Nearly $300,000 Announced for AFE Research Funding

AFE has approved more than $296,000 in floriculture/horticulture research project funding for the 2016-2017 fiscal year.“These projects will address and help solve critical industry issues, including Botrytis and thrips, and enable the entire floral industry to become more productive and profitable,” said Terril Nell, Ph.D., Research Coordinator for AFE.The funding will support six continuing projects and four new projects. The goal of all AFE research is to provide knowledge that helps the industry grow stronger.Marigold Guardian PlantDISEASE MANAGEMENTManaging Pythium Species in Floriculture Irrigation Water: Dr. Mary Hausbeck, Michigan State University, $40,000Engineering Impatiens for Resistance to the Devastating Disease Downy Mildew: Dr. Zhanao Deng, University of Florida, $31,500Finding Solutions to Pre-Harvest Botrytis Infection of Cut Roses: Dr. James Faust, Clemson University, $45,182INSECT…

Scottish Student Awarded U.S. Scholarship

A 21-year-old student from Scotland, Jamie Satterthwaite, was selected to receive the 2016 Markham-Colegrave International Scholarship through AFE and the David Colegrave Foundation.Jamie SatterthwaiteSatterthwaite is pursuing a Bachelor of Science at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), studying horticulture and working as a trainee grower.He was awarded $4,500 and will have the opportunity to intern at a horticultural business for eight weeks in the U.S.Satterthwaite is passionate about production horticulture and hopes to work at a nursery that leads in plug production and runs annual bedding plant trials in its extensive trial garden. (Placement is underway!)“I am looking forward to gaining an insight in working across the pond where I can further strengthen my skills in growing and learn new techniques and…

AFE Awards 2016 Altman Family Scholarship

Joshua Henry of North Carolina State University has received the 2016 Altman Family Scholarship. Henry is the first recipient of the Altman Family Scholarship, which was created in 2015 by Ken and Deena Altman, owners of Altman Plants. The Altmans are highly appreciative of the field of horticulture and support numerous efforts to improve education and research for the industry. This merit-based, prestigious scholarship assists in funding the education of floriculture graduate students (MS or Ph.D.), who will become leading floricultural scientists and educators. Joshua Henry is pursuing a Master of Science at North Carolina State University and is an active member of several horticultural activities and clubs, including the Horticultural Science Graduate Student Association. Henry will receive $5,900 in…

Ph.D. Student Awarded 2016 Paul Ecke, Jr. Scholarship

AFE awarded the 2016 Paul Ecke, Jr. Scholarship to Kellie Walters of Michigan State University.The Paul Ecke, Jr. Scholarship was established in 2010 and honors the late Paul Ecke, Jr., who made significant contributions to the floriculture industry and believed strongly in research and education. He recognized that creative scientists and educators are required to lead the floral industry in the 21st century and beyond.This merit-based, prestigious scholarship has been funded by industry contributions and the Ecke family to assist in funding the education of floriculture graduate students (MS or Ph.D.) at land-grant institutions, who will become leading floricultural scientists and educators.Kellie Walters, 2016 Paul Ecke, Jr. Scholarship RecipientKellie Walters is pursuing her Ph.D. at Michigan State University and got involved…

AFE is Moving!

AFE is moving to a new location effective April 13, 2016!The relocation of our headquarters coincides with the office move of the Society of American Florists.Our new address is:American Floral Endowment1001 North Fairfax Street, Suite 201Alexandria, VA  22314Our phone number will remain the same:Main: 703-838-5211

Industry Members Dine to Support The Tom Butler Family Fund

More than $2,300 was raised for The Tom Butler Family Fund at a fundraising dinner this week to honor the late industry icon Tom Butler.Nearly 20 industry members (who were attending the Society of American Florists’ Congressional Action Days) attended the dinner on March 15, 2016 to honor Tom’s legacy in the floral industry.AFE supporter and longtime friend of Tom Butler, Tim Galea, organized the dinner at Tom’s favorite restaurant – The Capital Grille in Washington, D.C.The dinner will now become an annual fundraising event, to continue celebrating Tom’s lifetime achievements and raise money for his AFE named fund.A special thank you to those who attended the event, and those who were unable to attend but donated to The Tom…

2016 Generations of Flowers Study

Download the 2016 Generations of Flowers Study Final Report. AFE, in partnership with the Society of American Florists (SAF), conducted the 2016 Generations of Flowers Study. This study is an update to the 2009 SAF study exploring consumer perceptions of flowers and plants and purchasing/gift-giving behavior among three key generations: Generation Y, Generation X and Baby Boomers.Funding for the project was provided by the Floral Marketing Research Fund (FMRF).Download the Executive Summary.Download the Final Report.Read the article in the May issue of Floral Management magazine for further analysis of the study results.The results show how different groups perceive, buy and use flowers and floral outlets. The research assessed patterns, motivations and barriers to purchasing and the practical and emotional value…

Prevent the Spread of Disease in Irrigation Water

Dr. Mary HausbeckAFE-funded research helps address a variety of issues that the floriculture industry faces.The Endowment is currently funding a research study from Dr. Mary Hausbeck, Professor and Extension Specialist at Michigan State University, entitled: Managing Pythium Species in Floriculture Irrigation Water.In an article published in Greenhouse Grower magazine, Dr. Hausbeck, along with fellow researcher Dr. Wei Zhang, discuss how water-mold pathogens can cause significant crop losses and reduce floriculture crop quality. They also provide ways to prevent the spread of diseases like Phytophthora and Pythium in irrigation water.The article, which was featured in the March 2016 issue of Greenhouse Grower, can be viewed here.

Deadline for AFE Research Pre-Proposals is June 1

The Endowment wants to help you secure funding for your floriculture research project!AFE is now calling for research pre-proposal applications for 2017-2018 funding, due no later than June 1. AFE-funded research helps your flowers grow stronger and healthier!The primary research funding priorities are relevant to all segments of the floral industry:Botrytis ControlThrips Control and ManagementPostharvest Care and HandlingProduction ManagementRead AFE’s full list of scientific research priorities and the general application timeline for more details.For the current 2016-2017 cycle, AFE is funding more than $300,000 in research. Research projects can last from one to three years and any reasonable but justifiable budget will be considered.Scientific Research Project Examples:New Approaches for the Control of Botrytis During Production, Shipping and/or Retail DisplayInnovative Biological and…

AFE Educational Grant Application Deadline is June 1

Apply now for AFE educational grants for 2016-2017!Educational grant applications are available online and must be submitted by June 1.A past AFE educational grant helped fund the Floriculture InfoSearch Engine and AFE Floriculture Library.AFE educational grants help fund programs that are wide-reaching educational endeavors that solve industry needs and challenges and focus on attracting young people to the industry. For 2015-2016, the Endowment funded more than $43,000 in educational grants.Previous programs funded through AFE educational grants:Floral Plant Give Away As a Recruiting Tool: An Evaluation of the Impact on Student Perception of Horticulture, intending to increase student interest in plants and raise awareness of horticulture as a viable career option.Floriculture InfoSearch Engine and AFE Floriculture Library, a powerful search engine…

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