Past AGR Regional Vice President, and sponsor of the AGR Horticulture scholarship, George Staby has recently launched a horticulture website named “Chain of Life NetworkSM.” (www.chainoflifenetwork.org)

Chain of Life NetworkSM provides information to address and solve postharvest related problems. Research has documented that approximately 15 - 20% of floral crops are ruined before being enjoyed by consumers due to improper postharvest care and handling. Examples of improper treatments include poor temperature and/or humidity management, inadequate aeration, rough handling, improper packaging, transportation delays, ethylene exposures, unsuitable irrigation and/or fertilization practices and excessive storage time. Dr. George Staby, with significant input by floral industry veterans and university researchers, has formed the most comprehensive informational care, handling and marketing program available.

The Chain of Life NetworkSM origins began in 1975, when Floriculture faculty at Ohio State University initiated an educational program that was eventually named Chain of Life. It was the purpose of this program to obtain, verify and disseminate proper postharvest care and handling information for flowering potted plants, foliage plants and cut flowers. In the ensuing five years, numerous educational events, publications and the like were conducted/produced including the creation of a Chain of Life Speakers Bureau.

Dr. George Staby, the creator of the Chain of Life Network, was born and raised in Connecticut and received his B.S. in Plant Science. He was initiated into Alpha Gamma Rho in 1963. He went on the receive his Masters in 1967 and Ph.D. in 1970 in Horticulture at Michigan State University.

Initiated into Alpha Gamma Rho in 1963, Dr. Staby said that from “his first job interview in 1965 to most recently in December of 2002,” he comes across AGRs in meetings and it makes the atmosphere more positive.

From 1970-1982, he was an Assistant, Associate and Full Professor at the Ohio State University. His teaching responsibilities included both undergraduate and graduate level courses in floriculture and postharvest physiology while his research projects centered on

improving the longevity of floral crops.

He was also involved with various floral marketing related research projects.

He spent a sabbatical leave from 1977-1978 as a Visiting Professor of Environmental Horticulture at the University of California, Davis. From 1982-1983, Dr. Staby was Vice President of Research of a firm that developed technologies for the transport of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and meats under controlled atmospheres.

In September of 1983, he and Dr. R.E. Woodruff formed a research and consulting firm, Perishables Research Organization, whose purpose is to provide research and information on the postharvest storage, handling, and marketing of fruit, vegetable and floral crops. As president, he has been involved in consulting and research activities with technical and transportation firms dealing with perishables, retail and wholesale florists, flower growers, fruit and vegetable industry organizations, major corporations investing in the horticulture industries, and entrepreneurs mainly in the floral trade.


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He has authored or co-authored approximately 250 scientific and floral trade articles and three books, presented about 365 talks, granted
four patents, and provided expert witness testimonies in the U.S. and Canadian judicial systems.

Through his efforts and the efforts of his PRO Associates, over 25 products have been developed and brought to the floral industry in the last 20 years. Some of these products required detailed EPA registration work while others required extensive efficacy and/or marketing research. His latest project is the Chain of Life NetworkSM and its corresponding website.

One change that is soon to come with the Chain of Life NetworkSM website is a new section that will be a company spotlight. This section will help the Network receive grants to keep the site running.

In a recent interview with Brother Staby he said that Alpha Gamma Rho has been a lifelong experience. His wife is an AGR Sweetheart and his closest friend, Alan Hall, is an AGR brother. Dr. Staby enjoyed being a member of AGR in college because he was able to attend classes with his brothers and they were able to study together. He also had the opportunity to campaign for the position of chaplin in the house, and eventually Noble Ruler.

When asked what his advice for undergrads was, Dr. Staby urged all students to get a broad science background so that they will have the foundation to make more intelligent decisions. He also urged chapters to look beyond the food and fiber majors for recruitment in Alpha Gamma Rho and also look for men in floriculture or other majors.
 

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