Join the UC Nursery and Floriculture Alliance, CANERS Foundation, and IPPS Western Region of North America, for the 2026 California Nursery Conference, October 28–29, 2026, at the Modesto Junior College Ag Pavilion.

For more than 30 years, the California Nursery Conference has brought together nursery growers, academics, policymakers, landscape professionals, students, researchers, and allied industry partners to explore the latest developments shaping California horticulture.

The conference begins on Tuesday evening, October 27, with a Welcome Reception featuring networking opportunities, sponsor exhibits, and demonstrations showcasing the latest innovations and technologies serving the nursery industry. This relaxed and engaging event provides the perfect opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and make new industry connections. Hosted by CANERS Foundation there will also be opportunities to make donations to support research and scholarships.

Wednesday, October 28, will feature a full day of educational sessions, hands-on demonstrations, student research posters, and industry policy discussions covering topics such as pest and disease management, weed and water management, nitrogen and irrigation practices, climate and heat-spike resilience, greenhouse production technologies, California native plant propagation, autonomous inventory systems, and emerging regulatory issues. A bilingual Spanish/English breakout session will provide key disease, irrigation, and weed management content accessible to the broader nursery workforce. New this year will be a section for retail nurseries focused on integrated pest management, invasive pests, and understanding pesticides. The day will conclude with a special Evening Celebration Dinner at Generation Growers, Inc., honoring their remarkable 70th Anniversary and celebrating their contributions to California's nursery industry.

On Thursday, October 29, attendees will embark on a guided bus tour of local nurseries and greenhouse operations, offering a firsthand look at innovative growing practices, technologies, and successful operations in the Modesto area.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided on Wednesday and Thursday, with water, snacks, and a boxed lunch included during the tour. Whether you are looking to gain practical knowledge, stay informed on industry trends and policy developments, or connect with colleagues from across the state, the California Nursery Conference is a valuable opportunity to learn, network, and explore the future of California's nursery industry.

Agenda

Tuesday, October 27

11:30 AM - 4:00 PM

California Citrus Nursery Board Research Committee Meeting

Featuring Presentations of New and Continuing Research Projects Funded by the CCNB Meeting is open to all and there is No Cost to Attend A box lunch will be included for all registered attendees

5:00 PM

Event Start

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Tuesday Welcome Reception

Join the CANERS Foundation for an evening of networking, refreshments, and camaraderie before the conference begins. Meet fellow attendees, speakers, exhibitors, and industry partners while celebrating California's nursery community.

Wednesday, October 28

7:30 AM - 8:00 AM

Registration

8:00 AM - 8:20 AM

Welcome to the 2026 California Nursery Conference

Kick off the conference with timely educational sessions exploring industry regulations, sustainable production, nursery management, and arboriculture. Then connect with researchers and experts during interactive posters and live demonstrations.

8:20 AM - 8:40 AM

Session 1 | Presentation #1: Irrigation and Nitrogen Management Plans for the Nursery Industry: Past, Present, and Future

Explore how irrigation and nitrogen management plans have evolved, current regulatory requirements, and practical strategies to improve water and nutrient efficiency while preparing for future industry expectations.

8:40 AM - 9:00 AM

Session 1 | Presentation #2: SB 54 Update

Learn about California's evolving plastic regulations, implementation timelines, and what nursery businesses need to know to prepare for compliance while adapting to changing packaging requirements.

9:00 AM - 9:20 AM

Session 1 | Presentation #3: California Native Plants in Nurseries and Landscapes - Regulations, Resources, Opportunities, and Challenges

Explore the growing demand for California native plants while learning about regulations, production challenges, available resources, and opportunities for nurseries and landscape professionals.

9:20 AM - 9:40 AM

Session 1 | Presentation #4: Arboriculture Starts in the Nursery

Strong trees begin with strong nursery practices. Learn how production decisions influence long-term tree health, structure, and performance in urban and landscape environments.

9:40 AM - 9:50 AM

CAN Researcher Award

Celebrate excellence in nursery research as CAN recognizes outstanding contributions advancing innovation, education, and the future of California's nursery industry.

9:50 AM - 10:30 AM

Coffee Break, Student Research Posters and Demonstrations

Network with colleagues while exploring student research posters and hands-on demonstrations featuring practical tools, research, and techniques for plant nutrition, irrigation, pest management, diagnostics, and greenhouse production.

10:30 AM - 10:50 AM

Session 2A | Presentation in English #1: Local Phytophthora Species: Biology, Identification, and Integrated Management Strategies for Nursery and Greenhouse Operations

Learn how to identify local Phytophthora species, understand their biology, and implement integrated management strategies to reduce disease risk in nursery and greenhouse production.

Session 2B | Presentation in Spanish #1: Mejorando el Manejo de Enfermedades de Patógenos de Plantas Ornamentales en

Aprenda estrategias prácticas para identificar, prevenir y controlar los patógenos que afectan las plantas ornamentales en la producción de viveros de California.

10:50 AM - 11:10 AM

Session 2B | Presentation in Spanish #2: Prevención de Enfermedades por Calor en Interiores y Exteriores

Aprenda a reconocer los riesgos de enfermedades causadas por el calor, implementar estrategias de prevención y cumplir con los requisitos de seguridad laboral de California.

11:10 AM - 11:30 PM

Session 2A | Presentation in English #2: Improving disease management of plant pathogens in California nurseries

Explore current approaches to preventing and managing plant pathogens through improved cultural practices, early detection, and integrated disease management strategies.

Session 2B | Presentation in Spanish #3: Especies locales de Phytophthora: Biología, identificación y estrategias de manejo integrado para viveros e invernaderos

Conozca la biología, identificación y las estrategias de manejo integrado de las especies locales de Phytophthora para reducir la presión de enfermedades en la producción de viveros e invernaderos.

11:30 AM - 11:50 PM

Session 2A | Presentation in English #3: Indoor & Outdoor Heat Illness Prevention

Protect your workforce by learning practical strategies for preventing heat illness, meeting California requirements, and creating safer indoor and outdoor working environments.

11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

Lunch, Networking & Sponsor Showcase

Lunch is included in the Both Day & Day 1 registration fees.

12:50 PM - 1:10 PM

Session 3A | Presentation #1: How to Manage and Prevent Aloe and Agave Mites

Learn to identify, prevent, and manage aloe and agave mite infestations using effective monitoring, cultural practices, and integrated pest management strategies.

12:50 PM - 1:30 PM

Session 3B | Retail Nursery & Garden Center Presentation #1: Diagnosing Ornamental Plant Problems and Helping Customers

Improve your diagnostic skills and learn practical techniques for identifying common ornamental plant problems while helping customers find effective solutions.

1:10 PM - 1:30 PM

Session 3A | Presentation #2: Slug and Snail Management

Review effective approaches for monitoring and controlling slugs and snails using integrated management practices that minimize crop damage.

1:30 PM - 1:50 PM

Session 3A | Presentation #3: How Fertilizer Practices Can Impact Pest and Disease Pressure

Discover how fertility management influences plant health, pest pressure, and disease development, and learn practices that promote healthier, more resilient crops.

1:30 PM - 2:10 PM

Session 3B | Retail Nursery & Garden Center Presentation #2: Understanding Pesticides and Reading Labels

Gain confidence interpreting pesticide labels, understanding product information, and making informed recommendations that support safe and effective pesticide use.

1:50 PM - 2:10 PM

Session 3A | Presentation #4: Smarter Pest Management: Three Decisions That Make or Break an IPM Program

Learn three key management decisions that strengthen integrated pest management programs, improve pest control, and reduce unnecessary pesticide applications.

2:10 PM - 2:30 PM

Break and Student Research Posters

2:30 PM - 2:50 PM

Session 4A | Presentation #1: Innovative Outdoor Semi-Transparent Retractable Agrivoltaic Shade Screen

Discover how innovative agrivoltaic shade systems can improve crop production, optimize light management, and support sustainable nursery operations.

2:30 PM - 3:10 PM

Session 4B | Retail Nursery & Garden Center Presentation #1: Invasive Pests in California: What Retail Nurseries Should Know

Learn about emerging invasive pests affecting California landscapes and how retail nurseries can identify risks, educate customers, and help prevent their spread.

Session 4B | Retail Nursery & Garden Center Tentative Presentation #2: Helping Customers with Lawn Pests and Lawn Care Solutions

Gain practical tips for identifying common lawn problems and confidently recommending integrated pest management and lawn care solutions to customers.

2:50 PM - 3:10 PM

Session 4A | Presentation #2: Optimizing your Pesticide Performance: Considerations for Product Selection and Tank Mixing

Learn best practices for selecting pesticide products, improving tank mixes, and maximizing application performance while minimizing compatibility issues.

3:10 PM - 3:30 PM

Session 4A | Presentation #3: Title TBD

3:30 PM - 3:50 PM

Session 4A | Presentation #4: Supplemental Lighting for California Nursery Production: Improving Crop Quality and Production Efficiency

Learn how supplemental lighting can improve crop quality, increase production efficiency, and support consistent plant growth in California nursery systems.

3:50 PM - 4:00 PM

Conference Evaluation Survey

4:00 PM - 4:10 PM

Closing Remarks & Day 2 Reminders

Emma Volk, UCCE Production Horticulture Advisor

4:10 PM

Day 1 Adjourns

4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Honoring the Past, Growing the Future Evening Event

Join us for an evening of networking and celebration at Generation Growers, Inc. as we honor their remarkable 70th anniversary.

Thursday, October 29

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Day 2 Tour of Local Nurseries and Greenhouses

4:30 PM

Event End

Thursday Tour Details

Local Nursery and Greenhouse Tour

Join us for a full day exploring California's premier nursery operations and horticultural facilities. Enjoy behind-the-scenes tours, discover innovative production and sustainability practices, and connect with industry professionals. Attendees will travel together by charter bus to visit a variety of growing environments, learn about innovative production practices, and connect with fellow industry professionals.

Departure Information: Please arrive by 7:00 AM at the Modesto Junior College Ag Pavilion for parking and bus boarding.

Parking Address:

Modesto Junior College Ag Pavilion

Eagle Street, Modesto, CA 95358

Parking Lot 206

Tour Stops

Modesto Junior College Environmental Horticulture Tour: Explore Modesto Junior College’s Environmental Horticultural Science program and get a firsthand look at the hands-on learning opportunities preparing the next generation of horticulture professionals. Tour the program’s nursery and growing areas while learning about student education and training in plant propagation, nursery production, plant identification, landscaping, and other aspects of California’s horticulture industry.

Burchell Nursery: Founded in 1942 by Irvin Burchell, Burchell Nursery is a leading breeder and grower of fruit and nut trees with a unique in-house breeding program. Today, the nursery encompasses more than 1,200 acres and 150,000 square feet of greenhouse space, producing almonds, walnuts, apples, apricots, cherries, nectarines, citrus, olives, plums, pomegranates, and both fresh market and processing peaches.

Frantz Wholesale Nursery: Founded by Tim and Mitzi Frantz in 1978, Frantz Wholesale Nursery specializes in container-grown fruit, nut, and ornamental trees, shrubs, and grasses. Today, the operation spans more than 600 acres, offering everything from one-gallon containers to 84-inch boxed trees. The nursery is recognized for its commitment to sustainability, generating more than 70% of its electricity through solar energy, recycling irrigation water, and producing its own compost-based growing media.

The Greenery Nursery & Garden Shop: Established in 1969, The Greenery Nursery & Garden Shop is a family-owned destination garden center in downtown Turlock. Known for its exceptional plant selection, knowledgeable staff, and beautifully designed display gardens, The Greenery combines retail excellence with horticultural education through workshops, seminars, and expert guidance for gardeners of all experience levels.

Important Information:

1) Water, snacks, and a boxed lunch will be provided for all registered tour participants.

2) Please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for outdoor conditions.

3) For safety and logistical reasons, attendees are asked not to follow the bus in their personal vehicles, as parking at the tour locations is limited.

We look forward to an engaging day of learning, networking, and experiencing firsthand the innovation shaping California's nursery industry.

Hotel Information

Location