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
Early Career Research Award supports two Guelph research initiatives Friday, July 4, 2025 The was presented to two University of Guelph researchers at the recently held Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) symposium. Dr. Kelsey Spence received $40,000 towards her work in on-farm biosecurity research, and Dr. Sam Workenhe was awarded $60,000 to further his... Read this article online
Grape Growers 40th Annual Celebrity Luncheon has Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser Friday, July 4, 2025 The Grape Growers of Ontario’s marks the opening of the by showcasing Canadian personalities and celebrating the annual grape harvest. This year, in partnership with Meridian Credit Union, Ontario’s largest credit union and the third largest in Canada, the Grape Growers of Ontario... Read this article online
Ontario crops respond to summer heat Wednesday, July 2, 2025 According to the OMAFA Field Crop News team, Ontario field crops are showing rapid development as summer-like temperatures have dominated late June early July. The warm spell has accelerated growth and helped reduce the heat unit deficit from a cool spring. Corn fields have seen a burst... Read this article online
Canada’s Place in Global Food System Resilience Wednesday, July 2, 2025 Canada’s food system is facing serious pressure due to global supply chain issues, climate change, and rising food prices. According to a KPMG report, bold and united action is needed now to make Canada’s agriculture sector more resilient and self-reliant. With the global population... Read this article online
Calf Auction Raises Funds for Youth Monday, June 30, 2025 Wyatt Westman-Frijters from Milverton won a heifer calf named Ingrid through a World Milk Day promotion by Maplevue Farms and a local Perth, Ontario radio station. Instead of keeping the calf, 22-year-old Westman-Frijters chose to give back to the community. The calf was sent to the... Read this article online