Speaker: Professor Chieri Kubota

Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, The Ohio State University

On Zoom

Abstract:

Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) is defined as crop production under optimized or semi-optimized microclimate conditions in greenhouses or other indoor growing systems. CEA is operated so that the microclimate improves crop growth, enhances produce quality, extends growing seasons and reduces resource input and waste, relative to the resulting high productivity (output). CEA for specialty crops has increased rapidly over the past 20 years in the US, following a worldwide trend. CEA operations, especially in greenhouses, require broad knowledge of and experience in crop production, engineering, and pest/disease control. The Kubota Lab currently at the Ohio State University focuses on science-based technology development to advance CEA industry and sustainability.

Our specific interests include:

1. Improving flavor, nutrient density, and consistency by controlled environment (e.g. improving flavor and lycopene concentration in hydroponic tomato under moderate salt stress)
2. Introducing new crops to CEA (e.g. off-season strawberry production in greenhouse)
3. Mitigating environmental physiological disorders in CEA crops
4. Using CEA technologies to produce high quality transplants (high quality seedlings for mitigating abiotic and biotic stress in the field)
   

In addition to research, the Kubota Lab supports a wide range of stakeholders through outreach and extension programs.

About the Speaker:

Dr. Chieri Kubota is a Professor/Extension Specialist, Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, and Director of Ohio Controlled Environment Agriculture Center, The Ohio State University. With an interdisciplinary greenhouse training background, Dr. Kubota's research and extension efforts focus on the intersection of horticultural sciences and engineering. She has worked on issues in CEA crop production such as lighting technologies, water and nutrient management, and introducing new crops for CEA. Dr. Kubota is very active in training professionals through online courses, hands-on training, and consultations. She also regularly communicates with stakeholders through social media (e.g. Facebook), webinars, science cafes, and presentations at grower conferences.

Kubota Lab Information: http://u.osu.edu/cepptlab

Hydroponics/Soilless Culture Information: https://u.osu.edu/hydroponics/ 

CEA Strawberry Information: http://u.osu.edu/indoorberry

Watch the recorded lecture on our YouTube Channel