At the 2018 Farwest Show, seminar speakers Dr. Ryan Contreras of Oregon State University (OSU), and Jill Calabro of AmericanHort/Horticultural Research Institute (HRI), will deliver talks of particular interest to nursery growers, sharing insights on new breeding for woody plants and developments in the crisis of boxwood blight.

Dr. Contreras’ seminar, “Moving, Shaking and Remaking: Plant Breeding at Oregon State,” will be Friday, August 24, 8:30–9:30 a.m. in Room B110. It will look at new developments in woody plant breeding at OSU. Discussion will include potentially sterile maples, azalea hybrids, Deutzia selections, seedless and high impact althea, edible shrubs and more. He’ll share a scientific approach to developing new shrubs and trees that are beautiful, durable and efficient in production.

Dr. Contreras is an associate professor of ornamental plant breeding in the Department of Horticulture at OSU. His breeding program mainly focuses on plants of economic importance to the Oregon nursery and landscape industries. He teaching of plant identification, plant growth and development, and plant propagation is used to support and inform the breeding program.

Calabro’s seminar, “What You Need to Know About Boxwood Blight,” will be Friday, August 24, 8:30–9:30 a.m., Room B119. It will address one of the most serious challenges facing the nursery industry today. She’ll share the latest research results and efforts underway on the subject at HRI.

In her position as science and research programs director, Calabro manages the science related work of AmericanHort and HRI, including HRI’s annual grants program. She also promotes HRI-supported research results and engages in regulatory advocacy to help ensure success of the green industry.

Registration is required for both seminars and available online at https://farwestshow.com/register/

The 2018 Farwest Show will be held August 22–24 in Portland, Oregon. Complete details on can be found at www.FarwestShow.com