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Urban Agriculture Webinar to Share the Basics of Hydroponics and Controlled Environments

By Graham Sandersfeld and Kathleen Delate

Urban growers interested in indoor farming are invited to attend an upcoming webinar hosted by the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Urban Agriculture Program. The webinar will take place on Thursday, Dec. 11, from 1 to 2 p.m. Christopher Currey, associate professor of horticulture at ISU, will present a session titled “Controlled Environments for Urban Ag: A Primer.”

Currey’s research focuses on developing science-based best management practices to help commercial greenhouse and controlled-environment producers improve productivity, profitability and sustainability.

According to Graham Sandersfeld, urban agriculture outreach specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, the webinar will introduce key concepts and decisions in hydroponics and other controlled-environment systems. “These innovative practices allow year-round food production when outdoor growing isn’t possible,” he said. Participants will gain insight into the benefits and considerations of small-scale indoor food production in urban settings.

Source : iastate.edu

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Spider Mite Control with Predatory Mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis)

Video: Spider Mite Control with Predatory Mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis)

The predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis is a highly effective biological control agent for spider mite infestations. As the first company to introduce this natural enemy, Koppert has been a pioneer in sustainable crop protection.

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