Aug 4, 2006

FNRI Meets To Discuss ResearchSource: SAF

A recent meeting of green industry academia and horticultural professionals highlighted some important research projects currently being funded by the Floriculture and Nursery Research Initiative (FNRI). These Initiative-funded projects continue to help researchers find the solutions the industry needs to overcome some of its biggest challenges.

Earlier this summer, nearly 90 scientists, industry members and government leaders met in Portland, Ore., to hear some of these researchers speak on their projects that had been funded by the Initiative.

The meeting served as a forum for researchers and industry members to discuss current and future issues and projects. Some of the topics discussed at the Portland meeting include the efforts at the University of Wisconsin and University of Florida to sequence the genome of Ralstonia solanacearum, race 3 biovar 2; new production strategies that are being developed at Michigan State University to prevent and eliminate disease caused by the major Phytophthora and Botrytis species; and the development of the whitefly management program to help growers deal with Bemisia tabaci (silverleaf whitefly).

Other topics discussed include using a PGR to prevent leaf necrosis in lilies, tulips and other bulb crops; identifying and tracking root rot and studying the efficacy of different biological and chemical controls on the disease; and dealing with disease transmission in irrigation water.

The FNRI focuses on different research areas such as improved environmental and resource management, effective pest management and improved production systems/strategies. To find out more about some of the other projects funded by the FNRI, go to www.safnow.org.

The FNRI is a joint project of the Society of American Florists, the American Nursery and Landscape Association and the United States Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Service.