OSU to offer Asian Horticulture Conference

This focused conference will address horticultural topics of interest throughout Asia, including Thailand, China, Japan, Iran and other horticultural hotspots, said Mike Schnelle, OSU Cooperative Extension Service ornamental floriculture specialist. The event will take place at the OSU Botanical Garden, 3425 W. Virginia in Stillwater.

“My goal is to expose attendees to a wide range of Asian countries. I want them to see horticulture practices from this part of the world,” Schnelle said. “As an added bonus, there will be a very diverse group of professionals presenting information in various sessions of the workshop.”

Not only will participants learn about horticultural aspects of Asia, but they also will receive information regarding ornamental and edible crops, as well as cultural aspects of this continent.

“This workshop will be a great way to learn about another part of the world,” he said.

Early registration is $60 and must be received by June 13. OBGA members, Master Gardeners and OSU Cooperative Extension educators receive a discounted rate of $45. Registration received after June 13 is $80 and no discounted rates will be offered. For more information, contact Stephanie Larimer at 405-744-5404 or e-mail at stephanie.larimer@okstate.edu.

Participants may register online at http://orangehub.okstate.edu/ustores/web/index.jsp. Under the “Stores” heading, click on “Horticulture/Landscape,” and select “Conference Registration” then click on 2008 Asian Horticulture Conference.

Paul Hsu, department of horticulture and landscape architecture professor at OSU, will share his expertise on Japanese garden construction and landscape design experience. Larry Jones, OSU Botanical Garden Ambassador and professor emeritus will talk about plants of Japan and other Asian islands.

Schnelle will be on hand to talk about the horticultural challenges in Turkmenistan and Tim Kock, an OSU graduate student, will speak to the group about agriculture in Afghanistan.

David Henneberry, director of International Programs in Agriculture at OSU, will present information regarding the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources’ institutional relationships in Asia. “Horticultural Plants in Iran” is the topic to be covered by Shida Henneberry, agricultural economics professor at OSU.

Hailin Zhang, professor in the department of plant and soil sciences, will share information about the various agricultural possibilities in China, and Steve Bieberick of Sunshine Nursery in Clinton, will provide participants with valuable information about what Asian plants grow well in Oklahoma landscapes.

Barbara Brown, food specialist for OSU Cooperative Extension Service, will demonstrate cooking methods for Asian produce.

“I’m very excited to offer this new workshop. Not only will those who attend go home with valuable information regarding Asian horticulture, they’ll also leave with enhanced knowledge of the culture and lifestyles of these countries,” Schnelle said.

Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.
 
Trisha Gedon
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications Services
136 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK  74078
405-744-3625 (phone)
405-744-5739 (fax)
trisha.gedon@okstate.edu