00:02
Introduction by Jim Putnam at AgriStarts in Apopka, Florida.
00:28
Jim talks to Ty Strode, president of AgriStarts, about the history of the company founded in 1984.
00:43
Ty explains what tissue culture is and the advantages it offers for asexual propagation and plant virus indexing.
01:47
Reasons why tissue culture is used, such as the unavailability of plant material or difficulty in rooting.
02:05
The significance of maintaining genetic consistency in named cultivars by using tissue culture.
02:36
Ty discusses the demand for tissue culture when the company started and how the business expanded.
03:31
The company's transition from primarily focusing on indoor foliage liners to including fruit plant tissue cultures around 2006.
04:08
The development of their edible program, including partnerships with breeding programs such as the University of Arkansas for blackberries.
05:06
The importance of tissue culture for plant uniformity and consistency.
06:03
Jim inquires about cleansing plants of viruses and the sterilization processes used in the lab to maintain a sterile environment.
07:37
Discussion on the significance of 'elite' mother plants in the process and the system to prevent genetic drift.
08:01
The company's approach to selecting new plants for tissue culture.
10:07
How tissue culture can assist in the restoration of rare plants and creating small production lines for them.
11:10
Ty mentions the main market for AgriStarts, which is commercial wholesale growers and farms.
12:01
The size of the greenhouse space at AgriStarts and their method of expansion.
13:12
Importance of the location of AgriStarts amidst a hub of nurseries in Apopka, Florida.
14:03
After plants leave the lab, the planting process into 'Eliapots' or stabilized media and what these are.
15:01
A look at the ebb and flow irrigation system and how the company manages fertilization and water recycling.
16:23
The process of handling different varieties, rooting times, and the challenges of scheduling production.
18:00
Discussion of a tiered system in the greenhouse for various plant needs such as moisture management.
19:37
Time frame from planting to shipping for young rooted starter plants.
20:42
Introduction to colocation Mojito, a flagship colocation discovered at AgriStarts.
21:52
Blackberry production for the season and their distribution to farms across the country for fruit production.
23:57
Sustainability practices at AgriStarts, including solar panels, recycling water, and responsible stewardship.
24:48
Closing remarks thanking Ty Strode for the tour and insights.