BioSolutions Conference and Expo Evolves To Meet Needs of Growing Interests
March 8, 2023 Nearly 300 ag industry members descended on Reno, NV, in late February for this year’s BioSolutionsSM Conference & Expo, getting the latest information on the explosive biologicals sector. The unique event has come a long way from the initial edition eight years ago in Fresno, CA, when it was known as the BioControlsSM USA Conference & Expo.
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For example, due to popular demand, a fourth break-out session, based on type of crop, was added. In addition to the three from past years — fruit, vegetable, and greenhouse — a cannabis track was included. Some growers — who made up about one-third of attendees — snickered about such a session, but the program itself was very serious. Topics included: battling botrytis biologically, research updates from Suzanne Wainwright-Evans, also known as, “The Buglady,” and how knowing your plant’s rooting environment can help you produce a better crop.
The plain-spoken Wainwright-Evans sought to dispel any notions among growers that cannabis is easy money despite the industry’s huge profit margins. It’s still farming, and the competition is intense.
“Cannabis is growing up and growing up quickly,” she told the audience. “If you’re not being economical, you’re going out of business.”
Prior to the main conference, many of the attendees enjoyed a bus tour to learn more about sustainable farming practices at local operations. After a trip to the University of Nevada Agricultural Station, the tour headed down to grain country for a look at how whiskey is produced, from farm to bottle. And, yes, there was tasting involved.
GAME-CHANGING TECH
The BioSolutions 2023 conference, which included a large, lively trade show, kicked off with a close look at nanobodies, a breakthrough biological technology that promises to stop citrus greening (and potentially any viral or bacterial-based disease) in its tracks.
Not only does this new technology move from positive greenhouse results to field trials in 2023, but Drs. Michelle Heck and Robert Shatters of USDA and Dr. Marco Pitino with AgroSource also developed a cost-effective delivery system, one that future commercial partners can bring to market relatively quickly. The impact nanobodies can have on agriculture is enormous, Heck said, as the technology is powerful.
“When we’re applying biologicals, we’re doing it to control the plant’s phenotype and its response to challenges,” she said.
After the BioSolutions conference concluded, many attendees stayed for two additional intensive workshops for growers. “Building Your Own Insectary” focused on what exactly it takes to build a successful in-house beneficial bug hatchery. In “Unlocking Your Soil’s Potential” Noel Garcia, Certified Crop Adviser, Senior Consultant and COO of TPS Lab, showed growers how macro- and micronutrients and organic matter affects their crops’ yield and quality.
Scroll through the photo gallery above for scenes from the BioSolutions 2023 Conference & Expo.
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