Open to: All BCIA Registrants and their Guests.

Join Vancouver Branch for a behind-the-scenes tour of the University of British Columbia's research greenhouse facilities, operated by UBC Plant Care Services!

This guided tour offers a unique opportunity to explore how greenhouse technologies, controlled growing environments, and integrated plant management practices support scientific research and plant production.

Participants will learn about the environmental controls and growing systems used to maintain diverse plant species under research conditions, including climate management, irrigation, fertilization, lighting, and integrated pest management.

The tour will also highlight the practical challenges of greenhouse research operations, from maintaining consistent experimental conditions to managing plant health and supporting a variety of research projects.

To wrap up the experience, participants will have an opportunity to sample different tomato varieties, exchange ideas, and ask questions about greenhouse crop production and research applications.

Whether you work in plant science, agriculture, environmental management, or another area of agrology, this tour offers valuable insights into the technologies and practices supporting modern greenhouse research.

What to Expect

The guided tour will cover:

• Welcome and Introduction: Overview of UBC Plant Care Services, greenhouse facilities, and ongoing research activities.

• Greenhouse Facilities and Environmental Control: Explore climate management, irrigation, fertilization, lighting, and growing systems.

• Plant Production and Research: Learn about experimental growing conditions, greenhouse crop management, and research applications.

• Plant Health and Integrated Pest Management: Discover approaches to pest and disease monitoring, biological controls, and sustainable greenhouse operations.

• Tomato Tasting and Q&A: Sample different tomato varieties and engage in discussion with greenhouse specialists and researchers.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this tour, participants will be able to:

• Describe the role of controlled-environment greenhouses in supporting plant research and production.

• Identify key environmental factors influencing greenhouse plant growth.

• Understand the principles of irrigation, nutrient management, and integrated pest management in research greenhouses.

• Recognize operational challenges associated with maintaining plants under experimental conditions.

• Gain practical insights into greenhouse technologies and management practices relevant to professional agrology.

Presenter

Melina Biron
Research Platform Manager, UBC Plant Care Services

Melina Biron is the Research Platform Manager of Plant Care Services at the University of British Columbia. With a background in Plant Science and extensive experience in both commercial and research greenhouse management, she oversees facilities that support scientific research, teaching, and plant production.

Her work involves coordinating greenhouse research activities, supporting faculty members, researchers, and students, and addressing the practical challenges of plant cultivation in controlled environments. Her areas of expertise include greenhouse crop production, plant physiology, environmental control, and plant health management.

Additional UBC faculty members and researchers involved in the featured greenhouse research projects may also contribute to the tour.

Parking and Arrival Information

Paid parking is available on the UBC Vancouver campus. Participants are encouraged to allow additional time to park and walk to the greenhouse facilities. Please check campus parking locations, rates, and restrictions before arrival.

Registration

Space is limited to 50 participants, and advance registration is required.

We look forward to welcoming you for an informative and engaging exploration of greenhouse research and plant production at UBC!

Please note that photographs and footage will be taken. These will be used by BCIA for marketing and publicity in our publications, on our website, newsletters, and on social media. Should you not wish to have your photo taken and used for these purposes, please advise the photographer at the time.