October 2021 - 19

DUETS
that, unlike traditional pesticides that are often
labelled either for ornamental or edible crops
but not both, this product category should bring
crossover efficiencies to growers producing both
crop groups?
Kaylee: I do see that many of the commercial
biocontrol products that I come across are labeled
for both ornamental and edible crops. As new
microbes are identified as biocontrol agents and
we learn more about their modes of action and
their performance in the greenhouse production
environment, we will have a clearer picture of the
breadth in which they can be used. Although there
are many factors that need to be considered, I
think there is potential for crossover between
crops with both biocontrols and biostimulants.
Peter: Thank you for that insight, I think
growers will be encouraged to learn that biological
products bring the opportunity to consolidate and
simplify pest control arsenals. Please continue,
what other areas of research have you pursued?
Kaylee: The second topic that I investigated
was the use of beneficial bacteria as
biostimulants to improve plant performance
when grown under low nutrient conditions. I
evaluated many parameters of plants treated
with bacteria that included plant quality
and size to select bacteria with the ability to
improve plant performance parameters that
are of interest specifically for ornamentals. In
addition to working with beneficial microbes,
I was also involved in a project that evaluated
Phalaenopsis orchid health when irrigated
with the consumer-targeted ice cube irrigation
method. It was found that the orchid's health
was not negatively affected.
Peter: At this point in your career, how do you
view the commercial grower sector? Have you
been able to meet growers? Which production
sector are you most interested in serving?
Kaylee: The greenhouse industry is an amazing
industry full of inventive and passionate people. I
had the opportunity to work at a large commercial
greenhouse during my undergraduate studies.
During my graduate studies, I was able to join Dr.
Jones and other OSU faculty on Extension trips,
tours, presentations, and industry events to visit
greenhouses and meet with growers.
These trips and meetings were always a
highlight of my program. I enjoyed meeting with
the growers, learning about their facilities and
what issues they were facing. The production
sector I have been the most interested in serving
is ornamental production, but I am also interested
in edibles.
Peter: I'm proud to hear your excitement
about serving growers, Kaylee. Don't ever lose
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GREENHOUSE
PRODUCT NEWS
Learn more about them at
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that sense of commitment. As one who chose to
straddle the university-commercial grower line
I live by the statement that everything we do as
horticulturists is focused on helping growers.
Those who don't have this passion to serve
commercial growers may find the discipline
of Botany more comfortable. It's all about the
growers on our side of this fence.
Kaylee: That's right, Peter. I look forward to
continuing to be involved in working alongside
growers to understand problems that they
face, developing a research program that
can answer those questions and then having
educational programs to share the information
learned. Based on what you have learned,
what is your advice to horticulturists looking to
conduct research in academia to maintain that
connection between research in the university
and commercial growers?
Peter: Before I answer this, let's stop for a
moment. I'd say you eloquently put on display
what we're talking about by asking me wonderful
questions while being my guest in this column.
Well done, Doc.
My advice to junior colleagues starting their
research, teaching and Extension careers is define
your research interests and when communicating
these interests to growers make whatever effort is
needed to speak 'to' and 'with' them rather than
'at' them. After decades of speaking, I've had so
many growers come to me following conference
presentations thanking me for speaking to them
rather than above their level of understanding.
Never forget, it's all about our growers.
Let's wrap up - is there another aspect of
your graduate work or upcoming career that
you'd like to discuss?
Kaylee: During my graduate program and in
my current research, I am learning the large
role that microbial communities play in our
production systems. The growing understanding
of the beneficial microbial communities
associated with plants and animals is changing
the way we tackle problems, establish systems,
and think about health. Although there are
many unanswered questions when it comes to
using beneficial microbes in the greenhouse
production system, it has the potential to
improve plant performance and play a role in
the continual move toward more sustainable
production systems.
I learned a great deal as a graduate student
through conducting research, attending
meetings, and getting to know other
researchers and people within the commercial
greenhouse industry. I am eager to take what I
have learned to continue to grow and move into
the next phase of my career. The relationship
between research, training students, and
interacting with commercial growers is
important to the growth of the industry, and I
am looking forward to a career that allows me
to be involved in this relationship.
Peter: Kaylee, once again, congratulations
on your accomplishment. I look forward to
watching your career blossom and thank you
for committing yourself to the education of our
students and growers.
Meet Your Editorial Team
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October 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of October 2021