2001 Floral Research Survey Mirrors Scientific Research Needs
For more than 40 years, the American Floral Endowment has been the leader in the funding of floriculture scientific research. Over the years, as the needs within the industry grew and became more complex, so did the need to streamline the Endowment application and review processes. Dr. Gus De Hertogh recently was hired as a Research Coordinator to assist the Board of Trustees in monitoring the projects and refining the review process. "Dr. De Hertogh has been instrumental in improving communication with the scientific community as well as the industry in general. "He is a valuable resource and is most willing to assist," said Steve Martinez, Executive Vice President. Currently, requests for scientific research grants greatly outnumber available funds. To ensure that funds are used in the most effective manner, funding priorities have been established. These priorities were recently supported, as growers from across the United States were asked to complete a comprehensive Floral Research Survey. Listed below is a summary of the results: Most Important Areas for Research Funding:
- Insects (Thrips, Whiteflies, Mites)
- Disease (Botrytis, Pythium, Powdery Mildew, Fusarium)
- Production Technology (Nutrition and Temperature/Light)
- Genetics, Plant Breeding, and Biotechnology (improve disease resistance and improve postproduction performance)
- Postproduction (improve post-harvest performance of flowering potted plants and cut flowers)
- Crops most important for research by flower type:
- Poinsettias (flowering potted plant)
- Geraniums (bedding plants)
- Roses (cut flowers)
- Ferns (foliage)
- Snapdragons (cut flowers)
The Endowment has identified the areas listed below as their priorities. Other areas will be considered, but the priority areas take precedence in funding decisions. Current Funding Priorities Of The Endowment
- Post-Harvest Management Systems for Floriculture Crops
- Management Systems for Thrips and TSWV/INSV
- Management Systems for Air/Soil Borne Disease of Floriculture Crops
- Management Protocols for Specialty Floriculture Crops
*(Proposals in any area of floriculture will be accepted and reviewed.) The American Floral Endowment has been a leader in the floral industry for over 40 years. Contributions to the Endowment are tax deductible as allowed by law. Contributions support the funding of scientific research for new knowledge and technology, fund educational programs to attract talented people to the floral industry, and support the only industry-based statistical/marketing research and data collection program. For more information about the American Floral Endowment, Contact us.
