The 2011 ASHS Annual Conference

Objective(s):
Heightened environmental awareness and recent advances in plasticulture technology are catalyzing all kinds of new approaches in horticultural production around the world. The purpose of the American Society for Plasticulture Working Group (PLAST) is to encourage and facilitate the mutual exchange of ideas and information concerning the use of plastics in various aspects of horticultural research, extension, education, and industry. This is accomplished by promoting plastics science and technology, by providing a forum for the exchange of plasticulture ideas and information, and by encouraging innovation.

The purpose of the Plasticulture Working Group (PLAST) is to encourage and facilitate the mutual exchange of ideas and information concerning the use of plastics in various aspects of horticultural research, extension, education, and industry. This workshop will begin with some important background information about the history of National Agricultural Plastics Association which later became the American Society for Plasticulture (ASP).  In 2010, ASP was re-born as the PLAST Working Group within the American Society for Horticultural Science to continue the discussion and interaction around the field plasticulture in the United States and around the world. The workshop will include presentations on biodegradable mulches, as well as information on a new technology for incineration of used plastics for energy.  Innovative uses of plastics will be discussed in the context of hydroponic growing systems for vegetable production, and new research on photoselective (colored) nets in Israel is showing promise for applications in shading of ornamental as well as stimulating vegetative vigor in bell peppers and tomatoes.  A 4-year high tunnel study sponsored by the Noble Foundation will be presented with economic information on both strawberry and vegetable crop rotations, and this workshop will also feature a paper on how shading levels affect bell pepper fruit yield in Georgia.  Finally, many strawberry growers in North Carolina and across the Mid-South have adopted row covers as an integral part of the strawberry plasticulture system over the last decade, but a number of improvements are still needed before row covers can be viewed as a technology that can fully replace sprinkler irrigation for strawberry frost and freeze protection.