Horticultural Research Institute funds several projects

COLUMBUS – The Horticultural Research Institute, the foundation of AmericanHort, has announced the portfolio of research projects to be funded in 2020.

Funded projects fit into the cadre of research priorities established in support of the new strategic vision. Research priority areas include quantifying plant benefits, creating innovative solutions, gathering consumer insights, and producing practical and actionable solutions. A total of $345,800 will be awarded this year. 

“HRI has new research priorities in place... These will help shape what projects HRI funds, starting this year,” said HRI President Gary Knosher. “I continue to be amazed by the industry’s support of HRI’s mission and initiatives.”

The list of funded projects includes:

Commercial production of hickories: Dr. Nina Bassuk, Cornell University

Benefits or features: Which cue is more effective on retail signs?: Dr. Bridget Behe, Michigan State University

Finding the ‘Third Space’ through gardening: Strengthening relationship mutuality and lowering stress in the caregiver and care recipient who has a disabling injury or illness: Dr. Anita Catlin, Kaiser Permanente Rehabilitation Center

Fundamental aspects of auxin foliar spray applications to woody plant cuttings: Dr. Robert Geneve, University of Kentucky

Enhancing the performance of SSG as a biocontrol agent for ornamental plant disease mitigation: Dr. P. Kong, Virginia Tech

Developing environmental and cultural protocols for the production of containerized succulents in greenhouses and nurseries: Dr. Roberto Lopez, Michigan State University

A sustainable approach to Phytophthora-infested landscape beds: the search for tolerant or resistant annuals and herbaceous perennials: Dr. Inga Meadows, North Carolina State University

Using Grow Wise, Bee Smart and Oregon Bee Project Plant Picks to promote pollinator-attractive nursery plants in Oregon: Dr. Andony Melathopoulos, Oregon State University

Automation in container nursery weed control: Dr. Joe Neal, North Carolina State University

In defense of nativars: Comparing the conservation value of native milkweed cultivars and straight species for monarch butterflies, bees, and other pollinators in small gardens: Dr. Daniel Potter, University of Kentucky

Biocontrol agents for the vector of rose rosette virus: Dr. Ioannis Tzanetakis, University of Arkansas