New AFE Research Report: Enhancing the Quality of Fresh Cut Flowers

AFE has released a new research report: Innovative Packaging Technologies to Enhance the Quality of Fresh Cut Flowers, Research Report #452.This research—conducted by Thomas J. Gianfagna, Kit L. Yam and George J. Wulster from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey—demonstrates ways to optimize storage conditions for fresh cut flowers, like roses and snapdragons, and examines systems to prevent disease development. These improvements in post-harvest longevity could increase customer satisfaction and lower shipping costs without decreasing flower quality. Improvements in the distribution and packaging of fresh cut flowers would benefit everyone in the post-production chain.This website contains more than 150 additional free research reports covering other topics about fresh cut flowers and more:Disease ManagementInsect ManagementBreeding & GeneticsPost ProductionProduction TechnologySpecialty Research Consumer…

New Production Technology Research Reports

AFE announces the release of three new production technology research reports:Growth of Petunia as Affected by Substrate Moisture Content and Fertilizer Rate, #531Using Soil Moisture Sensors for Poinsettia Height Control, #532Water Requirements of Herbaceous Perennial Plants, #533Growth of Petunia as Affected by Substrate Moisture Content and Fertilizer Rate – #531Industry Impact: A large percentage of fertilizer applied to plants can be lost through leaching if excessive irrigation is used. Soil moisture sensor-controlled irrigation can significantly reduce or even eliminate leaching. If leaching is reduced, growers should be able to use lower fertilizer rates to grow their crops. This will result in significant financial savings.Using Soil Moisture Sensors for Poinsettia Height Control – #532Industry Impact: The use of soil moisture sensor-controlled irrigation…

KSU Wins Poster Competition for AFE-Funded Research

Congratulations to the Kansas State University (KSU)  team whose poster featuring AFE-funded research took first place in the student poster competition at the North Central Branch Entomology – Entomological Society of America meeting!Download KSU’s full size winning poster (PDF) online today.

Controlling Downy Mildew on Impatiens walleriana

Researchers, extension educators and representatives from the impatiens production industry are working together with AFE to control impatiens downy mildew.AFE has compiled downy mildew resources for growers, landscapers and retailers:Illustrations of symptoms in production and landscapeFact sheetPreventive and responsive chemical control programsImpatiens Downy Mildew in the LandscapeImpatiens Downy Mildew in the Home GardenAssessing riskTips for Protecting ImpatiensA Practical Approach for Landscaper GardenersDisease prevention scheduleImpatiens Downy Mildew landscape substitutionsImpatiens Downy Mildew presentationManaging Downy Mildew of Impatiens PowerPoint (Large File)Video from Doug Caldwell, Ph.D., University of FloridaFLORIcast podcast (May 2012)Video: What to do in 2013Replacing “Typhoid Mary” – Jennifer Polanz, Green Profit magazine, January 20142013 and Beyond – Sara Tombascio, Greenhouse Grower magazine, Aug. 16, 2013Incidence Down Significantly In 2013 – Richard…

AFE Releases Research Study on Longevity Guarantees for Flowers

Actual flowers used in the longevity study.AFE just released a comprehensive public benefits study on Longevity Guarantees for Flowers. This multi-part study examines several aspects of consumer preferences for longevity guarantees on flowers including: consumer willingness to pay for longevity guarantees, consumer preferences for longevity labels on cut flowers and consumer preferences for redeeming longevity guarantees.The study was conducted by Chengyan Yue, Ph.D., at the University of Minnesota, with support from Alicia Rihn, University of Minnesota, Bridget Behe, Ph.D., Michigan State University, and Charles Hall, Ph.D., Texas A&M University.“People are very positive about longevity guarantees,” Yue said. “I think we can develop a longevity guarantee labeling system so that people would be reassured of their purchases and go outside of…

Microbial Inoculants: Fighting Mission Impossible

Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to incorporate sustainable practices into your growing operation. While not life-threatening, many still believe this mission to be impossible. Research funded by AFE is here to prove otherwise.MI: JUST THE FACTSMicrobial Inoculants (MI’s) are agricultural amendments that use beneficial bacteria and/or fungi to promote plant health. Sometimes by forming symbiotic relationships with host plants and other times by using up all excess nutrients, MI can prevent a wide range of soil-borne pathogens that cause serious crop loss.MI’s are a widely marketed form of biocontrol, with more than 80 commercially available products, and are considered much more environmentally friendly than traditional fungicides. But growers have always wondered if they actually work.Research ResultsLate…

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