AFE’s Research Director, Dr. Terril Nell, Inducted into the Floriculture Hall of Fame

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) is excited to celebrate and recognize Research Director, Terril Nell, Ph.D., AAF for his recent induction into the 2023 Society of American Florists (SAF) Floriculture Hall of Fame. Dr. Nell was awarded this accolade at SAF’s 2023 Annual Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.The Floriculture Hall of Fame is the industry’s highest honor. It is designed to recognize and encourage the highest standards of service and professional responsibility in members of the floral industry. The goals of this award are to: provide appropriate recognition honoring those men and women of sound moral character and high integrity who have made outstanding and lasting contributions to the advancement of floriculture as an integral part of the American way of…

New Thrips & Botrytis Online Library

We are excited to announce the release of a new Thrips and Botrytis Research Library

New Breakthroughs in Thrips and Botrytis Management: A Special Presentation at Cultivate ‘23

This summer marks an exciting milestone in our Thrips and Botrytis Campaign as we unveil our extensive results and insights to the industry.As part of this release, we cordially invite you to join us at Cultivate on Monday, July 17, from 10:30 – 11:30 am for a special presentation of some of our findings. Titled “Effective Management of Thrips and Botrytis,” this session will feature practical takeaways from leading researchers, Dr. Jim Faust of Clemson University and Dr. Rose Buitenhuis of Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. You’ll be introduced to cutting-edge discoveries and optimal strategies for managing and controlling thrips and botrytis in your operation. We’ll also delve into the essential topics of fungicide resistance and the use of biological…

Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation – A Sustainable Disease Management Technique for the Control of Soilborne Pathogens in Specialty Cut Flowers

Within the U.S. floriculture industry, cut flowers account for over $382 million in annual national sales (NASS 2019). Although imported cut flowers make up the majority of purchases, locally grown specialty cut flowers are facing a tremendous increase in popularity. This phenomenon is well reflected in the number of members of the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers (ASCFG), which has increased by more than 100% in the last five years (J. Laushman). Specialty cut flower production systems are diverse and include the use of soilless, soil-based, or a combination of these substrates, which can be reused over multiple seasons. Along with substrate reuse, the use of soil can introduce the risk of soilborne diseases caused by fungi and oomycete…

AFE-Funded Programs Featured at Cultivate

Join AFE at Cultivate! 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 two exciting educational sessions that will equip you with valuable insights and strategies for effective pest management and sustainable practices in the floral industry. If you haven’t already, register for Cultivate here.We will also be hosting a meet-up for our Young Professionals Council (YPC). Our YPC offers leadership and networking opportunities for young industry professionals 18-25 years old, while also offering them a wide range of volunteer opportunities within the industry. This is a great chance to get involved in the YPC and connect with other members! Learn more and join the YPC today…

Keeping Flowers Fresh: New AFE-Funded Research Exploring Alternatives to Ethylene Inhibitors

Everyone loves receiving a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers, but making sure they stay vibrant on their way to your vase is a challenging task. A major cause for the deterioration of cut flowers is a gaseous molecule called ethylene, a plant hormone that causes flowers to wilt and fade and accelerates the drop of buds, petals, and leaves (Figure 1). In the floriculture industry, ethylene’s effects can significantly reduce the quality and longevity of cut flowers during storage and transport. AFE-funded researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington have been hard at work trying to find a way to inhibit ethylene’s adverse effects, and recent discoveries may offer promising alternatives to the methods currently in use.  Current Solutions…

Advancement and Growth Through Sound Research

Growth and advancement are the keys to success in an ever-changing world. The American Floral Endowment (AFE) aims to aid our industry in these areas by supporting impactful research which addresses current challenges, provides new advances, and shares best practices. Each year, the Endowment funds new and innovative projects targeting current needs based directly on feedback from industry leaders.In 2023-2024, AFE will support 12 research projects in total, including five new research projects and seven continuing projects with $550,000 in funding from the Endowment’s Research Funds.“Research is hugely impactful to our industry, ensuring that the highest quality flowers and plants make it from seed or cuttings to the consumer’s home. These projects will help the industry increase profitability, streamline processes,…

A Look at the Next Generation of Floricultural Scientists, Educators, and Leaders

We are so pleased to announce this year’s Paul Ecke, Jr. and Altman Family Scholars! Congratulations to these incredible young professionals!These six individuals have a plethora of accomplishments in the industry and have their sights set on even further growth. AFE strives to uplift young professionals and support them as they pursue futures in our industry.  Our Paul Ecke, Jr. and Altman Family scholarships specifically help fund the education of full-time graduate students pursuing a career in horticulture or floriculture – the next generation of floricultural scientists, educators, and leaders. These scholars represent the best of the best in their fields and we are happy to highlight each of their unique experiences, passions, and accomplishments that led them to where…

AFE’s Laura Barth Inducted into GPN Magazine’s 40 Under 40

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) is pleased to announce that AFE’s Research Coordinator, Laura Barth, has been inducted into Greenhouse Product News (GPN) Magazine’s 12th Annual 40 Under 40, Class of 2023. This accolade recognizes the outstanding achievements and contributions of 40 young professionals under the age of 40 who are making a difference within the horticulture industry.The individuals honored with this distinction were nominated by their peers and selected for their remarkable achievements in their personal and professional lives. They have demonstrated “superior leadership, creativity, compassion, and innovative thinking,” which are the hallmarks of this award.Laura’s induction into the 40 Under 40 Class of 2023 acknowledges her passion and dedication to the horticulture industry, as well as her innovative…

Calling All Researchers! Research Proposal Applications Now Open

Calling all University Researchers! AFE is now accepting new research proposal applications for the 2024-2025 funding cycle. The application deadline is August 1, 2023. Apply through our new online platform here. Research Director Dr. Terril Nell and Research Coordinator Laura Barth will be holding a webinar on Thursday, May 11th, at 2 pm (Eastern) to go over the application process and answer any questions that you have. Register here for the webinar. Topics covered will include: Application Timeline, from Submission to Notification Overview of our NEW Online Application Portal Research Priorities What Makes a Good Proposal? Requirements for Funded Projects Q & A Session  Register for the Webinar Funding innovative research is a critical pillar of AFE’s mission to be…

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