Four research teams will share project updates on carbon sequestration, crop resilience, peat alternatives, and soil and water management.
March 31, 2026, from 1:00 - 3:00 EDT: Virtual Event • 4 research updates • Live Q&A
The purpose of this session is to share updates on current research projects relevant to the ornamental horticulture sector and to strengthen connections between researchers, growers, industry representatives, and other stakeholders. Maintaining strong collaboration between industry and academia is essential to ensuring that research remains aligned with sector priorities and continues to deliver practical value for growers and businesses.
During the webinar, research teams will present updates on 4 projects:
1:00-1:30 Using Plant Functional Traits to Identify Performance Forbs and Shrubs for Carbon Sequestration
(presenter: Guillaume Gregoire - University of Laval)
This project is identifying ornamental plant species best suited for carbon sequestration and stormwater management in urban green infrastructure and will develop a plant selection guide for Canadian climates.
1:30-2:00 Indoleamine Mediated Crop Resilient Ornamentals Production Systems
(presenter: Al Sullivan, Mukund Shukla and Praveen Saxena - University of Guelph)
This research is developing more resilient ornamental plants that can better tolerate drought and temperature stress, while helping greenhouses improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
2:00-2:30 Sustainable Peat Alternatives/Extenders for Horticultural Media
(presenter: Jeanine West - Phyto Serv)
This project is evaluating sustainable alternatives to peat for greenhouse and nursery growing media to help reduce the sector’s carbon footprint while maintaining crop performance.
2:30-3:00 Impact of Soil Health BMPs on Soil and Water Management in Ornamental Nurseries
(presenter: Ann Huber - SRG Research)
This research is testing cover crops, organic amendments, and water treatment systems to improve soil health, reduce erosion, and protect water quality in tree nursery production.
Each research team will have approximately 30 minutes, including time for questions and discussion. Presentations will be delivered using PowerPoint.
We encourage growers, industry representatives, academics, and other interested stakeholders to join us for what we hope will be a valuable opportunity to learn about ongoing research, ask questions, and engage directly with the research teams.
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The Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Alliance is a working alliance of not-for-profit organizations that represent the interests of Canada’s ornamental horticulture value chain. At the present time, there are three members:
COHA-ACHO provides an effective body for the coordination of joint actions and unified positions. The partner organizations believe that by working together, they have a greater impact and use resources more effectively than any singular effort could achieve.