Each year, ornamental growers have two great chances to get out into the field and connect with breeders and other leading growers on new varieties. The first is the annual California Spring Trials which, while scaled back a bit in recent years, remain vitally important as an opportunity for breeders to highlight their latest offerings. The second is summer field trials, which give better indications as to how plant might truly perform under normal growing conditions.
The 2019 California Spring Trials featured a mix of new variety introduction, with downy mildew resistance dominating headlines. The Greenhouse Grower team was on hand for what is always a long but exciting week. Click here for a recap of what stood out to them. You can also learn more at Greenhouse Grower’s YouTube page.
The summer field trials are diverse in both location and conditions. Here’s an update on what trial managers reported this year.
Brian Sparks is senior editor of Greenhouse Grower and editor of Greenhouse Grower Technology. See all author stories here.