Purdue to host first hydroponic lettuce production workshop

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University’s horticulture department will host its first ever hydroponic lettuce production workshop on March 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. to provide lettuce producers with the tools they need to increase the productivity of their operations.

The workshop is free and open to the public. It will be held in room 222 of the Purdue Horticulture Building, 625 Ag Mall Drive, West Lafayette.

The workshop will feature a series of topics and tips for lettuce producers. Petrus Langenhoven, horticulture and hydroponic crop specialist at Purdue, will discuss the most common mistakes made during hydroponic lettuce production. Krishna Nemali, assistant professor of horticulture at Purdue, will discuss the ideal nutrition, temperature, and supplemental lighting for hydroponic lettuce production. Jodee Ellet, Purdue Extension local foods coordinator, will present a market access talk on how producers can best market their products.

Attendees will learn about the latest in hydroponic lettuce production research while discussing best practices with fellow growers. After the workshop, there will be a tour of the Purdue horticulture greenhouses.

“Growers will have a better understanding of production management pitfalls and will learn through practical examples,” said Langenhoven. “They will be better equipped to respond to consumer and market requirements.”

This workshop was developed to meet the needs of hydroponic growers for more information on best practices and market access tips. More than half of the lettuce grown in Indiana comes from hydroponics systems. Understanding management practices, lighting systems, and market access will be essential to hydroponic production success, Langenhoven said.

To register, contact Lori Jolly-Brown via email at ljollybr@purdue.edu by March 1. 

Writer: Mikaela Wieland, mwieland@purdue.edu 

Sources: Lori Jolly-Brown, 765-494-1296, ljollybr@purdue.edu,

Petrus Langenhoven, plangenh@purdue.edu

Krishna Nemali, knemali@purdue.edu

Agricultural Communications: (765) 494-8415;
Darrin Pack, dpack@purdue.edu 
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