Researchers explore green roof plant options Friday, June 3, 2011 by SUSAN MANNScientists in Ontario and Nova Scotia are studying the suitability of 22 different plant species and how they will survive for use in green roof habitats.The researchers are from the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre and Nova Scotia Agricultural College. The Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Alliance and the federal government are sponsoring the project.Dr. Rumen Conev, Vineland’s ornamental plant breeding scientist, says they’re looking to move away from more common green roof plants dominated by Sedum species to a broader selection of native plants that demonstrate sun, wind, cold and drought tolerance.They’ve finished the construction portion of the project and have started planting. “The most important part of our research will be plant performance,” he explains.The project will take three years to complete. When its done researchers will make recommendations on which plants performed the best and had the best survivability. Conev says Dr. Norman Goodyear is also working on the project in Nova Scotia where one of the two test sites is located. The other site is at Vineland.The research will help both homeowners wanting to install green roofs and companies that build them, Conev says.In a Vineland Centre press release, it says green roofs contribute to a significant reduction in a building’s heating and cooling costs. They also help with storm water runoff management and natural habitat creation. But lack of research in planting options and managing green roof health in Canadian climatic conditions has been a barrier to their uptake. BF Pig genetics company partners with Russians Waterlogged fields a season long challenge: OMAFRA specialist
Parliament’s shut down leaves farmers vulnerable Thursday, January 16, 2025 In March 2025, Canada's agriculture sector and broader supply chain will face a another setback with the expiration of the extended interswitching pilot program. With Parliament prorogued until March 24th, there is effectively no opportunity to renew or make the program permanent before... Read this article online
Ontario Apple Growers name new Chair Wednesday, January 15, 2025 Chris Hedges of Vanessa, Ontario, has been elected as the new Chair of the Ontario Apple Growers (OAG). After completing a year as the organization’s Vice Chair, Hedges () takes over from outgoing Chair Brian Rideout of Blenheim, Ontario, who has led the OAG since December 2023. Past OAG... Read this article online
Tackling vet shortages in rural Ontario Wednesday, January 15, 2025 Research conducted by the University of Guelph (U of G) highlights the challenges in attracting new veterinary graduates to serve food animals, such as cattle, in rural and remote areas of Ontario, particularly northern Ontario. This research is helping to inform solutions aimed at... Read this article online
Dynasty bean wins innovation of the year Wednesday, January 15, 2025 Dynasty, a dark red kidney bean developed by the University of Guelph, has earned the 2024 Innovation of the Year award. This high-yield, disease-resistant variety has become a top choice for growers in Ontario and North America due to its adaptability and strong performance. The award,... Read this article online
Bonnefield Announces Key Executive Promotions Tuesday, January 14, 2025 Bonnefield Financial Inc. recently announced the elevation of two of its senior executives, signaling a strong move to bolster its leadership amidst ongoing expansion efforts. Andrea Gruza will step into the role of President. Gruza, who has been instrumental in shaping Bonnefield’s... Read this article online