Abiotic plant problems are those that are caused by non-living things, such as cultural or environmental conditions. This course will guide attendees through the diagnostic process to learn what abiotic factors can cause plant problems causing top growth symptoms (on either foliage, stem, or flower buds) or root symptoms.

"Biological Control for Greenhouse Growers" is intended for growers and others interested in learning about the challenges and opportunities associated with a biological control pest management program. The content of the course covers introductory materials to more advanced concepts such as utilizing banker plants.

"Floriculture Root Zone Management" is for beginning-level floriculture growers. It covers the fundamental concepts about irrigation water, media, and their effects on plant nutrition. The course covers water sources, water quality, water treatment, irrigation methodology, and substrate components. The final unit of the course covers the essential elements for plant nutrition, how to select a fertilizer and how to monitor nutrition of greenhouse crops.

"Greenhouse and Horticultural Lighting" is aimed at greenhouse and ornamental plant growers and others interested in learning about the fundamental concepts about how plants respond to light quality, quantity, and duration. It provides introductory to moderately challenging content based on experiments performed at MSU. The units in the course cover photoperiod, photoperiodic lighting, light quality, quantity and duration, and factors that should be considered when replacing or installing new lamps.

Click here for more information on each course and to register.

Source: Greenhouse Grower
Photo: W. Garrett Owen, Michigan State University

Source: Greenhouse Grower