2026 Hands-On Greenhouse IPM In-Depth

In this session, we'll examine plant problems from samples that participants and speakers bring in. We'll use microscopes and references to identify the issues, then discuss appropriate management techniques and effective pesticide options. All presenters will participate in this session.

Neil Mattson, Horticulture Section, School of Integrative Plant Sciences, Cornell University

The adage is true that the most important person in your operation is the one behind the watering hose. Efficient irrigation is one of the most powerful tools for improving plant quality and reducing disease risk in greenhouse crops. In this hands-on workshop, we’ll explore a range of irrigation strategies from simple visual guides and watering by weight to the use of soil moisture sensors. Participants will gain experience evaluating substrate moisture, determining uniformity of irrigation systems, and how much to irrigate. We’ll also connect irrigation practices to root health, crop timing, and disease prevention, helping growers make more informed watering decisions.

Samantha Willden, Department of Entomology, Cornell AgriTech

Greenhouse pests are inconspicuous and can quickly reach damaging thresholds undetected. In this workshop we will practice pest scouting and diagnosing a pest issue. Then we will review best practices for pest management and design an IPM program based on realistic case studies. 

Dominique Holtappels, Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section, School of Integrative Plant Sciences, Cornell AgriTech

Microbes are strongly intertwined with the health of plants, even in the greenhouse. While some of the most well-known microbes cause disease, many microbes are actually beneficial to plants. Some of these microbes even directly attack "the bad guys". In this hands-on session, we will explore how different commercial biocontrol organisms are interacting with pathogens and how this can benefit plant health. We will also discuss how to recognize disease early in the greenhouse and shed light on the differences between signs and symptoms of disease.