Search Results

In temperate climates, aquaponic producers must use artificial lighting; however, purchasing light-emitting diode (LED) grow lights can be cost-prohibitive. Two aquaponic trials evaluated low-cost LED lighting for the growth of bibb lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata). In trial 1, seven low-cost LED lights were screened and compared with a high-end LED grow light. The three best-performing lights in terms of total plant biomass produced (grams) and total plant biomass per unit of electricity (grams per square meter per kilowatt-hour) were more intensively evaluated in trial 2. These lights included Spider Farmer SF-2000 [SPI ($300)], Fluence RAZRx [FLU ($364)], Designers Fountain 6-Light 5000 K LED High Bay Light [DES ($100)], and the control NeoSol DS [NEO ($1400)]. After 17 days, lettuce grown under NEO achieved higher (P ≤ 0.05) total biomass (939 g) than DES (812 g). There were no differences (P > 0.05) in the average individual plant weights in any treatment. Plant production efficiency (grams per square meter per kilowatt-hour) was higher in DES than NEO (P ≤ 0.05) but was not different from SPI and FLU (P > 0.05). Results indicate that low-cost LEDs are a viable option for producers looking to reduce investment costs while maintaining adequate plant growth. To further describe potential cost savings for producers, a partial budget analysis evaluated the net change in profits and benefit/cost ratio (BCR) of the experimental lights. All showed improved economic results compared with the control (NEO). These studies indicate that low-cost LED lights can support similar plant growth, at higher energy efficiencies, with better economic viability than more expensive grow lights.

Extension and research professionals in the southeastern United States formed the Southern Nursery Integrated Pest Management working group (SNIPM) to foster collaboration and leverage resources, thereby enhancing extension programming, increasing opportunity, and expanding the delivery of specialized expertise to nursery crop growers across a region. Building a productive and lasting working group requires attracting a group of research and extension faculty with complementary expertise, listening to stakeholders, and translating stakeholder needs into grant priorities to help solve problems, all hallmarks of effective teamwork principles. SNIPM has now grown to include 10 U.S. states and 11 institutions and has been awarded seven grants totaling $190,994 since 2009. A striking benefit of working group membership was observed over time: synergy. Greater awareness of individual expertise among SNIPM members, each of whom were focused on different aspects of the nursery production system stimulated multistate extension publications, electronic books (eBooks), mobile device applications (apps), popular press articles, and spin-off research projects when separate foci were combined and directed toward complex challenges. Deliverables achieved from this faculty collaboration include nine peer-reviewed publications, four manuals and books and 23 book chapters, and a combined total of 11 abstracts, conference proceedings and extension publications. To date, the return on investment for SNIPM is one deliverable produced to every $2265.89 in grant funding. SNIPM has also been honored with multiple American Society for Horticultural Science publication awards as well as the Southern Region Integrated Pest Management Center Bright Idea Award for the quality and originality of their project outputs. Continuing to work together toward common goals that bridge technology and serve the nursery industry while supporting each individual member’s program will be crucial to the long-term success of this working group.