19-Feb-09 10:00 PM CST

Horticulture Research Institute Grants $200,000

The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) granted $200,000 to nine research projects and five student scholarships throughout the United States for 2009.

Key considerations used by the HRI Executive Committee in determining funding levels and research grants were the economic conditions impacting HRI’s investment income, the green industry economic outlook and the general quality of the research proposals. The selected research projects show collaborative efforts between researchers and research institutions, along with a focus on priority issues for the green industry. The HRI leadership remains steadfast in their commitment to HRI’s stakeholders and mission to support innovative and quality research that is vital for the growth of the green industry.

Projects and scholarships awarded are as follows:

$50,000 — Development of Alternative Container Substrates a Block Grant

Research projects incorporated with the block grant include:

Effect of alternative substrate age on woody ornamental plant production
On-site demonstration of alternative substrates at nurseries throughout the Southeast United States
Effect of alternative substrates on production of plants in large containers
Effect of fertilizer rate in alternative substrates for container-grown plants
Auburn University, AL, and Kansas State University
Drs. Charles H. Gilliam, Jeff L. Sibley, Glenn Fain and Cheryl Boyer

$30,000 — Development of New Landscape Plants for all Regions of North America

Landscape Plant Development Center, Minn., Washington State University and North Dakota State University
Drs. Harold Pellett, Rita L. Hummel and David Dai

$17,500 — Reducing Pesticide Consumption Through Targeted Application in Nurseries

Ohio State University
Dr. Erdal Ozkan

$20,000 — Your Trees on Crack - The Role of Glyphosate in Nursery/Landscape Bark Cracking

The Ohio State University, USDA-ARS, Ore., and Purdue University, Ind.
Drs. Hannah Mathers, Carolyn Scagel, Janna L. Beckerman and Michael V. Mickelbart

$20,000 — Structural Changes in the U.S. Nursery Industry: An Assessment of Production and Marketing Trends

University of Florida IFAS and Texas A&M University
Drs. John J. Haydu, Alan Hodges, Charles R. Hall and Marco Palma

$25,000 — A Systematic Approach to Solve Nursery and Landscape Water Management: Initial Industry Application

Colorado State University
Dr. William L. Bauerle

$20,000 — Biodegradable Plant Container Business Plan

HRI representatives to be determined

$6,000 — Influence of Nitrogen Application Rate on the Development of Powdery Mildew and Leaf Spot Diseases and Growth of Crapemyrtle, Hydrangea and Rose