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Heart

Results

Innovation

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HORTICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE2130 Stella Court, Columbus, OH 43215525 9th Street, NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20004p. 614.487.1117 | f. 614.487.1216web: HRIResearch.org | social: facebook.com/hriresearch

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Scott Bunting, Bunting Horticultural SalesSteve Castorani, North Creek Nurseries, Inc.Harvey Cotten, Huntsville Botanical GardenBob Couch, Dayton Bag & Burlap Co.John Coulter, Fisher Farms, LLCTodd Davis, Horticultural Marketing & PrintingJennifer DeJager, Lincoln Nurseries, Inc.Sam Doane, J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.Richard Hesselein, Pleasant Run Nursery, Inc.Alan Jones, Manor View FarmBob Jones, Jr., The Chef’s GardenGary Knosher, Midwest GroundcoversKarl Losely, Herman Losely & Son, Inc.Keith Manbeck, Kah Nursery & Garden CenterKen McVicker, Van Essen NurseryStephen Mostardi, Mostardi Nursery & Greenhouse, Inc.Jon Reelhorn, Belmont Nursery Lorence Wenke, Wenke Greenhouses

INVESTMENT COMMITTEEGordon Bailey, Jr., Bailey Nurseries, Inc.Harvey Cotten, Huntsville Botanical GardenBob Couch, Dayton Bag & Burlap Co.John Coulter, Fisher Farms, LLCDale Deppe, Spring Meadow NurseryMona Haberer, Hortica Insurance & Employee BenefitsAlan Jones, Manor View FarmRichard Posey, Buckeye Resources, Inc.Robert Terry, Terry Holdings

STAFF TEAM Interim President & CEO

David Savoia, DavidS@AmericanHort.orgSenior Vice President - Industry Advocacy & Research

Craig Regelbrugge, CraigR@AmericanHort.orgResearch Programs Administrator

Jennifer Gray, JenniferG@AmericanHort.orgResearch and Science Programs Director

Jill Calabro, Ph.D., JillC@AmericanHort.org

Heart

Results

Innovation

As the research affiliate of AmericanHort, the Horticultural Research Institute responds to the research needs of the green industry through its competitive grants program, and indirectly through partnerships with other green industry associations and government agencies.

Our mission is to direct, fund, promote, and communicate horticultural research, which increases the quality and value of plants, improves the productivity and profitability of the horticultural industry, and protects and enhances the environment.

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HARVEY COTTEN2014 PREsidENT, HORTiCulTuRAl REsEARCH iNsTiTuTE

HuNTsVillE BOTANiCAl GARdENs, HuNTsVillE, Al

JOHN COulTER2015 PREsidENT, HORTiCulTuRAl REsEARCH iNsTiTuTE

FisHER FARms, GAsTON, OR

Greetings from the Horticultural Research Institute!

As a continued supporter of the Horticultural Research Institute, we want to thank you. We are very proud that our partnership with you has allowed us to undertake so many important initiatives for the industry.

As we approach the end of 2015, we ask you—and all of our supporters—to renew your annual support. Your gift at this time of year will enable us to achieve our research goals more effectively. The Horticultural Research Institute delivers value and tends to the needs of the horticulture industry through strategic research. It is a valuable and beneficial resource for your business. Here are just a few of our recent accomplishments:• Provided $507,500 for research projects

and leveraged these funds to gain another $8.5 million

• Guided USDA funds to put $1.2M to work on Boxwood Blight, alternative water sources for irrigation, and breeding programs

• Launched Grow Wise, Bee Smart™, an industry-wide pollinator stewardship initiative that funds pollinator-related research and educates the industry and consumers about horticulture’s role in pollinator health

• Secured major multi-year funding and support for research, crop protection, and market promotion in the 2014 Farm Bill

Your willingness to invest and contribute is what drives this research success. Please know that our good work depends on you and that you are making a tremendous difference.

To send your support: fill out the enclosed form or visit our donation page [bit.ly/DonateHRI]. Alternatively, just give us a call at 614.487.1117 and we can accept your donation over the phone.

Remember, from its beginning, HRI has been funded by people like you. Our work only continues if we have your support. Please send in your tax-deductible donation today.

We’re counting on your support. Thank you!

PRESIDENTS’ MESSAGE

2014-2015 SCHOLARS

CARVILLE M. AKEHURST MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP, $2,000 EACHSarah Maria Morales

The University of Delaware James F. Rockwell II

Virginia Tech

TIMOTHY S. AND PALMER W. BIGELOW, JR. SCHOLARSHIP, $3,000Heather Slattery

University of Connecticut

THE BRYAN A. CHAMPION MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP, $1,000Melissa Kichler

University of Cincinnati

MUGGETS SCHOLARSHIP, $1,500Madeline W. Olberg

Purdue University

SPRING MEADOW SCHOLARSHIP, $2,500 EACHLaura Marie Hayes

University of MinnesotaNathan Maren

North Dakota State University Nathan Nordstedt

Kansas State UniversityDoug Phillips

North Carolina State University

SUSIE & BRUCE USREY EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP, $500Jasmine Elaine Martinez

California State Polytechnic University

USREY FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP, $1,000Rachel Lyn Maiorino

California Polytechnic State University

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Many HRI donors wish to honor friends, loved ones, and industry associations by establishing a named endowment fund. The collective investment returns on endowed funds are awarded annually in the form of research grants. Each fund awards a grant or multiple grants. A fund can be established and may be paid over a five-year period. Annual donors may contribute to HRI by donating to any fund listed or our annual fund.

ENDOWMENT RECOGNITION CIRCLES Eight Circles were established to recognize the giving levels for individuals who establish a named endowment fund or put HRI in their will.

Emerald Circle $500,000 and aboveDiamond Circle $250,000 to $499,999Founder’s Circle* $100,000 to $249,999Platinum Circle $100,000 to $249,999Gold Circle $50,000 to $99,999Silver Circle $25,000 to $49,999Bronze Circle $20,000 to $24,999Heritage Circle Individual Bequests

*Funds recognized at this level were started before 1990

EMERALD CIRCLESylvan Nursery-Sylvia and Neil Van Sloun FundSpring Meadow—Proven Winners Fund

DIAMOND CIRCLEBailey Nurseries, Inc. FundGordon Bailey Jr. “Tour de Hort” Orum-Midwest Research Fund

FOUNDER’S CIRCLE*Albert and Olga Bachman FundThe Robert W. Baker Companies FundImperial Nurseries for Ernest Bietenholz FundTimothy S. & Palmer W. Bigelow, Jr. Scholarship FundFairview Evergreen Nurseries/ F.C. Hetz FundDwight Hughes Family FundKarl Junginger FundRamona and Bob Lederer Memorial FundEdmund V. Mezitt FundMyra K. and Thomas S. Pinney, Jr. FundJ. Frank Schmidt Family Trust FundEmanuel Shemin FundErnest Tosovsky FundMartin W. Usrey Fund

PLATINUM CIRCLECarville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship FundDayton Bag & Burlap Employees FundTheodore & Emily Guarriello/ Nursery Supplies, Inc. FundPrides Corner Farms FundSherman Nursery Company Fund

GOLD CIRCLELewis Bookwalter/Berryhill Nursery Co. FundBruce and Doris Briggs FundCampbell & Ferrara FundAlice Crocker Horticultural Research FundSusan and Bob Dolibois Key Award FundJohn W. Flemer Memorial FundWilliam Flemer, III FundFlower Carpet Research Endowment FundHome Nursery, Inc.—Chuck & Jean Tosovsky Family FundHarold and Rebecca Nickel FundEd and Betty Rosenthal Florikan Endowment FundSiebenthaler Family FundHugh A. Steavenson/Forrest Keeling Nursery FundMelvin, Dona, Richard and Debra Surface FundSyngenta Professional Products FundTennessee Valley Nursery for Hoskins, Minnie Lee & Bonnie Shadow FundThe Usrey Family Scholarship FundRichard P. and Marian T. White FundJohn B. and Elizabeth Wight FundJohn E. Wilde Propagation FundWilloway Nurseries Endowment Fund

SILVER CIRCLEBill and Gusta Adams FundAmerican Plantsman/Environmental Improvement FundEd Brown FundBruce Family FundRay Brush FundCarolina Nurseries, Inc. Research Endowment Fund

Bryan A. Champion Memorial Scholarship FundElma E. and John R. Collier Memorial Trust FundThe Conard-Pyle Co. FundOtto Damgaard Research Endowment FundDundee Nursery & Landscaping Company FundWilliam Flemer, Jr. FundFlorists’ Mutual Insurance FundFlowerwood Nursery-Plant Development Services, Inc. FundGreenForest Nursery-Gulf States FundHarold Harned Memorial FundJack Harrell Sr. FundThe Hicks Family FundBetsy Boggs Hillenmeyer FundLouis and Martha Hillenmeyer FundRobert and Eileen Hillenmeyer FundHines Nurseries, Inc. FundFrank G. Kearney FundFrank S. and Hilda P. LaBar FundLandscape Plant Development Center FundThe Lerio Corporation FundDick and Lou Marshall FundMcKay Nursery FundMuggets Scholarship FundMerten E. Natorp FundHans Nelson Family Trust FundNSI/ Lerio Customer Marketing FundThe Lydia & Palle H. Orum Research FundOtten Bros. Nursery & Landscaping, Inc. FundRichard E. Posey—Buckeye Resources, Inc. FundJohn and Gladys Powell FundThe Scotts Company FundShady Grove Plantation and Nursery Inc./Johnny and Ninkie Brailsford Memorial Fund

HRI ENDOWMENT FUND

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Sheridan Nurseries Research FundAvery H. Steinmetz FundSunleaf Nursery, LLP.—Robert & Carol Lyons FundAlma and Robert Taylor FundBob Terry/Fisher Farms FundValent Nurture FundO.L. and Verona Weeks FundWight Nurseries Centennial Fund

BRONZE CIRCLEClayton A. Bunting FundMr. & Mrs. Peter F. Costich for Edwin H. Costich FundHarold Crawford FundRichard E. Cross Memorial FundArie F. den Boer Memorial FundErickson Family Research Endowment FundGold Star Wholesale Nursery, Inc. FundWilliam and Kathryn Heard FundAllen M. Helmich FundThe John Henry Co. FundThe Hess Family FundOliver A. and Fred R. Hobbs FundHoffman & McNamara Endowment FundHoogendoorn Nurseries, Inc. FundHorticultural Printers FundKeiding, Inc. FundThe Kraft Family FundEsther M. Lawyer Memorial Research Endowment FundLincoln Nurseries for Aart and Margaretha deWit FundAl and Gladys Lindstrom Owners of Wandell’s Nursery, Inc. & Minnesota Valley Companies FundMaschmeyer Family FundMinnesota Bork Family FundRaymond and Jane Oglesby FundJohn J. Pinney FundJoyce O. and Thomas S. Pinney, Sr. FundWilliam N. and Jane N. Scarff FundRichard Schlick FundSiebenthaler Patent Fund

Teufel Nursery FundRobert W. Turnbull Memorial FundSusie & Bruce Usrey Education FundVan Hof Nurseries FundWellington Kennedy Memorial Research FundWeyerhaeuser Company Foundation FundWiegand’s Nursery Endowment Fund

HERITAGE CIRCLEGary E. BriggsRaymond and Elizabeth BrushJohn H. den BoerRobert EastmanDwight HughesJoanne KosteckyGary MangumPeter OrumAshby PamplinMyra K. and Thomas S. Pinney, Jr.Ernie Tosovsky

LEGACY CLUB FUNDHRI has established a fund that allows industry members to recognize legacies. Honor children, grandchildren or that special someone through a donation of $1,000/legacy to the Legacy Club Fund. As of January 2015, Legacy Club members include:

• Dale and Ruth Bachman for Amy Bachman, Joel Bachman, Anna Itman and Tatum Itman

• Gordon and Jo Bailey for Dan Bailey, John Bailey, Joseph Bailey, Mark Bailey, Michael Bailey, Patrick Bailey and Theresa McEnaney

• Dan and Kathy Batson for Brad Batson• Jim and Martha Berry for Garner

Kingston Berry• Janet and John Brailsford, Jr. for

Elizabeth Allen Brailsford, Sarah Francis Lillian Coggins and Moultrie Thomas

Brailsford Coggins• Harvey Cotten, for AmericanHort• Randy and Mary Davis for Caleb Zane

Davis, Colby Wayne Davis, Randee Elizabeth O’Donnell, Taylor Anne O’Donnell and Lily Raye Garcia

• Randy Davis and Greenleaf Nursery Co in memory of Gil Nickel

• Tom and Barb Demaline for Karen and Eric Demaline

• Bob Dolibois for Susie Dolibois in honor of the Hawaiian sunset

• Bob and Susie Dolibois for Lucas, Jonah, and Sophia Dolibois

• John and Winnie Dolibois and Betsy Lallathin for Lucas John Dolibois

• Arthur (Bud) Eskola for Ava Boyles• Michael V. Geary in honor of

AmericanHort• Jennifer Gray in honor of Rev. Jerry L.

Gray• James and Joanne Harden in memory of

Barney Grimm• Marilyn Hicks for Owen Bosley Folk• Debra and Dwight Hughes, Jr. for

Hannah Joy Hughes and Sarah Faith Hughes

• Carol Lyons in honor of Bob Lyons• W. Scott McAdam for Amanda,

Veronika, and W. Scott McAdam Jr.• W. Scott McAdam; Bailey Nurseries

Foundation; Countryside Flower Shop, Nursery & Garden Center, RIchard Harms; Peter & Irma Orum; and Charlie Parkerson in memory of Charles Tosovsky

• Wayne Mezitt in honor of Cullen Mezitt, and Braden and Graham Lindeman

• Peter and Irma Orum for Christian R. Keller and Lydia Chen-Ching Orum-Keller

• Dan and Linda Nelson for Jack D. Nelson• Thomas S. and Myra Pinney, Jr. for Nikki

Stark• Don and Christine Richards for

Alexandra and Jack Richards• Wayne Sawyer for Matt Sawyer • Greg and Ellen Schaan for Calista

Schaan, Cassandra and Chris Varricchione, and Ezra Schaan Varricchione

• Evelyn and J. Frank Schmidt Jr. for Mitzie

• Evelyn Schmidt for Laelie Rasmussen, Tirien Rasmussen, Bryn Webster and Avery Lael

• Frank and Barbara Schmidt for Laelie Anna Rasmussen and Tirien Mercy Rasmussen

• Joseph and Virginia Schulte for Audrey Baird and Catherine Baird

• Dr. Bob Schutzki and Amy Frankmann for Marcia DeWit

• Dale Siems for Addison N. Ivie, Braidyn T. Siems, Brandon Lee Ivie, Breanne E. Ivie, Amber R.O. Siems, Austin J. Siems, Danielle A. Siems, Mackenzie M. Siems, Matthew J. Siems and Zoey A. Siems

• Bob and Jeanne Terry for Cameron Evans, Kyra Evans, Karlie Evans, Haley Terry, Jenna Terry, Katlin Terry, Robert Terry, IV and Rory Richardson

• Bob Terry for Robert Dolibois• Bruce and Susie Usrey for Jack Brown,

Ruby Brown, Maxfield Brown, Chase Usrey, and Colin Usrey

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NATIONAL, REGIONAL & STATE ASSOCIATION NAMED FUNDS

Many green industry associations and organizations find that HRI affords greater research opportunities by maximizing a larger endowment like HRI’s to fund industry research. By creating a fund within the HRI endowment, an organization does not have the administrative, operational, and overhead expenses typical of managing an investment portfolio. The earnings from a named fund support the named fund’s grant award each year.

HRI funds horticultural research that meets industry-approved standards for value, impact and accountability. From the moment an investment is made by a donor, HRI handles the entire competitive grants process. Industry leaders evaluate the significance and economic usefulness of projects. HRI’s scientific advisory panel assesses their feasibility, and methodology. HRI’s leadership, financial advisors and investment committee take on the fiduciary responsibilities of the endowment.

EMERALD CIRCLEOhio Research Endowment Fund

DIAMOND CIRCLEOregon Nursery Industry Endowment Fund

FOUNDER’S CIRCLE*Eastern Region IPPS Fund Recognizing: L.C. Chadwick, James Cross, William Flemer, III, Alfred J. Fordham, David F. Hamilton, Peter Orum, Ralph Shugert, Jr., William Synder, and James S. Wells

Illinois Nurserymen’s Association FundMichigan HRI Endowment FundSouthern Nursery Association SNA/HRI Golf Classic FundTennessee Nurserymen’s Association Fund

PLATINUM CIRCLEAmericanHortAssociated Landscape Contractors of America FundHRI Golf Classic FundNew England Nursery Association Fund

GOLD CIRCLECalifornia Association of Nurserymen Endowment for Research & Scholarship FundFlorida Nurserymen & Growers Association FundGarden Centers of America Consumer & Retail Research Endowment FundGarden Council Marketing FundMassachusetts Nursery & Landscape Association FundMinnesota Nursery & Landscape Association FundNCTA Bob Stohr Memorial Christmas Tree Research FundNew York State Research Endowment FundNorth Carolina Association of Nurserymen FundPennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association FundRhode Island Nursery & Landscape Association FundSouthern Region IPPS FundTexas Nursery & Landscape Association FundWest Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association Fund

SILVER CIRCLEANLA Past President’s FundIowa Nursery & Landscape Association Research Corp. FundMechanization FundMemorial FundNew England Nursery Association’s Industry Growth InitiativeSouth Carolina Nursery & Landscape AssociationVery Important Partner FundWestern Nursery & Landscape Association FundWholesale Nursery Growers of America Fund

BRONZE CIRCLEANLA Centennial FundANLA Industry Honor RollGeorgia Green Industry Association FundHudson T. Hartmann/Western Region IPPS FundIllinois Landscape Contractors Association FundIndiana Nursery & Landscape Association FundNational Association of Plant Patent Owners FundNational Landscape Association FundNursery Growers of Lake County Ohio, Inc. FundWisconsin Nursery Association Inc. Fund

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CHARliE HAllPROFEssOR & EllisON CHAiR

dEPARTmENT OF HORTiCulTuRAl sCiENCEs TExAs A&m uNiVERsiTY

For almost 30 years now, I have been conducting research regarding the green industry and I have seen firsthand the benefits to the public and private research programs across the country that stem from HRI funding.

I have also seen the industry receive benefits that make the ROI from this research one of the best investments that the industry could make in its own future.

For example, HRI has funded the last three national green industry surveys conducted by university researchers that are part of the Green Industry Research Consortium. These data have been the basis of generating the Economic Impact Studies that have

been critically important in combating negative legislation affecting the industry, as well as justifying scarce federal and state dollars to programs benefiting the industry.

HRI grant funding has also been instrumental in helping the industry better understand the end consumer and what drives purchasing habits (or the lack thereof).

Critical issues have been addressed that have enhanced the profitability and survivability of growers, service providers, and retailers in the industry.

That’s why I not only support HRI with my voice, but also with my own personal dollars!

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Forty years ago, Richard P. White wrote A Century of Service: A History of the Nursery Industry Associations of the United States. Since that time, the evolution of the nursery and landscape industry and its associations has undergone a lifetime of change. From clipboards to computers, and from operating comfortably under the radar to experiencing increased governmental and regulatory scrutiny, commercial horticulture has evolved to become an economic force that’s larger than Hollywood.

How we grew from the mid-1970s to present is a fascinating tale told expertly by Bob Dolibois, who guided an industry association for 21 years through tumultuous growing pains as

well as bountiful boom times. In Back Then to Right Now: The Horticultural Industry Comes of Age, Dolibois explores how our industry has evolved to meet modern consumer demands, the ways government impacts our businesses today, and he articulates the core values that makes horticulture a remarkable industry. More than that, the book is an entertaining yet factual tale of our shared history.

A limited number of books have been published and they are available to donors when making a minimum

contribution ($100). All proceeds from the book will benefit the Horticultural Research Institute.

THE HORTICULTURAL INDUSTRY COMES OF AGE

BACK THEN TO RIGHT NOW

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$900,000 IN RESEARCH FUNDING2014-2015 FUNDED PROJECTS

Biopesticide Nootkatone for Use against Mites on Ornamental Crops, $22,050Dr. Addesso, Tennessee State University

Weed Control with Rice Hulls, $15,000Dr. Altland, USDA-ARS

A New Technology for Reducing Irrigation Application and Controlling Leaching for Greenhouse and Nursery Production, $17,350Dr. Beasley, Louisiana State University

Market Demographics and Trends Affecting the Green Industry, $50,000Dr. Behe, Michigan State University

The Role of Plant Brands in Consumer Preferences for Plants and their Perceptions of Plant Quality, $35,000Dr. Behe, Michigan State University

Use of Alternative Irrigation Water Sources for Urban Landscapes and Nursery Crops, $25,000Dr. Cabrera, Rutgers University Agricultural Research and Extension Center

Residues of and Rapid Assessment of Toxicity for Neonicotinoid Insecticides in Pollen and Nectar in Model Plant Systems, $54,000Dr. Cowles, CT Agricultural Experiment Station

Urban Tree Selection in a Changing Climate, $20,000Dr. Cregg, Michigan State University

Promoting Horticulture: A National Study and Action Plan, $15,000Dr. Dole, North Carolina State University

The Effect of Multiple Stressors on Pest Damage to Common Nursery Trees, $31,302Dr. Frank, North Carolina State University

Optimizing Plant Growth and Water Use by Modifying Cyclic Irrigation Timing in Container Nursery Production, $31,962Dr. Geneve, University of Kentucky

Could Proper Mulch Species and Depth Selection Reduce Hand Labor and Pre-Emergence Herbicide Cost?, $14,988Dr. Gilliam, Auburn University

Manage Crape Myrtle Bark Scale, an Exotic Pest, $25,000Dr. Gu, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Assessment of National and Regional Trends in Production and Marketing Practices in the US Nursery and Greenhouse Industry, $34,500Dr. Hodges, University of Florida

Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Carbon Footprint) and Associated Costs of Tree Production Components in a Pot-in-Pot (PNP) System, $15,000Dr. Ingram, University of Kentucky

Evaluating Controlled Release Fertilizers for Production of Herbaceous Perennials, $10,400Dr. Kraus, North Carolina State University

Ornamental Crop Response to Irrigation with Reclaimed Water, $20,000Dr. Niu, Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Rethinking Phosphorous Fertility in Container Nursery Production: Identifying the Fate and Lowest Rate of Phosphorous, $18,000Dr. Owen, Hampton Roads AREC

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Managing Water and Fertilizer: A Comprehensive Crop Production Tool for the Mobile Grower, $14,498Dr. Owen, North Willamette Research & Extension Center

Evaluating Organic Fertilizers to Grow Horticultural Crops in Soilless Mixes, $7,650Dr. Pasian, Ohio State University

Evaluation of Composting Temperature Regimes on the Survivability of Cylindrocladium buxicola, the Casual Agent of Boxwood Blight, $9,000Dr. Pecchia, Pennsylvania State University

Assessing Bee Attractiveness of Woody Landscape Plants and Mitigating Potential Bee Hazard from Neonicotinoid Insecticides, $26,000Dr. Potter, University of Kentucky

Long-Term Impacts of Recycled Water and Graywater Irrigation on Landscape Plants and Soils, $45,000Dr. Qian, Colorado State University

Alternatives to Invasive Plant Species for the Horticultural Industry in the Southeastern United States, $24,000Dr. Adams, University of Florida

Best Management Practices for Growing Bee-Friendly Plants in the Greenhouse and a Survey of Native Bee Species on Perennials in Michigan, $20,000Dr. Smitley, Michigan State University

RFID for Nursery and Greenhouse Cost of Production, Logistics, and Decision Support, $40,000Dr. Fernandez, Michigan State University

Biopesticidal Fungi for Control of Asian Ambrosia Beetles and Their Symbiotic Fungi, $90,000Dr. Vandenberg, USDA Agricultural Research Service

Extending the Harvest Season for Field-Grown Trees by Digging Bare Root, $16,700Dr. Watson, The Morton Arboretum

Evaluating the Impact of Root Rot Pathogens on Nursery Crop Health, $20,000Dr. Weiland, USDA-ARS Horticultural Crops Research Labs

Understanding the Opportunities Present for Bees from Commercial Plant Material, $25,000Dr. Wojcik, Pollinator Partnership

Leaching Fraction Used to Determine Irrigation Duration, $30,000Dr. Yeager, University of Florida

Advancement of Spray Applications in Nurseries with Intelligent Spray Technology, $50,000Dr. Zhu, USDA-ARS ATRU Wooster

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HORTICULTURAL INDUSTRY BEE AND POLLINATOR STEWARDSHIP INITIATIVE

The Horticultural Research Institute gratefully acknowledges the financial contributions of all who have supported the collaborative Bee and Pollinator Stewardship Initiative. Your generous support has enabled Horticultural Research Institute and AmericanHort to accomplish the following:

• Horticultural Research Institute has provided over $160,000 to directly fund five high-priority research projects that will advance knowledge on plant production practices that protect pollinator health. We have guided an additional $272,000 project proposal to successful funding through a USDA farm bill program.

• An industry/scientist task force convened by Horticultural Research Institute and AmericanHort has developed the technical framework for the Grow Wise, Bee Smart™ plant production stewardship program for pollinator protection. Efforts are turning to launching this new program.

• We were one of eight founding partners who formed the National Pollinator Garden Network and launched the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge. Through the Challenge, nearly every American can personally act to provide habitat and forage for bees and other pollinators.

• The Horticultural Research Institute has launched the Grow Wise, Bee Smart™ website (GrowWise.org), which will be the hub for insights and new research information going forward.

Much more work lies ahead, of course! But much has already been accomplished thanks to the generous support of our funders of the Bee and Pollinator Stewardship Initiative.

GrowWise.org

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Donors from December 2013 through December 2014

VISIONARY$100,000.00 - $249,999

The Home Depot FoundationSyngenta Crop Protection Corp.

INNOVATOR’S CIRCLE$10,000 - $49,000

AmericanHortBall Horticultural CompanyBell Nursery, Gary Mangum Costa Farms LLCDayton Bag & Burlap Co., Samuel LumbyGreenForest Nursery Inc., Dan BatsonMasterpiece Flower Company LLCMidwest Groundcovers LLCMidwest Trading Horticultural Supplies, Inc.New England Nursery AssociationThe Ohio Nursery & Landscape AssociationPeter & Irma OrumProven Winners North America LLCSpring Meadow Nursery, Inc., Dale Deppe

PARTNER IN PROGRESS$5,000 - $9,999

Agricultural Research Foundation, Oregon State UniversityAlabama Nursery & Landscape Association Dale & Ruth BachmanBailey Nurseries FoundationBuckeye Resources Inc., Richard Posey FamilySunleaf Nursery LLP, Robert & Carol Lyons

FOUNDERS’ CLUB$3,500 - $4,999

Willoway Nurseries Inc., Tom Demaline

STEWARDS’ CLUB$2,000 - $3,499

Harvey CottenHortica Insurance & Employee BenefitsMid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show, Inc.Mostardi Nursery & Greenhouse Inc.Mulhall’s NurseryNew York State Nursery & Landscape AssociationNorth Carolina Nursery & Landscape AssociationJ Frank Schmidt & Son Co.Dale SiemsSouth Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association

PRESIDENT’S CLUB$1,000 - $1,999

Cline Church NurseryDr. Michael A. and Bonnie Lee DirrEason Horticultural Resources, Jim EasonFisher Farms LLC, Bob TerryJennifer GrayGreenleaf Nursery Co. Inc., Randy DavisHeritage Seedlings Inc., Mark KrautmannKarl LoselyGertrude LoselyW. Scott McAdamMortellaro’s Nursery Ltd.North Creek Nurseries Inc., Steve CastoraniSouthwest Wholesale NurseryWatercrest Farms, William D. Wells, Jr.

PLATINUM MEDALIST$500 - $999

Charles BehnkeBracy’s Nursery, Randall F. BracyColor Burst, Joseph G. BurnsCountryside Flower Shop, Nursery and Garden Center, Richard HarmsDave Wilson NurseryEastern Shore Nursery of VirginiaFoertmeyer & Sons Greenhouse, Mark FoertmeyerMichael V. Geary, CAEIPPS Southern RegionJR Peters Inc., Carinne Peters, PhDKinney NurseryMaster Gardener Society of Oakland County in Pontiac, MIMcCabe’s Greenhouse & Floral LLC, Mike McCabeNew Garden Landscaping & Nursery, Morris NewlinRoseville Farms, David RaabDr. Robert E. SchutzkiScott Farm Nursery Inc.Simpson Nurseries, Fred BeshearsStauffers Of Kissel HillThe Chef’s Garden Inc., Bob Jones, Jr. The Ohio State University Nursery Short CourceWest Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association Inc.

GOLD MEDALIST$251 - $499

Bigelow Nurseries Inc.Horticultural Advantage - Advantage Development System, Sid RaischPorter County Master Gardeners AssociationTuckahoe Nurseries Inc., J. Lindsay Clarkson

MEMBER LEVEL$200 - $250

Allen County Master Gardeners / Childrens’ Garden in Lima, OHApplied Horticultural Consulting Inc.The Robert Baker CompaniesBaxter Wholesale Nursery Inc.Belmont Nursery Inc. Buds & Blooms NurseryBurnett’s Landscaping Inc.Campbell’s Nursery & Garden CenterCarlton PlantsCavicchio Greenhouses Inc.Classic Groundcovers Inc.John DoleFairview Evergreen Nurseries Inc.Foxborough Nursery Inc.Gerald Foret Wholesale Nursery Inc.Amy FrankmannHackney Nursery Co.Hanover Farms Inc.Huntsville Botanical GardenIngleside Plantation NurseriesJ W Jung Seed Co.Lanco Inc., Steve WellsMacomb County Master Gardner Association, Robert CencekMaine Landscape & Nursery AssociationMarion Ag Service Inc.

ANNUAL DONORS

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McCorkle Nurseries Inc.Terri McEnaneyMcKay Nursery Co.Mesquite Valley Growers NurseryMilfelds’ Nursery Inc.MSU Horticulture Gardens ConferenceNYP Corp.Organic Plant MagicCharlie ParkersonPatterson Nursery Sales Inc.Pleasant Cove Nursery Inc.R A Dudley Nurseries Inc.The Rhode Island Nurseries Inc.Sacco’s Landscape Inc.Shady Grove Plantation & Nursery Inc.Sheridan Nurseries LimitedThe Siebenthaler Co.SolaWrap, Kenneth AguilarStuppy Inc.Taylor’s Nursery Inc.Tennessee Valley Nursery Inc.Timm Enterprises Ltd.Town & Country Gardens Inc.Turtle Creek NurseryValley Crest Tree Co.Wallitsch Landscape Inc.

SUPPORTER$1 - $199

American Clay Works & SupplyAmerican Tree Inc.Amy’s FlowersAnonymousAnonymousAnonymousBanner GreenhousesBatesmeron Sweet DesignDr. Bridget Behe

Blooms of BressinghamBrohl’s FlowerGarden, Inc.Calhoun County Master Gardner Association, Battle Creek MICarter HorticulturalChapel Valley Landscape Co.R.K. and P.C. CollinsCreel Pump Inc.Darrell Norris GreenhouseGeorge Didden GreenhousesDo Rights Plant GrowersDonya’s FloralsFleming NurseryFrederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture ParkLouise HarnedHillcrest Nursery Inc.Holland Gaas BVHolland MI Horticultural ClubHorta dba Botany Lane GreenhouseHorti EliteImperial Nurseries, Greg SchaanIwasaki Bros. Inc.Jim Jenkins Lawn & Garden CenterKalamazoo Specialty Plants LLC Karabin FarmsLakeshore Gardeners in Holland, MILondon Landscapes LLCMessick Company LLCMetrolina GreenhousesMinter Country GardenNorth Parish Gardens Inc.The Ohio State University - OARDC, Brian McSpadden GardenerThe Ohio State University Hort & Crop Science, Claudio Pasian, PhDOverdevest Nurseries LPPlatt Hill Nursery Inc.RACO IndustriesRiverside Greenhouses LLC

Riverview Flower FarmRocky Creek Nurseries Inc.Schneider Nursery Inc.Serviagricola del BajioShoreline Garden Club, Stevensville, MIWalter SuttleTennessee Nursery & Landscape Association Inc.R.P. Tuthill & Assoc.University of Akron, Sarah FinkVan Essen NurseryVillage Nurseries Wholesale LLCVitamin InstituteWeakland GreenhouseWebb Perennials, LLCWenke GreenhousesWindmill Heights Garden CenterX-Calibur Plant Health CompanyZaretsky & Associates Inc.

RECOGNITION DONORS• In Memory of Everet Asjes III, third

generation of Rosehill Gardens, by Lanco Inc.

• In Honor of Amy & Joel Bachman and Tatum & Elliot Itman by Dale & Ruth Bachman

• In Memory of Bryan Champion, by Karl Losely & Gertrude Losely

• In Memory of Charlie Wayne Milsted, retired nursery manager of Lantenn Farms, by Lanco Inc.

• In Memory of Lydia Orum, by Peter and Irma Orum

• In Honor of AmericanHort, by Michael V. Geary and Harvey Cotten

• In Honor of Margie deWit by Robert Schutzki, PhD and Amy Frankmann

• In Honor of Rev. Jerry L. Gray by Jennifer Gray

• In Honor of Stacey Hirvela and Spring Meadow-Proven Winners, by Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Holland MI Horticultural Club, Allen County Master Gardeners / Childrens Garden, Master Gardener Society of Oakland County, Calhoun County Master Gardner Association, Shoreline Garden Club, Lakeshore Gardeners, and Porter County Master Gardeners Association

• In Memory of Charles Tosovsky by Bailey Nurseries Foundation; Countryside Flower Shop, Nursery & Garden Center, RIchard Harms; W. Scott McAdam; Peter & Irma Orum; and Charlie Parkerson

• In Honor of Marjorie Wilde’s Birthday, by Peter and Irma Orum

• In Honor of Tim Wood and Spring Meadow-Proven Winners, by the Ohio State University Nursery Short Course, Macomb County Master Gardner Association, Robert Cencek, and MSU Horticulture Gardens Conference

p 16

Dan Nelson, of Hans Nelson and Sons Nursery in Boring, Oregon, is usually a pretty laid-back fellow—until the conversation turns to spray technology and the recent advancements made possible by a unique partnership effort involving the Horticultural Research Institute, USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, and several universities. Then, Nelson gets animated.

His passion for pest management innovation is easy to understand. Nelson and Sons has been fortunate to be one of six test sites for the new “intelligent sprayer” technology developed at the USDA-ARS research station in Wooster, Ohio. Dr. Heping Zhu and his staff designed and built the first prototypes. Their objective was simple: develop an advanced and affordable pest management spray application system that employs intelligent technology to automatically match spray output to the structure of the crop.

HOW IT WORKS

The technology starts with a variable-rate air assisted sprayer. It uses a laser scanning sensor that feeds data into a tractor-mounted computer. The computer feeds information to 40 individual solenoids each with a tee jet spray nozzle. The data coming from the laser computer activates individual nozzles based on what the laser sees. When nothing is seen, the nozzles are not activated.

OUR SUPPORT

This remarkable research advancement is a perfect example of progress through partnerships. The Horticultural Research Institute, AmericanHort’s research and development affiliate, believed in the potential of this project and its visionary scientist team led by Dr. Zhu. HRI provided some of the initial funding to get the project going. That demonstration of industry commitment opened the door to further funding through our Floriculture and Nursery Research Initiative partnership with USDA-ARS.

Eventually, additional funding came through the Specialty Crop Research Initiative, a program AmericanHort has supported through the Farm Bill. University research and extension involvement in Ohio, Oregon, and Tennessee has helped transform a research theory into an industry reality.

WHAT’S NEXT

The “smart sprayer” project is now at the commercialization phase. And, the research team led by Dr. Zhu is now working to make the technology adaptable to existing equipment, eventually allowing many growers to retrofit existing spray equipment to reap the benefits of this work. The project showcases what can be achieved when the industry’s own research dollars, through HRI, are leveraged through partnerships to move the industry forward.

THIS COULD CHANGE EVERYTHING

average pesticide use reduction:47% to 70%

airbourne drift reduction:up to 87%

reduction of spray lost on the ground:68% to 93%

annual cost savings per acre: $140 to $280

Controlled spray output that matches plant canopies brings many benefits. Using this new sprayer

technologies, Nelson has experienced the following:

The bottom line – effective pest management that is much more cost-effective and environmentally

friendly than the air-blast sprayers it replaces.

MECHANIZATION AT ITS FINEST:

TECHNOLOGY THAT AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTS SPRAY OUTPUT TO THE

STRUCTURE OF THE CROP

p 18

2013 2014ASSETSCash in Banks $324,275 $229,226

Investments 11,098,252 11,667,681

Pledges Receivable & Other Assets 568,362 530,109

Total Assets $11,990,889 $12,427,016

LIABILITIESAccounts Payable & Deferred Revenue $36,298 $53,213

NET ASSETSUnrestricted 15,797 25,436

Temporarily Restricted 1,699,385 1,827,005

Permanently Restricted 10,239,409 10,521,362

Total Net Assets 11,954,591 12,373,803

Total Liabilities & Net Assets $11,990,889 $12,427,016

Statement of Financial PositionDecedmber 31, 2014 & December 31, 2013

The Horticultural Research Institute’s complete financial reports are available upon request from HRI’s Washington, D.C. office.

Fiscal year 2014 reflects the tremendous support received from donors like you. We reflect with gratitude to our donors and HRI members that entrusted us with their contributions for the betterment of HRI and the green industry.

The stock market continues to experience extreme volatility, but through watchful management and sound financial advising from our new investment firm, Vanguard, our investment income continues to lead all revenue categories for HRI.

p 19

Donations and new pledges to HRI totaled more than $500,000 including annual donations and membership contributions. It is not only the endowed funds but also the annual donors that enhance HRI’s commitment to green industry progress through innovative research. It takes a collective green industry to engage and support its research needs.

With a renewed sense of purpose and vision, HRI continued to maintain its research focus by targeting grants to specific projects that promote a tangible return on investment while being committed to adapting and being stewards of the donor legacy we highly value.

We hope more within the community will be inspired to take action and annually

support HRI.

Historical Net Assets, Including Pledges($ in millions)

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014

$5.7

$7.6

$8.0

$9.6

$11.0

$8.6

$10.5$10.9

$12.4

$7.6

p 21

One of the many challenges of the horticulture industry is the perplexing — and often paralyzing — question “What’s next?”

However, that’s where we can begin asking

The SHIFT initiative began with that exact question. “What if we understood tomorrow’s consumers?” “What if we saw the handwriting on the wall and took action today?” “What if we exposed untapped potential?”

And so, like most good questions and most grand causes, this spurred AmericanHort, along with our partner, the Horticultural Research Institute, to engage the Columbus College of Art and Design’s MindMarket, to actually go out there and get answers.

The critical research, data, and subsequent recommendations take you on the journey we took to support the advancement of the industry and to ensure it’s here for years to come. Some of the insights and recommendations will make complete sense. Others are thought-provoking and might be more difficult to immediately accept. But all serve to challenge our industry’s current paradigms so that it can evolve to be stronger and more profitable.

SHIFT is a way of thinking about the industry and how it is evolving to meet the demands of modern and future challenges. SHIFT is the future of consumers, the future of retail, the future of our supply chain, and the future of our industry. With raw, real, and bold insights and recommendations for businesses at all stages and sizes, SHIFT offers small steps and big changes to help the industry evolve and thrive for the future.

AmericanHort.org/SHIFT

p 22

The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) and the New England Nursery Association (NENA) partnered together to create the New England Nursery Association Industry Growth Fund, a new type of grant program through HRI. The Industry Growth Fund was formally created at a signing ceremony during New England Grows in Boston in February 2014. This new purpose-restricted fund was designed to allow grants to be drawn from both the interest and the principal as needed. “NENA members are excited to support the kind of innovation and new thinking that will ultimately shape the future of the horticulture profession,” stated Peter House, East Haven Landscape Products

(East Haven, CT), 2014 NENA President. “Our collaboration with Horticultural Research Institute—through this new Industry Growth Initiative—enables NENA to make significant contributions and continue to move the industry forward.” The alliance brings together Horticultural Research Institute’s 52-year history as the horticulture industry’s leading green industry research and educational foundation and NENA’s vision to maximize organizational funds, collaborate closely with experts, and put investment monies to work where they will directly help New England commercial horticulture industry.

The agreement between HRI and NENA serves as an example for other state or regional horticultural associations to combine resources with HRI, allowing HRI to serve as the central institute for the horticultural research granting process. By combining forces, HRI and NENA will be in a better position to select and direct research that is critical to the New England green industries. “NENA worked closely with HRI to design a unique fund, flexible enough to support innovative local projects that we hadn’t been able to fund under the traditional model,” noted Virginia Wood, NENA Executive Director. “While our endowment fund with HRI remains an important component of our research outreach, the new Industry Growth Fund enables NENA to more readily fund a variety of important local projects.”

The new NENA/HRI Industry Growth Initiative is designed to support such projects as:• “local-to-NENA” platforms that

build community and promote collaboration

• economic impact studies that bolster the industry

• marketing strategies that boost sales of plants and services

• research that provides scientifically proven answers to critical questions

• education to engage the next generation

• programs to support and inspire tomorrow’s horticultural workforce

The collaboration with NENA is another example of how HRI works to build prosperous businesses, advance the green industry, and fulfill its core vision to direct, fund, promote, and communicate horticulture research.

INTRODUCING A NEW TYPE OF FUND

A New England Nursery Association & Horticultural Research Institute Fund

Industry Growth Initiative

DONOR INFORMATION

Name: __________________________________________________________________

Company: _______________________________________________________________

Billing Address: ___________________________________________________________

City / State / Zip: __________________________________________________________

PH: (_____) _________________________ FAX: (_____) __________________________

Email: ___________________________________________________________________

DONATION / PLEDGE INFORMATION

I (we) donate: $1,000 $500 $250 other: $______ to the Annual Fund.

HRI is pleased to send a token of appreciation (a copy of Back Then to Right Now) to donors gifting $100 or more. Yes, please send the book. No, thank you.

Please contact me about: Establishing a named fund for research Establishing a scholarship fund Establishing a bequest Donating in someone’s honor or memory Leadership opportunities

THANK YOU FOR YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT!

DONATION FORMI (we) make this contribution in the form of:

cash check VISA MasterCard AmEx Discover

Cardholder Name: ___________________________________ _____

Card Number: ____________________________________________

Verification Code: _____________ Exp. Date: ___________________

Signature: _______________________________________________

ONLINE DONATIONS ACCEPTED AT: bit.ly/DonateHRI

PLEASE MAKE CHECKS OR OTHER GIFTS PAYABLE TO:Horticultural Research Institute2130 Stella Court, Columbus, OH 43215p. 614.487.1117 | f. 614.487.1216

FOR QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT:Jennifer Gray, Research Programs AdministratorJenniferG@AmericanHort.org | 614.884.1155

2130 Stella CourtColumbus, OH 43215

ESTABLISH YOUR LEGACY

GIFTS OF CASHThe easiest and most familiar way to give to Horticultural Research Institute is with a gift of cash. Such contributions may entitle the donor who itemizes to an income tax charitable deduction. In addition to receiving gifts via postal mail, we accept online credit card donations at bit.ly/DonateHRI.

ESTABLISH A NAMED FUNDEstablishing a Named Fund is a great way to show your support and leave a lasting tribute to the horticultural industry. Named Funds may be Designated (ie: funds for a scholarship or specific research) or Undesignated (ie: putting your money to work where there is most need). Both types of Named Funds assist HRI in supporting research and scholarships.

MAKE A BEQUESTMaking a bequest to the Horticultural Research Institute is easy. All it takes is a simple inclusion of the Horticultural Research Institute in a will or family trust. Your personal financial benefits of planned gifts to the Horticultural Research Institute will depend on your individual situation, but the opportunity to make a difference is always great. We encourage all donors to seek the advice of their financial and legal advisors regarding the tax implications of any gift.

WE INVITE YOU TO CONTACT US TO DISCUSS YOUR GIFT.