Latest CAST Update: Plant Breeders Planning for Virtual Spring Trials Experience
March 30, 2020 
The 2020 California Spring Trials (CAST) may be cancelled as an in-person event thanks to coronavirus, but several leading plant breeders are turning CAST into a virtual experience for growers, brokers, and other horticulture industry members. Note: story was last updated on March 30.
Dates and Times for Syngenta Flowers Digital CAST Experience
Syngenta has opened registration for its 2020 digital CAST offerings. On Tuesday, March 31 (12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. PDT), and Wednesday, April 1 (9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. PDT), interested growers can sign up for live sessions with Syngenta’s team of experts.
Click here to register.
Ball Horticultural Launching SimulCAST20, a Virtual CAST Experience
Ball Horticultural’s new-product experts will host SimulCAST20, a virtual California Spring Trials experience, on Tuesday, March 31 (9:30-11:30 a.m. CDT), and Wednesday, April 1 (2:30-4:30 p.m. CDT). SimulCAST20 will feature new product presentations, video footage, and live, interactive Q&A opportunities with the experts from the following plant breeding companies:
• PanAmerican Seed
• Kieft Seed
• Wave
• Ball FloraPlant
• Selecta One
• Darwin Perennials
• Ball Ingenuity
• Burpee
“With social distance the new normal, providing our customers a chance to experience new products conveniently was a high priority for our companies,” says Susannah Ball, Spring Trials Coordinator for Ball Horticultural Company. “Access to new product information via SimulCAST20 will help growers and distributors plan their upcoming seasons.”
To register for one of the SimulCAST20 webinar events, visit www.ballhort.com/springtrials/simulcast20. Select the date you wish to participate, and tune in when your event is scheduled.
Ball’s New CAST Mobile App Allows Growers to Explore New Plants From Home
Growers can explore the latest varieties through CAST | Mobile app, the annual Spring Trials companion from Ball Horticultural Company. With a new update just launched in app stores, it shares all the new plants for 2021 that would have been on display at CAST 2020. Now in its third year, CAST | Mobile is ready for download to phones and tablets free in the App Store and on Google Play.
CAST | Mobile lets users browse 2021 introductions from the key breeding companies previously scheduled to display in Santa Paula, CA: Ball FloraPlant, Ball Ingenuity, Burpee, Darwin Perennials, Kieft Seed, PanAmerican Seed, Selecta One, and Wave. Users can explore each breeding company’s plants from A to Z by class and dive into what’s new. App users can share their enthusiasm for products that spark their interest with a “Like” button. Additional notes and comments can be made in-app, and then emailed for an electronic record of favorites.
“We realize how critical Spring Trials is to launching new products, so the loss of this year’s event is having us think creatively on how to help educate the industry,” says Susannah Ball, Spring Trials Coordinator for Ball Horticultural Company. “With the flexibility of our CAST | Mobile app, everyone can experience the latest introductions from a distance and still be inspired by photos and information from our leading breeding companies.”
To download a free copy of CAST | Mobile, visit the app webpage or search for “Ball Horticultural” in the App Store (iOS devices) or on Google Play (Android).
Syngenta Offers WebCAST 2020 Experience
Syngenta Flowers is launching webCAST 2020, a personal connection for staying up to date with full digital coverage of the company’s newest genetic innovations, technical trialing results, and impactful marketing programs.
From 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. PST, on Monday March 30, Tuesday, March 31, and Wednesday, April 1, Syngenta will offer the live-streamed webCAST 2020 event via Facebook and the company’s website.
Each day will provide a new lineup of topics, from new varieties to “power brands” to side-by-side comparisons of essential crops.
“Although the CAST site is closed to visitors at this time, the Syngenta Flowers team is hard at work organizing an exciting alternative to our traditional CAST event,” says Scott Valentine, Head-Syngenta Flowers NA. “WebCAST 2020 is our way of welcoming you to our facility from the convenience of your own office, connecting you to our experts, and providing the opportunity to learn about our newest innovations, both genetic and technical.
To receive direct registration links and more details in the next few weeks prior to the event, click here.
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