Missed our Recent Webinars on Cybersecurity and Invasive Thrips? The Videos are Now Online!

Part of running a greenhouse is keeping it safe – whether that be from hackers or from invasive pests! We recently recorded a webinar on cybersecurity for operational tech and smart devices – and why small businesses are a prime target. We also recorded webinars on Thrips parvispinus and Thrips setosus, the two invasive pests that have been affecting floriculture crops the past 4-5 years.

Keep reading to get more details on these webinars, and to view the recordings.

Choose the GrowON webinar you want to check out! And as always, you can see all our old webinars on the ONFloriculture YouTube page.

Cybersecurity for Greenhouses

Who: Dr. Ali Dehghantanha, professor and Canada Research Chair in Cybersecurity and Threat Intelligence at the University of Guelph, and Bryan Lachapelle, president and CEO of B4 Networks.

Description: Do you work in a greenhouse that uses a climate control system, sensors, automation or robotics? If your answer is yes, this webinar is for you. No matter the size of your operation, if you are using digital tools, you are a potential target for a cyber attack. This informative webinar breaks down what threats to watch for, how to protect your systems, and why it matters more than ever.

Recorded: August 13th, 2025

Thrips parvispinus: Where we’ve been and where we’re going

Who: Sarah Jandricic, Greenhouse Floriculture IPM Specialist, OMAFA (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness)

Description: When it comes to Thrips parvispinus control, many growers are asking, are we there yet? Join us to learn where we are in terms of biocontrol and chemical control for this invasive pest. This presentation will summarize research being conducted in Ontario, Florida and Europe, and put it into context in terms of strategies growers can implement now. Future research directions will also be discussed, while showing growers how to critically assess all the new research coming out.

Recorded: September 22nd, 2025

Thrips setosus: Another new pest of flowers

Who: Judy Colley, Technical Lead, Plant Products and Sarah Jandricic, Greenhouse Floriculture IPM Specialist, OMAFA.

Description: Another new thrips on the block? Thrips setosus, also known as the Japanese flower thrips, affects hydrangeas, cyclamen, herbs and more.  Judy Colley, technical lead for Plant Products, will share information on biocontrol research trials for controlling this pest. She will be joined by Dr. Sarah Jandricic (OMAFA) who will cover biology, hosts plants, damage and pesticide options.

Recorded: August 27th, 2025



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