Horticulture Unit gets state-of-the-art upgrades for student success
Before stepping into the role as nursery manager at the Fresno State Horticulture Unit over a year ago, Ernesto Duran had already witnessed how greenhouses can foster research and education to benefit students, researchers, industry professionals and the broader community.
As both a high school and college student, he worked alongside USDA research staff at the San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center in Parlier.
Duran’s expertise helped guide a series of renovations and upgrades at the Fresno State Horticulture Unit’s greenhouse facilities. The facility features seven greenhouses — including one certified organic — a developing vertical farm, rose garden collection and a 10,000-square-foot lath house for shaded cultivation.
It also houses a propagation and tissue culture lab, a certified organic herb garden, a vegetable demonstration garden area with raised beds, two acres dedicated to student-led crop research/production and a plot for nursery-cut flower production.
Advanced automated systems for irrigation, ventilation, heating and cooling are designed to boost efficiency while reducing operational costs. New technology allows staff to monitor and adjust these systems in real time from cloud-based software — ensuring optimal conditions are tailored to both plant needs and changing environmental factors.
The largest greenhouse has increased its growing capacity by more than 50% through the installation of rolling benches. The modernization of Fresno State’s horticulture research facilities is one of several major initiatives funded by one-time state funding to help modernize campus farm facilities.
“These facilities will provide our students, faculty and staff with access to a state-of-the-art, controlled environment agriculture facility,” says Dr. Rolston St. Hilaire, dean of the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. Besides upgrading greenhouse irrigation and control systems to enhance energy and water efficiency, we’re expanding student access, supporting research in greenhouse crop production and promoting sustainable management practices.”
A vertical hydroponic farming system, generously donated by Jordan College supporter and local resident William Luper, is being installed and will serve as a demonstration of innovative techniques to maximize production space. Multiple generous donors have supported the ongoing upgrades and development of the horticulture unit.
Netafim contributed a variety of advanced irrigation systems, including a misting system for the propagation greenhouse, a field drip irrigation system and an overhead irrigation system for the lath house. Hanford Superior Soil Supplements donated a truckload of outdoor soil mix to support nursery production. Sun Gro Horticulture provided several quality soil products and supplements.
Additionally, Belmont Nursery, Dave Wilson Nursery, Sierra View Nursery and Tree Fresno donated a diverse selection of plants and trees to enhance the nursery’s new garden, field and landscape renovations.
– Geoff Thurner
Photo by Geoff Thurner
