Oasis Grower Solutions hires plant scientist Timothy Frey

Oasis Grower Solutions, a division of Smithers-Oasis Company, announced Timothy Frey has joined the Oasis Grower Solutions team as plant scientist.

“I’m very excited to have Tim as part of our team,” said Director of Global Grower Operations & Research Vijay Rapaka. “Research is critical as we work to advance the science of growing across markets, from floriculture to controlled environment agriculture. In filling this role, we set high standards and endured a long, comprehensive search. Tim is uniquely equipped to help lead our research for the betterment of these industries. I’m extremely pleased to have him on board.”

The position of plant scientist at Oasis Grower Solutions has an emphasis on specialty substrates for propagation, soilless cultivation and hydroponic production, as well as the development of sustainable and biobased solutions to improve growth and quality of crops. Frey will collaborate closely with others in both plant science research and the successful development and launch of new products.

“I am excited to join a dynamic research team that is pushing the boundaries of innovation to solve challenges that growers face throughout the production cycle,“ Frey said. “I look forward to contributing my diverse horticultural experience, bringing fresh perspectives to the team to help solve the increasingly complicated problems that growers face.”

Frey received his Ph.D. in plant pathology from The Ohio State University, where he also received his B.S. in plant health management with a minor in horticulture. In addition to experience in the perennial and annual production industry, his background includes research on disease and substrates in hydroponic vegetable production, including topics such as microbial communities in hydroponic lettuce systems and the impact of algal biofilms on human pathogens in hydroponic systems.

In his new role, Frey plans to use a variety of approaches to tackle the challenges of enhancing the growth and performance of ornamental and hydroponic crops, disease and insect management, and post-harvest quality of ornamental potted plants.