Gloeckner fund awards research grants for floriculture
The Fred C. Gloeckner Foundation Research Fund is awarding $122,698 to support eight new and continuing research projects in 2025-2026.
The fund, now managed through the American Floral Endowment, continues the foundation’s mission of supporting floriculture research since its start in 1960. Over the decades, it has contributed more than $7.5 million to research in floriculture and related fields.
Former Gloeckner Foundation board members serve on the committee that awards the competitive grants, which are directed to universities and research institutions across the U.S. The committee also manages the New York Florists’ Club Grants, which honor leaders who contributed to the advancement of floriculture.
This year’s funded projects address critical issues for growers, including disease management, biocontrol, propagation techniques and production practices. Selected projects include research on botrytis control in roses at North Carolina State University, downy mildew resistance in impatiens at Cornell University, and root rot in orchids at the University of California Davis. Other projects will focus on bacterial blight in stock, thrips management, overwatering in spring crops, and best management practices for floriculture production.
“Our goal is to continue supporting research that has a direct impact on growers and the floriculture industry,” said Kimberly Williams, Kansas State University, whose project addresses overwatering and nutrient deficiencies in spring crops.
Learn more about the Fred C. Gloeckner Foundation Research Fund. Applications for 2026 funding are due on April 1, 2026.
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