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TNLA Green Report Podcast, Season 4, Episode 7: Dig into the Plant Trial Road Trip with Paul Winski

⏱️ 26:57 🎤 Sarah Riggins, Paul Winsky
AUDIO EPISODE
TNLA Green Report Podcast, Season 4, Episode 7: Dig into the Plant Trial Road Trip with Paul Winski
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Chapters

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  • 1:34
    Paul Winski's New Role
    Paul Winski introduces his new position as a statewide program specialist focusing on the green industry.
  • 3:38
    Texas Plant Trial Roadtrip
    Paul Winski details the upcoming plant trials across East Texas and the Gulf Coast, comparing plant performance in ground and containers.
  • 9:03
    Early Plant Trial Surprises
    Winski shares early observations from the trials, noting issues with new soil fertility but good performance from certain petunias, portulaca, and coleus.
  • 15:18
    Why Growers Should Attend
    Winski explains how the trials offer growers a chance to see plant performance under natural conditions without pesticides or fungicides, evaluating pest resistance.
  • 25:46
    Propagation Research with Growers
    Winski discusses collaborative research with Native Texas Nursery on Possomhaw Holly and Rusty Blackhaw Viburnum propagation, and Bigtooth Maple germination.
  • 3:46
    Biochar Trials and Water Savings
    Winski details research on biochar, showing a 25-36% reduction in watering needs for container media with biochar and improved root mass.
  • 50:26
    Root Shield for Boxwood Production
    Winski highlights successful trials using Root Shield Plus to dramatically reduce boxwood losses due to root diseases during summer heat.
  • 1:02:26
    Future Research and Collaboration
    Winski expresses his eagerness to continue collaborating with growers on various research projects, including further biochar and biostimulant trials.

Speakers

S
Sarah Riggins
Host — Texas Nursery and Landscape Association
P
Paul Winsky
Statewide Program Specialist, Texas A&M University and AgriLife Extension

Key Takeaways

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Attend regional plant trials to observe how new plant varieties perform in natural conditions, providing insights beyond greenhouse environments.

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Consider the long-term fertility development of new soil mixes; initial struggles are common and can improve over time as microbial activity increases.

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Evaluate biostimulants like Root Shield Plus for boxwood production, as they can significantly reduce plant loss from root diseases during stressful periods.

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Explore the benefits of biochar in growing media and landscapes; studies show it can reduce irrigation frequency by 25-36% and improve root mass.

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When implementing new practices, conduct your own trials under your specific growing conditions to ensure effectiveness before full adoption.

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Leverage local resources like Texas A&M AgriLife Extension for evidence-based information and support in addressing propagation and plant health challenges.

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Prioritize the economics of new products or techniques, ensuring the cost-benefit analysis makes sense for your business, considering both quality and expense.

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