August 2024 Associations, Education, Events

Plug & Cutting: Focused on young plants By AmericanHort staff

Growers of all experience levels can learn how to optimize their greenhouse operations at the AmericanHort Plug & Cutting Conference, an event focused on young plant producers. Held Sept. 23-24 in Orlando, Florida, the event features an education conference, trade show and optional tours of local greenhouses. 

“Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with leading researchers, industry experts and innovative growers all focused on young plant production,” said Meagan Nace, senior manager, education program development. “Within every aspect of the growing process, there’s always something new to learn. At Plug & Cutting, we bring cutting-edge experts and forward-thinking solutions for a truly unique educational experience.”

ON-SITE & ON-DEMAND EDUCATION 

During Plug & Cutting’s education conference, attendees can participate in three separate tracks covering best management practices, the latest in pests and diseases and production inputs. 

The best management practices track provides an in-depth exploration of crop-specific propagation techniques. Participants will learn valuable tips and tricks for successful seeding, cuttings, tissue cultures and more, tailored to the industry’s most popular crops. 

Another track addresses pests and diseases, one of the biggest challenges in plant production. It includes classes on diseases, weeds, insects, biocontrols and other potential problems. This comprehensive coverage aims to equip growers with the knowledge to tackle these issues effectively. 

As supplies and production input costs continue to rise, optimizing these factors is crucial for saving time, money and resources. The production inputs track will facilitate discussions with industry peers, focusing on necessary inputs for effective growing. 

The educational opportunities for Plug & Cutting attendees don’t end with Wednesday’s sessions. New this year, attendees will receive access to on-demand webinars covering plant production basics, risk management and sessions in Spanish, providing further learning opportunities even after the conference concludes. 

FULL-ACCESS TRADE SHOW 

More than 40 exhibiting companies will participate in Plug & Cutting’s trade show. Registrants will have ample opportunity to visit with exhibitors during Tuesday and Wednesday networking breaks, lunch and the evening reception. Having such easy access to exhibitor representatives allows attendees to discover how their products and services relate to the growing and tissue culture practices presented in each session. 

TOURING YOUNG PLANTS 

Plug & Cutting also offers attendees the opportunity to go behind the scenes at Florida’s top young plant operations. Two tours will stop at Costa Farms, one of the largest ornamental houseplant producers nationwide; and Knox Horticulture, a major theme park and landscaping company wholesaler. The third stop for each tour will include either AG2TC or Agri-Starts, two wholesale tissue culture liner producers specializing in tropical, foliage and native plants.

Attendees will tour each facility and visit with staff who will explain the operations’ tools, technologies and best practices in addition to being available for questions and advice. Tours such as these are invaluable experiences for the ideas and inspiration that growers can implement at their operations. Transportation and lunch are included in the additional $195 registration. 

PLAN YOUR PLUG & CUTTING EXPERIENCE 

Registration for Plug & Cutting is now open. Your registration fee includes all in-person and on-demand educational sessions, access to the trade show exhibitors and all networking events. Register by Aug. 30 for discounted hotel rates at the Caribe Royal Orlando. Learn more at americanhort.org/plug.