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Sunday, July 27
 

7:00am CDT

TOUR 3 - A Taste of Louisiana Green Industry: Nursery Visits, Tea Production & Processing, Gardens and Green Infrastructure Research
Sunday July 27, 2025 7:00am - 6:00pm CDT
Advance registration is required. Tickets are non-refundable.

Depart Hyatt Regency New Orleans 7:00 am 

This tour will highlight nursery operations, tea production, and ongoing landscape and nursery research throughout southeast Louisiana. Tour stops will include visiting two major nurseries in southeast Louisiana (Bracy's and Windmill), a Tea producer (Fleur De Lis Tea Co.), and the Hammond Research Station (HRS). Departing from New Orleans, attendees will have the opportunity to tour two prominent nursery production facilities in the region, a local tea (Camellia sinensis) farm and processor, followed by a tour of the HRS facilities to observe ongoing green infrastructure research projects (raingardens, bioretention cells) and tour the HRS gardens. A catered lunch featuring Louisiana cuisine will be available at the tea farm. This tour will provide value to attendees by incorporating in-depth nursery production visits, tea production and processing, research discussions spanning a range of disciplines, and a synopsis of Louisiana ornamental horticulture history to provide a unique experience for guests.

Tour Stops
Stop #1: Windmill Nursery
Arrive: 8:30 am
Depart: 10:00 am
Stop #2: Bracy’s Nursery
Arrive: 10:30 am
Depart: 12:00 pm
Stop #3: Fleur De Lis Tea Company
Arrive: 12:20 pm
Depart: 2:20 pm
Tour and cup of tea. Lunch of Jambalaya, salad, veggies, water/iced tea. Gluten free/vegan option available upon request.
​Stop #4: LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station
Arrive: 2:40 pm
Depart: 5:00 pm

5:00 pm Depart for Hotel

Sponsoring Professional Interest Groups:
Ornamental/Landscape & Turf (OL/T); Water Utilization and Management (WUM); Nursery Crops (NUR); Herbs, Spices, and Medicinal Plants (HSMP); Asian Horticulture Group (AH); Plant Biotechnology Interest Group (PBIG)
Sunday July 27, 2025 7:00am - 6:00pm CDT
Tour
 
Monday, July 28
 

8:00am CDT

ASHS Leadership Class 4
Monday July 28, 2025 8:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Monday July 28, 2025 8:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Strand 14

8:00am CDT

NE 2336 Multistate Meeting
Monday July 28, 2025 8:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Monday July 28, 2025 8:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Strand 10A

8:30am CDT

TOUR 1 - Invasives & Ornamentals: Louisiana Antebellum Mansion & Swamp Tour
Monday July 28, 2025 8:30am - 5:00pm CDT
Tickets are non-refundable. Advance purchase required.

Depart Hyatt Regency at 8:30 am

Stop #1: Narrated journey down Old River Road
Stop #2: Swamp Boat Tour of Bayour Segnette Swamp
Stop #3: Segnette Landing Harbor Front Dining (lunch)
Stop #4: Antebellum Plantation Tour

ASHS Professional Interest Group/Committee Sponsor: Invasive Plant Research (NPR)
Monday July 28, 2025 8:30am - 5:00pm CDT
Tour

9:00am CDT

10:00am CDT

Speaker Ready Room
Monday July 28, 2025 10:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Monday July 28, 2025 10:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Strand 1

11:00am CDT

Registration Open
Monday July 28, 2025 11:00am - 6:00pm CDT
Monday July 28, 2025 11:00am - 6:00pm CDT
Empire Ballroom Foyer

12:00pm CDT

ASHS Leadership Joint Class Lunch
Monday July 28, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
Monday July 28, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
Bolden 6

1:00pm CDT

Student/First Time Attendee Welcome: Conference Overview
Monday July 28, 2025 1:00pm - 1:30pm CDT
Student/First Time Attendee Welcome: Conference Overview Session
Curt Rom

This session will provide the essential information for how to get the most out of your attendance at the ASHS Annual Conference. Specific events, sessions, and competitions will be explained. ASHS staff and volunteers will be on hand to make sure that you are aware of all that ASHS and specifically the ASHS Conference has to offer.
Monday July 28, 2025 1:00pm - 1:30pm CDT
Empire D

1:00pm CDT

ASHS Leadership Class 5
Monday July 28, 2025 1:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Monday July 28, 2025 1:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Strand 14

1:30pm CDT

Careers in Horticulture
Monday July 28, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm CDT
Moderator: Curt Rom

An overview of the possible career paths for horticulture and plant science professionals.

Monday July 28, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm CDT
Empire D

2:15pm CDT

Networking Jam Session: Making the Right Connections
Monday July 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm CDT
Moderator: Janel Ohletz

The right connections can help your career flourish. Learn networking tips and tricks.

Monday July 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm CDT
Empire D

3:00pm CDT

Finding Your Rhythm: Choosing the Right Career Path
Monday July 28, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Representatives from Academia, Government, and Industry will participate in a Panel Discussion with Q&A.


Monday July 28, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Empire D

4:00pm CDT

Career and Graduate School Fair
Monday July 28, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Meet with representatives from industry and academia.

Companies and universities register for a free table at https://ashs.org/page/ASHSCareerFair_RecruiterTalk

Monday July 28, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Strand 12

4:00pm CDT

Interest Group Officer Meeting
Monday July 28, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
All officers (and incoming officers) will meet with the ASHS Vice Presidents to discuss processes and procedures...and make any requests of the Board of Directors.
Monday July 28, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Strand 3

4:30pm CDT

Moderator Training
Monday July 28, 2025 4:30pm - 5:00pm CDT
Monday July 28, 2025 4:30pm - 5:00pm CDT
Empire D

5:00pm CDT

Welcome Reception
Monday July 28, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Monday July 28, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Empire ABC

7:00pm CDT

APS Executive Committee Meeting
Monday July 28, 2025 7:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
Monday July 28, 2025 7:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
Strand 14
 
Tuesday, July 29
 

6:45am CDT

5K Fun Run
Tuesday July 29, 2025 6:45am - 8:00am CDT
6:45 am - Meet at the Premium Parking Lot at 201 Canal Street for race bib and t-shirt

7:00 am sharp - Fun run begins

Come join in a 5K fun run along the Mississippi River! Race bibs, t-shirts, and refreshments provided. Award for the top three finishers.
Tuesday July 29, 2025 6:45am - 8:00am CDT

7:00am CDT

Registration Open
Tuesday July 29, 2025 7:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Tuesday July 29, 2025 7:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Empire Ballroom Foyer

7:00am CDT

Speaker Ready Room
Tuesday July 29, 2025 7:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Tuesday July 29, 2025 7:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Strand 1

8:30am CDT

Awards Breakfast
Tuesday July 29, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
Tuesday July 29, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
Bolden 6

10:00am CDT

Plenary Welcome and Awards
Tuesday July 29, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Tuesday July 29, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Empire CD

11:00am CDT

Keynote Speaker: Dr. James J. Giovannoni
Tuesday July 29, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Presentation Title:
“Biotechnology, Genomics and Opportunities for Horticultural Science"

Dr. Jim Giovannoni is Director of the USDA-ARS research lab on the Cornell university campus. He was a leader of the international effort to sequence the tomato genome and his laboratory has worked for over 30 years on molecular and genetic analysis of fruit physiology, ripening, and related signal transduction systems. His lab identified critical genes associated with fruit development, nutrition, and quality traits including the first transcription factor regulating ripening. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Giovannoni is a Texas A&M Hagler Fellow and received the 2014 Award for Exemplary Service from the US Secretary of Agriculture, and the USDA-ARS North East Area Senior Research Scientist of the year Award in 2010 and 2017.
Tuesday July 29, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Empire CD

12:15pm CDT

Tuesday Poster Session Time
Tuesday July 29, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CDT
Tuesday July 29, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CDT
Empire AB

1:00pm CDT

Tuesday Poster Session Time
Tuesday July 29, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Tuesday July 29, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Empire AB

1:45pm CDT

Interest Group Session: Artificial Intelligence in Horticultural Crop Breeding
Tuesday July 29, 2025 1:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
The need to improve crops has never been critical with the rising population and climate change resulting in high abiotic stress and disease pressures in production areas. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI)-based approaches have been implemented in the context of plant breeding and crop improvement. Modern AI tools hold the promise of accelerating the development of resilient, higher-yielding, and more sustainable horticultural crops, by rendering a deeper understanding of complex genetic systems and phenotypes, and how these interact with their environment to express desirable traits. As an approach, AI is an important component of the plant breeding toolbox which may now currently be an indispensable addition to modern vegetable breeding programs. For example, AI allows for the prediction of phenotypic values through genetic markers, and this allows plant breeders to perform selection even before the trials are conducted in the field. The ASHS Vegetable Breeding and Interest Group seeks to provide research updates from experts who have worked on the applications of AI in crop breeding and genetic improvement. The workshop will provide a summary of various AI methodologies, recent advances, and render opportunities for future collaboration and research directions in the implementation of AI in vegetable breeding programs. Objectives 1. Summarize the different AI approaches used in breeding and genetic improvement of various traits in vegetables 2. Provide the attendees with recent advances in AI for plant breeding 3. Discuss future research directions and applications of AI in plant breeding programs The workshop will be conducted during the annual ASHS meeting (July 28- August 1, 2025) in New Orleans, Louisiana. The workshop will be in-person. Audience: The workshop will be open to all ASHS attendees (both public and private sectors) and will be interactive.

Moderators: Dennis Lozada, New Mexico State University
Devi Kandel, Langston University

Speakers:
The following speakers were invited and those indicated with (*) have agreed to the invitation.
  • Dr. Zhihang Song* (University of Georgia; Accelerating Plant Breeding with Plant Phenotyping Technologies and AI)
  • Dr. Mahdi Haghshenas-Jaryani* (New Mexico State University; Autonomous “AI-enabled” Robots for Chile Pepper Precision Farming)
  • Dr. Allen Van Deynze (University of California- Davis; TBA)
  • Dr. Lirong Xiang (North Carolina State University; TBA)

Tuesday July 29, 2025 1:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Strand 11B

2:00pm CDT

Scholars Ignite
Tuesday July 29, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Competition Entry https://ashs.org/page/SIEntry

The Graduate Student Activities Committee hosts this competition to allow graduate students members (both MS and PhD) a fun and exciting way to communicate the impact of their research projects and scholarly activities.
Graduate students make compelling presentations in three minutes using no more than one single PowerPoint slide or visual aid. The purpose of the presentation is to generate awareness, stimulate thought, and inspire attendees to appreciate the breadth and depth of horticultural research and scholarly activities. Graduate students will meet other students and scientists, learn about an array of research topics and other creative and scholarly activities across ASHS, and most importantly have fun!

The competition is designed similar to other popular three-to-five-minute thesis and research presentation events (e.g. Three-minute thesis, ‘Ignite’ or Scholars’ Studio) occurring around the globe, and done especially well in Australia, British Columbia, and the University of Washington.

Winners will receive a cash award of $500, $250, and $100 for the top three places, respectively.
The winners are announced at the Student Awards Night.
Students must enter by the deadline of July1st. 
Applicants may use only one Introductory Slide (using the ASHS provided template) and one Presentation Slide for a total of 2 slides. The Introductory Slide must follow the format of the template and include Title of Presentation (Calibri 44 bold), Student’s Name (Calibri 32 bold), Advisor(s) Name (Calibri 28) and Institution’s Name (Calibri 28). The Presentation Slide must be one single page without any animation. Students may use any color, background or font for their Presentation Slide but not for the Introductory Slide. Slides need to be in the 16:9 format. Both slides must be presented in 3 minutes. Once the student reaches the podium the timer will start and after 3 minutes we will move to the next student.
Tuesday July 29, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Empire CD

2:00pm CDT

Workshop: Mulch Matters! Lessons Learned on Improving End-of-life Outcomes of Plastic Mulch
Tuesday July 29, 2025 2:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Overview of Workshop: Horticultural crop production depends on plastic mulch film to suppress weeds, optimize the soil microclimate, and overall improve economic and efficient production of crops within both conventional and organic systems. Unfortunately, the benefits of plastic mulch are often overshadowed by its poor end-of life outcomes with growers frequently landfilling, stockpiling, burying, or burning mulch waste at the end of a production season. Some of this mulch waste can become pollutants of soil and water. The horticultural industry needs new technologies that reduce persistent plastic waste generation with the expansion of extended producer responsibility, circularity, and sustainability initiatives. This interactive workshop will educate participants on promising solutions that preserve the essential functions of plastic mulch while reducing waste generation with an emphasis on soil-biodegradable plastic mulch and new collection, retrieval, and recycling technologies for non-biodegradable plastic mulch.  
The workshop is divided into three interactive sessions that will provide participants with a balance of academic and private industry perspectives. The sessions include: 1) Identifying the problem and possible solutions; 2) Lessons learned and recommendations from industry; and 3) Socioeconomic considerations and future prospects. Each session will have a panel of experts that will provide a brief presentation on a targeted topic. Invited industry speakers will share lessons learned and experience-shaped strategies to reduce plastic mulch waste generation. At the end of each session, samples of materials (e.g., soil-biodegradable mulch, mulch made with recycled resin) will be circulated and questions will be asked from the audience. The moderator will also poll the audience to promote engagement and to gather information about shared experiences related to sustainable mulch management. This information will be leveraged to discuss and design participant-tailored recommendations for sustainable end-of-life mulch management within their regions and communities at the end of the workshop. 
Moderators: Lisa W. DeVetter and Carol Miles

Session 1: Identifying the Problem and Possible Solutions (40 minutes total)
Speakers:
  • Lisa DeVetter / Washington State University / Associate Professor of Horticulture
  • Carol Miles / Washington State University / Professor of Horticulture
  • Gene Jones / Southern Waste Information eXchange/ CEO
Session 2: Lessons learned from Industry (40 min total)
Speakers:

  • Shuresh Ghimire/ Vegetable Assistant Extension Educator / University of Connecticut
    Ben Andros / Andros Engineering Cooperation / President
    Hillary Thomas / Naturipe Berry Growers, Inc. / Research and Technical Director  
Session 3: Socioeconomic Considerations and Future Prospects (40 min total)
Speakers:
  • Jessica Goldberger / Washington State University / Professor of Crop and Soil Sciences
  • Sam Wortman / Associate Professor and Environmental Horticulturist / University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  • Pierre Sarazin / Polyexpert / Vice President of R&D and Sustainability

Tuesday July 29, 2025 2:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Strand 10

3:00pm CDT

Negotiating Your Worth: Don't Play for Free
Tuesday July 29, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Strategies for negotiating and accepting an offer.

Tuesday July 29, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Empire CD

4:00pm CDT

Polishing Your CV, Resume, and Cover Letters: Hitting the Right Notes
Tuesday July 29, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT
Moderator: Julie Campbell

Learn how to make your CV, resume, and cover letter shine! The session will start with a presentation of important things to remember when crafting your CV, resume, and cover letter.
In-person reviews will be conducted after the presentation so bring your CV, resume, and cover letter.

Tuesday July 29, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT
Empire CD

4:00pm CDT

Interest Group Session: Integrated Pest and Pathogen Management for Controlled Environment Agiculture Specialty Crop Production
Tuesday July 29, 2025 4:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Growth Chambers and Controlled Environments

This session will be focused on integrated pest and pathogen management within controlled environment agriculture setting.

Speakers:
  • Samantha Wilden, Cornell University
  • Arash Kheroiding, Texas A&M AgriLife
  • Krishna Bhattarai, Texas A&M AgriLife
  • Erich Schoeller, University of Georgia
  • Ruchika Kashyap, University of Georgia
  • Andrew Ogden, University of Georgia
Tuesday July 29, 2025 4:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Strand 11B

4:30pm CDT

APS Business Meeting and Fruit Tasting
Tuesday July 29, 2025 4:30pm - 7:00pm CDT
Tuesday July 29, 2025 4:30pm - 7:00pm CDT
Strand 10

6:00pm CDT

Student and Early Career Reception
Tuesday July 29, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
All students and early career professionals are invited to a reception/mixer. This is a chance to meet and learn from each other
Tuesday July 29, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
Empire CD
 
Wednesday, July 30
 

7:00am CDT

Speaker Ready Room
Wednesday July 30, 2025 7:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Wednesday July 30, 2025 7:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Strand 1

7:30am CDT

Extension Division Breakfast
Wednesday July 30, 2025 7:30am - 9:30am CDT
Advance registration and ticket purchase required.

Speaker: Dr. Gary Bachman

Gary R. Bachman is well known as the host of Mississippi State University Extension Service's award-winning Southern Gardening television, newspaper, radio, and social media franchise. Through his personal, conversational style, Dr. Bachman has made a tremendous impact on consumers of horticultural products and services in Mississippi and across the Southeast/
Wednesday July 30, 2025 7:30am - 9:30am CDT
Bolden 6

7:30am CDT

Registration Open
Wednesday July 30, 2025 7:30am - 5:00pm CDT
Wednesday July 30, 2025 7:30am - 5:00pm CDT
Empire Ballroom Foyer

10:00am CDT

Undegraduate Student Student Poster 1
Wednesday July 30, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Wednesday July 30, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Empire AB

10:00am CDT

Workshop: Best Practices for Program Impact Survey Research
Wednesday July 30, 2025 10:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Everyone working at the university level is expected to evaluate the impact of their programs. The knowledge and practice of evaluation is assumed to be among the skill sets of staff, including early career staff, without the provision of professional development or analysis support. This is not the case. In 2024, Rutgers conducted statewide and national surveys of Master Gardener programs. Of staff and faculty responding to Rutgers national survey, 73% said that they either did not have the time or the knowledge of evaluation processes to successfully evaluate their programs.

This workshop will explore the process and outcome of this research followed by a hands-on activity illustrating the pitfalls of survey creation and how to avoid them. This opportunity to learn about survey data collection and analysis while using data that is current and relative to the Master Gardener program is invaluable. The participants of this workshop will experience designing research surveys, evaluating data and using sound research processes while exploring data collected via the Rutgers study from over 2,000 participants ranging from volunteers to national stakeholders. Unexpected vs. invalid outcomes will be included. The data presented as examples is as important as the learning process. For example, 97% of staff respondents, regardless of organization, did not see the Master Gardener volunteers as “masters of horticulture”. Participants will attempt to determine if this is an indication of survey bias or process issues or is the data valid, revealing training deficiencies, performance issues, or bias toward volunteers as non-professionals. Participants will leave with a better understanding of how to evaluate their Master Gardener programs and with foundation data on which to build future analysis.

Moderator: Ruth Carll, State Leader, Consumer Horitculture, Rutgers

Speakers:
  • Ruth Carll, State Leader, Consumer Horticulture, Rutgers
  • Belinda Chester, Senior Program Coordinator, Rutgers
Overview Goal:
The goal of this workshop is to bring together professionals who manage Master Gardener programs and, through guided discussion, identify methods for implementing surveys that deliver valid data by examining a current survey project’s development process and outcomes.

Format:
  1. Pre-test
  2. Group introduction and orientation to the topic
  3. Small group activities with real-time reporting
  4. Post-discussion assessment
  5. Partnership creation
  6. Wrap-up and distribution of notes

Wednesday July 30, 2025 10:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Strand 10

11:00am CDT

Undegraduate Student Student Poster 2
Wednesday July 30, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Wednesday July 30, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Empire AB

12:00pm CDT

Administrators Luncheon
Wednesday July 30, 2025 12:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Wednesday July 30, 2025 12:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Bolden 6

12:15pm CDT

Wednesday Poster Session Time
Wednesday July 30, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CDT
Wednesday July 30, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CDT
Empire AB

12:15pm CDT

Undegraduate Student Student Oral 1
Wednesday July 30, 2025 12:15pm - 1:45pm CDT
Wednesday July 30, 2025 12:15pm - 1:45pm CDT
Foster 2

1:00pm CDT

Wednesday Poster Session Time
Wednesday July 30, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Wednesday July 30, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Empire AB

1:00pm CDT

USDA-SCRI-CAPS Tomato Project Meeting
Wednesday July 30, 2025 1:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
This important session is part of the USDA-SCRI-CAPS project, "Climate Resilient High-Quality Tomato Varieties for Sustainable Production," and will serve as a key component of our collaborative efforts. While many of the attendees are part of ASHS, we anticipate that several non-ASHS members will also join us, making this a valuable opportunity for broader engagement.
Wednesday July 30, 2025 1:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Strand 4

2:00pm CDT

Workshop: Usage of Ethylene Related Materials in Horticultural Plants
Wednesday July 30, 2025 2:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Ethylene-releasing and ethylene-inhibiting materials are essential tools to manage different aspects of horticultural crop production such as plant growth and development, flowering, stress response, thinning and harvesting. This workshop will focus on two topics related to promoting ethylene and two topics related to inhibiting ethylene in horticultural crop production highlighting aspects of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxilic acid (ACC), Ethephon, aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) and 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) applications in horticulture. Following each of these two broad categories of ethylene related materials, time will be provided for discussion and questions with the speakers and participants. The overall goal of this interactive workshop is to bring together speakers working on methods to influence ethylene related processes in different horticultural commodities to provide an environment for the exchange of information on new uses and management tools of ethylene-releasing and ethylene-inhibiting plant growth regulators.

Speakers:
  • Dr. Esmaeil Fallahi – ACC Use on Tree Fruits University of Idaho
  • Dr. Garrett Owen – Use of the Ethylene Generating PGR Collate in the Ornamental Industry Ohio State University
  • Dr. Shinsuke Agehara – 1-MCP as it Relates to Suppressing Ethylene-Induced Stress Responses in Vegetable Transplants University of Florida Dr.
  •  Dr. Jimmy Larson – AVG/Tools to Manage Apple Harvest Utah State University
Wednesday July 30, 2025 2:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Strand 10

4:00pm CDT

Early Career Competition
Wednesday July 30, 2025 4:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Wednesday July 30, 2025 4:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
TBA

6:00pm CDT

Graduate Student Poster Competition
Wednesday July 30, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
The student must stand in front of the physical poster during the competition hours and the judges will walk around to each contestant. The student will be given 5 minutes to make a presentation to the judges, followed by a 2 minute period of questions and answers. There is no virtual presentation option.
Please note: Signing up for the competition means that you are agreeing to present twice – once for your regularly scheduled poster session and once in the competition.  If you do not also present your poster during the regularly scheduled Conference Poster session program, you will be disqualified from the Poster Competition, and your abstract will not be published in the on-line supplement of HortScience.
Competition winners in each graduate level program (MS and PhD) will each receive monetary prizes ($300 first; $200 second; $100 third) and the winners' names and abstracts will be posted to the ASHS web site and highlighted in the ASHS E-News.
The winners are announced at the Awards and Trivia Night on Thursday, July 31 at 6:00 pm during the conference.

Wednesday July 30, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
Empire AB
 
Thursday, July 31
 

7:00am CDT

Speaker Ready Room
Thursday July 31, 2025 7:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Thursday July 31, 2025 7:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Strand 1

7:30am CDT

Registration Open
Thursday July 31, 2025 7:30am - 5:00pm CDT
Thursday July 31, 2025 7:30am - 5:00pm CDT
Empire Ballroom Foyer

9:00am CDT

10:00am CDT

Workshop: Where are we today? State of Organic Education and Technical Programs
Thursday July 31, 2025 10:00am - 12:00pm CDT
This workshop will focus on the educational (University) and Technical Programs geared towards Organic Horticulture. Universities vary greatly in their organic programs, student interest in organic programs, and facilities. Similarly, the technical assistance provided from growers varies from state to state. Recent Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) programming, has created more interest in providing this assistance. This workshop will focus on discussing the challenges to organic education both at the undergraduate and farmer level.

Speakers:
  • Kate Cassity-Duffey, University of Georgia
  • Mary Rogers, University of Georgia
  • Christian Stephenson University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  • Christine Coker University of Mississippi
Thursday July 31, 2025 10:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Strand 10

10:00am CDT

Interest Group Session: An Introduction To Watney
Thursday July 31, 2025 10:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Luke Concollato will provide an introduction to new, intuitive platform for digital phenotyping and integration of environmental data. Luke Concollato will introduce the program and give instructions on how this platform can be used for specified organization of data and ultimately, breakthroughs in plant science.

This will be held pre-recorded Zoom conference and shown at the conference for in-person attendees.
Thursday July 31, 2025 10:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hort Theater

12:00pm CDT

International Division Lunch
Thursday July 31, 2025 12:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Advance registration and ticket purchase is required.

Solar Powered Refrigeration for Smallholder Farmers: The Journey From a Foggy Idea to a Growing Commercial Enterprise in India

Speaker: Dr. Randy Beaudry, Michigan State University
Thursday July 31, 2025 12:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Bolden 6

12:00pm CDT

Pi Alpha Xi Luncheon and Business Meeting
Thursday July 31, 2025 12:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Thursday July 31, 2025 12:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA

12:15pm CDT

Thursday Poster Session Time
Thursday July 31, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CDT
Thursday July 31, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CDT
Empire AB

12:15pm CDT

Undegraduate Student Student Oral 2
Thursday July 31, 2025 12:15pm - 1:30pm CDT
Thursday July 31, 2025 12:15pm - 1:30pm CDT
Foster 2

12:15pm CDT

AHIS Lightning Talk Competition
Thursday July 31, 2025 12:15pm - 1:45pm CDT
Graduate student lightning talk sessions.

Moderatos:
Dr. Tripti Vashisth
Dr. Jyostna Devi Mura
Thursday July 31, 2025 12:15pm - 1:45pm CDT
Strand 12A

1:00pm CDT

Thursday Poster Session Time
Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Empire AB

2:00pm CDT

Workshop: Structuring Master Gardener Programs for Success
Thursday July 31, 2025 2:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
The goal of this workshop is to bring together Master Gardener stakeholders working to create impactful programs in unique and efficient models and to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas for achieving greater impact through effective program operation. The participants will leave the workshop with partnerships identified between programs of similar needs and change status. The panel for the workshop represents 4 programs that have successfully restructured their programs and serve as models for those considering making a change. Through discussion, we will identify how to build a case for change, present the case to the leadership, manage change, and measure the outcome. Those active in any role of their Master Gardener program are encouraged to attend. Creating impactful programming in this field is directly influenced by the efficiency through which we operate. To achieve greater success, more effort must be invested in advancing purposeful and effective management. However, many of the programs throughout the country have grown into their current forms organically and through grassroots process which are now less effective for larger, statewide programs. Making large-scale changes in a university system can be difficult. Participants of this workshop will leave with a better understanding of the change process and learned about different Master Gardener program models that have successfully implemented change.

Speakers:
  • Missy Gable, Director, UC Master Gardener Program, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, mjgable@ucanr.edu
  • Jennifer Marquis, Director, WSU Extension Master Gardener Program, Washington State University, jgmarquis@wsu.edu
  • Mary Ortiz Castro, Colorado Master Gardener State Education Specialist, Interim Extension Programs Manager, Colorado State University Extension, mary.ortiz_castro@colostate.edu
  •  Ruth Carll, State Leader, Consumer Horticulture, Rutgers, ruth.carll@rutgers.edu
Thursday July 31, 2025 2:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Strand 10

2:00pm CDT

Southern Region ASHS Executive Committee Meeting
Thursday July 31, 2025 2:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Thursday July 31, 2025 2:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Strand 14

4:00pm CDT

Workshop: Grafting and Budding of Perennial Tree Fruits, Nuts, and Vines
Thursday July 31, 2025 4:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
This interactive workshop will introduce attendees to the history, science, and industry opportunities related to grafting perennial tree fruits, nuts, and vines. It will be accompanied by a hand-on demonstration and time for attendees to practice with real-time feedback. A liability waiver will be required for participants who wish to handle grafting knives.

Speakers:
  • Dr. Rachel Spaeth, post doc Research Horticulturist currently serving as the Interim Curator of Prunus, National Clonal Germplasm Repository, UC Davis, CA
  • Dr. John Preece, Supervisory Research Leader of the USDA-ARS National Clonal Germplasm Repository Davis, CA 
Thursday July 31, 2025 4:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Strand 10

6:00pm CDT

Trivia Night/Competition Award Ceremony
Thursday July 31, 2025 6:00pm - 7:30pm CDT
Don't miss this fun event!
Test your horticultural knowledge against other teams for a night of fun and camaraderie! 4 players per team allowed. You can join as a team, or sign up as an individual and we will team you up. https://forms.gle/3WptLLMCxm1ATtn78

Awards for the student and early career competitions will be presented between rounds of trivia.
Thursday July 31, 2025 6:00pm - 7:30pm CDT
Empire AB
 
Friday, August 1
 

7:00am CDT

Speaker Ready Room
Friday August 1, 2025 7:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Friday August 1, 2025 7:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Strand 1

7:30am CDT

Registration Open
Friday August 1, 2025 7:30am - 12:00pm CDT
Friday August 1, 2025 7:30am - 12:00pm CDT
Empire Ballroom Foyer

9:00am CDT

ASHS Presidential Address and Annual Business Meeting
Friday August 1, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Friday August 1, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Empire CD

12:15pm CDT

Friday Poster Session Time
Friday August 1, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CDT
Friday August 1, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CDT
Empire AB

1:00pm CDT

Friday Poster Session Time
Friday August 1, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Friday August 1, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Empire AB
 
Saturday, August 2
 

8:00am CDT

TOUR 2 - Sustainable Flora Design Workshop
Saturday August 2, 2025 8:00am - 4:00pm CDT
Tickets are non-refundable. Advance registration is required. Tour is limited to 12 persons.

Depart Hyatt Regency at 8:00 am
Mississippi State University CREC
1815 Popps Ferry Road
Biloxi, MS

Immerse yourself in sustainable floristry. We will cover information about the topic, and why it is important in floriculture research, teaching, and outreach. Participants will gain knowledge, skills, and creative ideas on how to incorporate sustainable floral design into existing and future courses, and how to make the ideas adapt to their needs. This workshop includes brief lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on practice.

Faculty Presenters/Moderators:
Dr. James DelPrince, Mississippi State University
Dr. Teresita Amore, University of Hawaii
Dr. Coleman Etheredge, Mississippi State University
Dr. Alyssa Palmer, Utah State University

Arrive at 9:30 am
10:00 - Intro to Sustainability, Cole Etheredge
10:30 - Working with Sustainable Mechanics, James DelPrince
11:00 - Hands-on Workshop
12:30 - Lunch
1:30 - Roundtable: Wha We Learned and What We Want to Do, all attendees

2:30 pm Depart MSU for Hyatt New Orleans
Saturday August 2, 2025 8:00am - 4:00pm CDT
Tour
 
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