NFF’s 2017 Meeting and New Partnership with AFE
The National Floriculture Forum (NFF) has announced its 2017 annual meeting will be held in Philadelphia from March 17-19, 2017 during the Philadelphia International Flower Show.Participants of the meeting will attend the show and tour Longwood Gardens, and gather to discuss increasing the younger generation’s involvement in production and academic floriculture and horticulture.Members of the Young Professionals Council (YPC) will also attend and discuss their work on this topic.“I am very excited to be planning the 2017 event in Philadelphia. This is so important for the floriculture community, as it is one of the few events where academia and industry come together to discuss the pressing issues of floriculture,” said Krystal Snyder, 2017 NFF event coordinator and YPC member.“This year’s…
Preventing Downy Mildew on Coleus, Roses and Spotted Deadnettle
The floriculture industry faces complex issues that research funded by AFE helps address and solve.Mary Hausbeck Michigan State UniversityThe Endowment has funded research from Dr. Mary Hausbeck, Professor and Extension Specialist at Michigan State University, on the disease downy mildew.In an article published in Greenhouse Grower magazine, Dr. Hausbeck discusses how downy mildew diseases are potentially devastating to ornamental crops and can cause unsightly damage, as well. She provides details about the latest research and recommendations for preventing the disease.The article, which was featured in the August 2016 issue of Greenhouse Grower, can be viewed here.
Terril Nell and Jim Daly Receive Honors
Terril A. Nell, Ph.D.L to R: Joel Pesapane of Growing Green Inc. in St. Louis, Mo. and Terril Nell, Ph.D.AFE Research Coordinator Terril A. Nell, Ph.D., was recognized for his many contributions and achievements in the floral industry at Cultivate ’16.Nell was inducted into the Interior Plantscape Hall of Fame during the Plantscape Awards Celebration in Columbus, Ohio on July 10.The AmericanHort Interior Plantscape Hall of Fame was established to honor individuals of integrity whose personal dedication provide great leadership in the development and growth of the interiorscape industry.Nell is professor emeritus in floriculture at the University of Florida (UF), and developed the UF postharvest program in 1983, which he credits AFE funding for making possible. He served as Chair…
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…
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…
New Research Aims to Protect Gerbera From Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is the most common and damaging disease for gerbera crops. Growers often have to apply fungicides to control powdery mildew, which leads to significant increases in production costs.The lack of disease-resistant gerbera plants has been a major limiting factor for crop production.Severe powdery mildewAFE’s latest research report, Powdery Mildew Resistance in Transgenic Gerbera Plants, focused on increasing the plants’ resistance to powdery mildew through gene transference.Researchers Dr. Zhanao Deng, Zhonglin Mou and Natalia A. Peres of the University of Florida have concluded through this research that powdery mildew sensitivity can be overcome by transferring defense-related genes from non-crop plants to crop plants.Results have shown that genes from other plants can be transferred into gerbera crops to increase their…