Sustainable Disease Management for Specialty Cut Flowers: Results from New Research

The specialty cut flower industry continues to grow rapidly across the U.S., with demand for locally grown flowers climbing each year. However, growers still face persistent production challenges, and one of the most critical is disease management. Soilborne diseases in particular can devastate crops, leading to 50–75% losses when flowers are grown in field soil. Traditionally, chemical fumigants like methyl bromide were used to suppress these pathogens, but those options are now phased out or heavily restricted due to environmental and health concerns. This shift has left growers searching for sustainable alternatives that protect their crops while meeting consumer expectations for eco-friendly practices. Recent research conducted by Dr. Francesca Hand and her team at The Ohio State University, supported by…

Celebrating One Year of “From the Field”

Hello friends, From the Field is celebrating its one-year anniversary this month! I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to write this column over the past year, and I’ve been fortunate to connect with so many of you since then, which has truly shaped the direction of this newsletter. Speaking with you and hearing your stories continues to be one of the most rewarding parts of my work.  As we begin another year of From the Field, I’d like to encourage you to keep reaching out and sharing what’s on your mind. Your input helps us understand where resources are needed most, and it ensures that every AFE research dollar is directed toward solving the real-world issues you’re facing. We invite you to…

Connecting Classrooms to Greenhouses Through Internships

Dr. Kim Williams, Alana Wood, and Candice Musgrove One of the most distinctive aspects of our Vic & Margaret Ball Internship Program is the opportunity for faculty advisors to visit their students on-site during their internships. With travel expenses covered by AFE, these visits let advisors see their students in action, while students gain the opportunity to walk their professors through their daily responsibilities and learning experiences. This summer, our Program Manager Candice Musgrove had the chance to join Dr. Kimberly Williams, Professor of Greenhouse Management at Kansas State University, for a visit to Pure Beauty Farms in Miami, Florida, where Alana Wood was completing her internship. Alana is one of nine undergraduates participating in our Vic & Margaret Ball…

From Planning to Petals: Board Visits Vancouver

At the end of August, the AFE Board of Trustees gathered in Vancouver for a productive two-day event bursting with planning, insights, and inspiration. Day One: Governance and Growth The first day was all about thoughtful planning. Our committees rolled up their sleeves, debating strategies, reviewing initiatives, and setting priorities for our programs. Then the full board convened, bringing energy, purpose, and a shared commitment to advancing our industry through AFE. Day Two: Inspiration from the Auction Floor to the Greenhouse On day two, the board swapped the boardroom for boots on the ground, touring three standout operations that exemplify British Columbia’s thriving floriculture industry. United Flower Growers Auction At the United Flower Growers (UFG) auction, a cooperative of more…

Reducing Peat Use in Container Production, Layer by Layer

The floriculture industry is constantly looking for ways to improve sustainability, and one hot topic is reducing the use of peat moss. Thanks to recent American Floral Endowment funded research from Dr. Jeb Fields and his team at the University of Florida, growers will soon have an easier, more affordable way to reduce peat use without compromising plant quality: substrate stratification, particularly with the use of wood fiber. What Is Substrate Stratification? With stratification, you can think of the pot as a layer cake. Stratification means using different potting media in layers, typically with different media on the top and on the bottom. In this research, the top layer remains peat-based, retaining its excellent growing properties, but the bottom layer…

A New Era for Giving: Why Industry Support Matters More Than Ever

New Tax Rules & Industry Needs Make Giving More Important Than Ever As the floral industry continues to face rising research costs, persistent labor shortages, and increasing competition for young talent, one thing is clear: we can no longer rely on uncertain federal funding or outdated support systems to fuel growth and innovation. Now more than ever, the industry must take responsibility for investing in its future, and that begins with supporting nonprofit charitable organizations like the American Floral Endowment (AFE). For over 60 years, AFE has been the floral industry’s trusted source for funding groundbreaking research, offering scholarships and internships to develop the next generation, and supporting industry-wide education. These programs don’t just happen – they depend on contributions…

Memorial Tribute Established Honoring Frank Biddle

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of floral industry champion Frank Biddle. A memorial tribute has been created through the American Floral Endowment (AFE) honoring Francis “Frank” Biddle, who passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025, at the age of 60. The tribute was established by Frank’s industry friends Steve Dionne of Wafex USA, Chris Drummond of Penny’s by Plaza Flowers, Greg Coleman of Mayfield Florist, and Ken Young of Phoenix Flower Shops in recognition of his leadership, innovation, and lifelong dedication to the floral industry. Frank was a bold and visionary entrepreneur whose influence helped reshape floral commerce across the Americas. After earning a degree in International Studies from Juniata College and relocating to southern California, Frank…

From the Field: Let’s Catch Up!

Happy Summer, everyone!  Are you starting to feel it in the air...? That familiar feeling of excitement and anticipation?  Yep, that buzzing feeling can only mean one thing: summer trade shows and conferences! Summer is my favorite season, and these shows are a big reason why. Whether it’s Cultivate (join us there!), AIFD, Ball Customer Days, Far West, ASHS, or the SAF Annual Convention, these events always feel a bit like a school reunion to me: seeing familiar faces, catching up on everything that's happened since last year's show, and enjoying a shared energy that reminds us why we love this industry. A recent tour that AFE Executive Director, Debi Chedester, and I went on at Smithers Oasis, in Kent,…

AFE-Sponsored Events at Cultivate’25!

Catch up with AFE at Cultivate'25! Held from July 15-18 in Columbus, Ohio, Cultivate is one of the industry’s leading horticulture events. AFE-funded research will be featured in an educational session that will equip you with valuable insights and strategies for effective pest management. Additionally, we are holding a sustainability roundtable (invite-only) to collaborate with industry members from all segments and collect feedback on key topics of sustainability. We will also be hosting our annual Young Professionals Council meetup during Cultivate! If you haven’t already, register for Cultivate here. Managing Thrips Parvispinus: Strategies for Prevention and Control Date: Sunday, July 13 from 11:15-12:15pm ESTLocation: Room C170Speaker: Dr. Rose Buitenhuis, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre Thrips parvispinus, a tropical thrips originating…

Managing Thrips Parvispinus: New Research on Cultural and Biological Control

Over the past few years, Thrips parvispinus has emerged as a serious threat to ornamental greenhouse crops across North America. First reported in Florida in 2020 on Hoya and Anthurium, this invasive thrips has now been detected in greenhouse ornamentals, peppers, and landscape plants in the southeastern U.S., and more recently in Ontario. While it can’t survive winters outdoors in Canada and parts of the northern U.S., its wide host range—including Mandevilla, Dipladenia, Schefflera, Ficus, and peppers—means it has the potential to cause significant damage wherever susceptible crops are grown. Thrips parvispinus male (left) and female (right) Growers have reported stunted growth, leaf streaking, and floral damage that reduce crop quality and marketability. Complicating matters, T. parvispinus is suspected of…

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