2 Graduate Positions available for September with Dr. Youbin Zheng

Graduate Research in Using Beneficial Microorganisms from Aquaponic sludge for Plant Pathogen Suppression in Greenhouse Production :Aquaponics has been becoming increasingly popular in fish and plant production. Sludge from aquaponics systems is a rich source of plant nutrients, disease suppression and other beneficial microbial communities. We have funding to support a motivated domestic (i.e. Canadian citizen or permanent resident) M.Sc. or Ph.D. candidate to work on a collaborative, multi-disciplinary project titled “A novel bio-based method to suppress fungal diseases in greenhouse crops”. SEE PDF For additional information

Graduate Research in Using LEDs in Controlled Environment Plant Production :Horticultural light-emitting diode (LED) lighting systems are beginning to replace conventional lighting technologies in controlled environment (e.g., greenhouse) plant (e.g., ornamental, vegetable and medicinal plants) production. This technology shift is largely due to the ability of LEDs to produce specific wavelengths of monochromatic light and function at greater energy efficiencies (i.e., converting electricity into photosynthetically active wavelengths of light) than conventional lighting. LEDs have the added advantages that they are dimmable and can be instantaneously cycled between off and full power. These characteristics give LED technology the potential to quickly modify both intensity and spectral output, in response to both changing sunlight conditions and specific crop requirements. SEE PDF for additional information.