Category Archives: In The News
How will gene-editing reach the farm?
Biotechnology experts met in Toronto to discuss how Canada’s regulatory system could better enable the safe commercialization of gene-edited plants and animals. Because of the investment exodus occurring in Europe, Michael Pautler, head of genomic services at Platform Genetics Inc., a sub-company of Vineland, says European Union companies looking for new horticultural crops have been increasingly working with Vineland.
Biocontrol thriving in Canadian floriculture greenhouses
Vineland’s most recent survey of Canadian greenhouse growers found a growth in the number of biocontrol users and the extent of biocontrol use.
To water or not to water, ask the computer
Sunrise Greenhouses has collaborated on an artificial intelligence-based smart irrigation project at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre that allows for predictive modelling of smart irrigation in potted crops.
Niagara researcher breeds sweet potato designed to grow in the Canadian climate
Valerio Primomo, a research scientist and vegetable breeder at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, has developed “Radiance,” a variety of sweet potato with a shorter growing season.
It’s a long journey to develop a new Ontario apple
Vineland’s Dr. Daryl Somers has bitten into a tasty but lengthy project as he develops a new apple for Ontario. He figures it will take 15 or 20 years before it will be ready for the fresh apple market.
One million Radiance slips to be available to sweet potato growers in 2019
Move over Covington and Orleans to make way for the new sweet potato variety known as Radiance which has been developed by Vineland in collaboration with Louisiana State University.
A made-in-Ontario tomato, courtesy of Vineland Research
The plants are in for another year of Vineland’s greenhouse tomato program that’s seeking to develop a made-in-Ontario hybrid for local climate conditions. Right now they’re tiny seedlings and with any luck, in two years they’ll be supplying grocers and consumers across the province with delicious tomatoes.
Delving into new disease foes
Not just for pests, biocontrol agents are being researched for their effect on diseases by Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, which has surveyed and spoken with growers who use them.
Condo sprouts trees
An architect firm and condo developer are planning Canada’s first vertical forest for Toronto, and they’ve brought together an impressive team of experts including Vineland Research and Innovation Centre to make the ambitious project come to life.
Choosing trees and growing media for intensive green roofs
Incorporating trees into green roof designs and building facades is not only appealing, but there is more demand than ever to plant rooftop trees. Vineland’s Darby McGrath explains.
Help wanted!
With the global movement of plant material, a changing climate and resistance among pest populations, is it time we brought in new biocontrol agents?
Best practices for healthy trees
Vineland has been identifying methods and creating new technologies to help tree propagators grow seedlings with better root quality.