Environmental Horticulture Industry Research Articles

Discovery and Characterization of Novel Fertile Triploids and a New Chromosome Number in Caladium (Caladium × hortulanum)

Cultivated caladium (Caladium × hortulanum; 2n = 2x = 30) is an important ornamental aroid for the environmental horticulture industry. A better understanding of its genetic diversity is needed for continued improvement of caladium. The caladium germplasm maintained in the University of Florida’s caladium breeding program were surveyed for potential variation in chromosome number and nuclear DNA content to gain a better understanding of caladium genetic diversity at the cytogenetic level. For the first time caladium triploidy was discovered in two breeding lines, UF-15-414 and UF-4407 with 2n = 3x = 45 chromosomes and a nuclear DNA content of 13.86 pg·2C−1. In addition, a new chromosome number (2n = 2x = 34) was found in one cultivar, ‘White Wing’. Compared with their diploid parents or grandparents, the triploids showed a distinct, attractive leaf morphology with rounder and thicker leaves. The pollen stainability of UF-15-414 and UF-4407 was 63% and 73%, respectively, indicating potential male fertility, which was unexpected. Analysis of simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker banding patterns confirmed that UF-15-414 was a direct progeny of UF-4407 through hybridization with the diploid cultivar Aaron, whereas UF-4407 might result from fusion of an unreduced (female or male) gamete with a reduced gamete. Chromosome counting and SSR marker analysis of ‘White Wing’ and its progeny cultivars ‘White Wonder’ and ‘White Delight’ suggested that ‘White Wing’ possibly transmitted its 34 chromosomes to progeny during sexual reproduction. The discovery and characterization of these triploids revealed the occurrence of natural sexual polyploidization in caladium and indicated good potential for creating and selecting new triploids for future caladium breeding. The observed new chromosome number in ‘White Wing’ and its progeny cultivars implies that other chromosome variations may be present among cultivated caladiums. In summary, these results revealed two male-fertile triploid caladiums and a new chromosome number that can enrich the cytogenetic diversity in future caladium cultivar development.

Marketing Strategies Used by U.S. Landscape Services Firms

The landscape service sector is an important part of the environmental horticulture industry. However, research addressing factors impacting its business and marketing practices are scarce. This manuscript uses data collected via online and mail industry surveys in 2014 and 2019 to investigate U.S. landscape service firms’ advertising and marketing practices and different factors that influence their business strategies by firm type and size. Product mix, advertising method, and the importance of different business factors were impacted by firm type. Landscape service only firms had the most diverse product offerings, while firms with wholesale production had the least diversity. Landscape service only firms primarily used in-person and telephone advertising, while firms with wholesale production used a broader swath of advertising medias to reach a more diversified clientele. Overall, weather and labor-related factors had the most impact on landscaping firms’ business practices. Larger firms perceived labor factors as more important than smaller firms.

Genome Size and Karyotype Studies in Five Species of Lantana (Verbenaceae)

Lantana species are an important component of the U.S. environmental horticulture industry. The most commonly produced and used species are L. camara and, on a smaller scale, L. montevidensis. Both were introduced to the United States from Central and/or South America. Lantana species native to the continental United States include L. canescens, L. depressa, L. involucrata, etc. and most of them have not been well exploited. This study was conducted to obtain information about somatic chromosome numbers, karyotypes, and genome size of these five species. Nuclear DNA content in these species ranged from 2.74 pg/2C (L. involucrata) to 6.29 pg/2C (L. depressa var. depressa). Four chromosome numbers were observed: 2n = 2x = 22 in L. camara ‘Lola’ and ‘Denholm White’, 2n = 4x = 44 in L. depressa var. depressa, 2n = 2x = 24 in L. canescens and L. involucrata, and 2n = 3x = 36 in L. montevidensis. Two basic chromosome numbers were observed: x = 11 in L. camara and L. depressa var. depressa, and x = 12 in L. canescens, L. involucrata, and L. montevidensis. Analysis of somatic metaphases resulted in formulas of 20m + 2sm for L. camara ‘Lola’ and ‘Denholm White’, 12m + 12sm for L. canescens, 44m for L. depressa var. depressa, 10m + 14sm for L. involucrata, and 32m + 4sm for L. montevidensis. Satellites were identified in all five species, but were associated with a different chromosome group in different species. L. depressa var. depressa had the longest total chromatin length (146.78 µm) with a range of 1.88 to 4.41 µm for individual chromosomes. The maximum arm ratio was observed in L. canescens, with a ratio of 2.5 in chromosome group 3. L. depressa var. depressa was the only species that had all of its centromeres located in the median region of the chromosome. The results show significant differences in nuclear DNA content, chromosome number, and karyotype among three native and two introduced lantana species and will help to identify, preserve, protect, and use native lantana species. The information will be helpful in assessing the ploidy levels in the genus by flow cytometry.

Economic Survey of the Environmental Horticulture Industry in Florida in 2015

"The characteristics and economic contributions of the environmental horticulture industry in Florida in 2015 were evaluated through mail and internet surveys of industry firms conducted in 2016."

Florida Consumer Preferences for Fruit-Producing Plant Attributes

This 4-page report from the Food and Resource Economics Department and the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center compares the effects of plant type, price, production method, and origin attributes on consumer preferences for fruit-producing plants. Authors Hayk Khachatryan and Alicia Rihn present the results of a survey of Florida plant consumers conducted in June and July of 2014 to rate their likelihood of purchasing plants with various attributes, reporting that production methods do indeed directly influence consumers’ preferences for fruit-producing plants. The article describes the implications for the environmental horticulture industry and provides suggestions for growers and retailers to more effectively market their plants.

Determinants of recycling common types of plastic product waste in environmental horticulture industry: The case of Georgia

Environmental horticulture firms provide a variety of commercial/residential landscape products and services encompassing ornamental plant production, design, installation, and maintenance. The companies generate tons of waste including plastic containers, trays, and greenhouse/field covers, creating the need to reduce and utilize plastic waste. Based on survey data collected in Georgia in 2013, this paper investigates determinants of the environmental horticulture firms’ recycling decision (plastic containers, flats, and greenhouse poly). Our findings indicate that the decision to discard vs. recycle plastic containers, flats, and greenhouse poly is significantly influenced by firm scope, size, location, and partnership with recycling providers, as well as whether recycling providers offer additional waste pickup services. Insights from this study are of use to local governments and environmental organizations interested in increasing horticultural firm participation in recycling programs and lowering the volume of plastic destined for landfills.

Florida Nursery Crops and Landscaping Industry Economic Impacts, Situation, and Outlook

Florida is one of the leading environmental horticulture producers in the United States, ranked second only to California. In 2010, total industry sales were estimated at $12.33 billion. This 10-page report summarizes the current situation, economic impacts, and outlook for the environmental horticulture industry in Florida. Written by Hayk Khachatryan and Alan W. Hodges, and published by the UF Department of Food and Resource Economics, September 2014.

Floriculture Crops Economic Outlook for 2014

This 15-page report summarizes industry statistics using data from primary and secondary sources and highlights production and sales trends in the US environmental horticulture industry in 2014. Data sources include the United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA/NASS), US Census Bureau, the IBIS World Industry Reports, National Association of Home Builders, S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, US Bureau of Labor Statistics, University of Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research, AIA Economics and Market Research Group, and Florida Realtors®. Primary data is collected through the National Nursery Survey, conducted by the Green Industry Research Consortium. Written by Hayk Khachatryan, Alan W. Hodges, and Shawn Steed, and published by the UF Department of Food and Resource Economics, March 2014.
 FE941/FE941: Floriculture Crops Economic Outlook for 2014 (ufl.edu)

Strategies Producers in the Northeastern United States Are Using to Reduce Costs and Increase Profits in Tough Economic Times

The environmental horticulture industry (sometimes referred to as the “green industry”) is usually divided into nursery and floriculture crops. The green industry in the northeastern United States is an important component of agricultural production, with over $2 billion in farm cash receipts, equating to 22.4% of all farm cash receipts in the northeastern United States. It is the number one agricultural commodity in five northeastern U.S. states. Competition in the green industry has become fierce. Many factors have put downward pressure on price. These include the recent volatility of fossil fuels and general energy prices, domestic competition, off-shore production, a weakened and stressed economy, and the growth of the mass market. Nationally, the number of producers continues to decline as a direct result of the newly defined economic risks. The industry's profit margins are typically low, leaving little room for growers to absorb significant increases in costs or decreases in revenues. Unlike farmers who produce field crops, nursery and greenhouse firms bear the entire price, market, and production risks because these crops have had no government support programs. This article will discuss what strategies producers in the northeastern United States are using to reduce costs and increase profits in tough economic times. It will analyze how producers have they honed their marketing and management skills to continue to survive and respond to current trends.

Branding Awareness and Willingness-to-pay Associated with the Texas Superstar™ and Earth-Kind™ Brands in Texas

The environmental horticulture industry, also known as the Green Industry, is the second most important sector in the U.S. agricultural economy in terms of economic output and one of the fastest growing segments of agriculture; however, it has shifted from an average annual growth of 13.6% in the 1970s to an annual growth of less than 3% in the 2000s, which suggests the industry is facing a maturing marketplace. As an effort to help the industry stimulate demand, Texas A&M AgriLife developed the Texas Superstar™ and Earth-Kind™ brands. The aims of these plant promotion programs are to increase the demand for selected horticultural products, raise awareness among consumers of Texas-grown plant material, promote environmental responsibility, and increase producers' profitability by providing branding price premiums. Despite the considerable investments on research and marketing done thus far, no research has investigated the effectiveness of these branding efforts in terms of consumer behavior. This article evaluates brand awareness and willingness-to-pay for these two brands in Texas. The discrete choice models used were the Logit and Probit models on brand awareness and the Tobit model on the conditional willingness-to-pay. Results from this study show that consumer awareness of Texas Superstar™ and Earth-Kind™ in Texas is low, but the level of satisfaction among consumers is high. Furthermore, profiles of the consumers' behavioral and demographic characteristics that are more likely to influence brand awareness and willingness-to-pay were identified. The findings suggest that consumers who shop weekly or monthly for ornamental plants are more likely to be aware of programs such as Texas Superstar™ and Earth-Kind™. Also, those who live in South Texas were more likely to exhibit awareness of Earth-Kind™. Consumers who shopped for self-consumption purposes were willing to pay a discounted price for Texas Superstar™ and Earth-Kind™ plants compared with unbranded plants and those who were previously aware of the brands were willing to pay more. The two brands were effective in differentiating their products and thus creating price premiums. It was estimated that the willingness-to-pay for Earth-Kind™ and Texas Superstar™ for the average respondent was 10% higher than the willingness-to-pay for an unbranded plant.

Growth and Challenges in Florida's Environmental Horticulture Industry

Total Florida environmental horticulture industry sales in 2005 were $15.24 billion (B), whereas total industry output amounted to $10.39 B with $3.01 B for wholesale nurseries, $5.25 B for landscape services, and $2.13 B for horticultural retailers, which reflects the average gross margin on retail sales. Direct employment in the industry was 190,000 full-time jobs plus nearly 104,000 temporary, part-time, or seasonal jobs. Total employment impacts were 319,000 full-time and part-time/seasonal jobs, including 24,000 jobs created in other sectors of the economy. Total value-added or income impacts of $8.65 B included $5.19 B in labor income for employee wages, salaries, and business owner (proprietor) income. Fiscal impacts included $549 million (M) in indirect business taxes paid to local and state governments. Results for 2005 compared with previous studies performed for 1997 and 2000 indicate that growth in the industry has been dramatic over this time period. Industry sales increased from $8.35 B in 1997 to $15.24 B in 2005, representing a 7.8% average annual compound growth rate, whereas employment impacts grew at a 9.2% annual rate, and value-added impacts grew by 4.7%. The study also evaluated the impacts to the industry from eight hurricanes that struck Florida during 2004 and 2005. Nearly 80% of surveyed firms were adversely impacted by at least one hurricane. Total damages and losses resulting from hurricanes were estimated at $2.12 B, including product (crop) losses of $1.05 B, structural damages of $465 M, and cleanup costs of $605 M. Product losses of at least $100,000 were sustained by 22% of firms, whereas structural damages and cleanup costs of this level were suffered by 12% and 8% of firms, respectively. Nearly half (48%) of the firms had their business interrupted for 3 weeks or more. Despite these large losses, the industry continues to thrive.

Economic Impacts of the Florida Environmental Horticulture Industry in 2005

FE675, a 40-page illustrated report by Alan W. Hodges and John J. Haydu, presents the results of an economic impact study of the Florida environmental horticulture industry conducted in 2005 and compared with previous studies in 1997 and 2000. Published by the UF Department of Food and Resource Economics, October 2006.

The Economic Impact of the Green Industry in the United States

The United States environmental horticulture industry, also known as the Green Industry, is comprised of wholesale nursery and sod growers; landscape architects, designers/builders, contractors, and maintenance firms; retail garden centers, home centers, and mass merchandisers with lawn and garden departments; and marketing intermediaries such as brokers and horticultural distribution centers (re-wholesalers). Environmental horticulture is one of the fastest growing segments of the nation's agricultural economy. In spite of the magnitude and recent growth in the Green Industry, there is surprisingly little information regarding its economic impact. Thus, the objective of this study was to estimate the economic impacts of the Green Industry at the national level. Economic impacts for the U.S. Green Industry in 2002 were estimated at $147.8 billion in output, 1,964,339 jobs, $95.1 billion in value added, $64.3 billion in labor income, and $6.9 billion in indirect business taxes, with these values expressed in 2004 dollars. In addition, this study evaluated the value and role of urban forest trees (woody ornamental trees); the total output of tree production and care services was valued at $14.55 billion, which translated into $21.02 billion in total output impacts, 259,224 jobs, and $14.12 billion in value added.

A technique for continuous mass rearing of the black vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus

The black vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a univoltine, polyphagous insect that is a nocuous pest of field and container grown ornamentals as well as small fruit crops world-wide (Moorhouse et al., 1992). In the USA, the environmental horticulture industry (floriculture and nursery crops) is the third largest value crop behind corn and soybeans (USDA fact sheets 2001, http://www.nass.usda.gov). Otiorhynchus sulcatus is thought to have a northern European origin and was first recorded in North America in 1835 (Smith, 1932). Oviposition occurs at night with eggs being either dropped on the soil surface or inserted into crevices on plants (Smith, 1932). Early instars begin by feeding on small roots while the later instars feed on larger roots, especially on the phloem and cambium tissues near the soil surface (La Lone & Clarke, 1981). Adults are nocturnal and mainly cause aesthetic damage to plants by notching the leaves. Adults are parthenogenic, so a single individual left unchecked can result in the infestation of an entire nursery. Because of the biology of O. sulcatus , the collection of larvae and adults from the field is very tedious and often requires countless hours of digging through field soil, container-grown plants or searching for adults after dark. Indeed, many chemical and biological control companies developing products for O. sulcatus larval control still rely on searching through infested plant material in order to gather the needed larvae for efficacy studies. Although an artificial diet initially developed by Shorey & Hale (1965) as modified by Shanks & Finnigan (1973) and Shanks (1980) (hereafter referred to as the ‘standard diet’) sustains larvae and is commercially available, there has been no documented technique for continuous mass rearing of O. sulcatus . Studies of weevil biology as well as the development of control strategies require a large, uniform, and predictable supply of insects of all life stages throughout the year. When considering field or potted plants for use in control efficacy or host plant resistant studies, other researchers have often found it useful to store insect eggs for several weeks for subsequent use; many thousands to millions of eggs were needed. The stockpiling of eggs for future use has been necessary with other reared species of Coleoptera (Branson, 1978; Fisher & Edwards, 2002). The egg hatch and viability of the strawberry root weevil, Otiorhynchus ovatus L. were not significantly reduced when it was stored for up to 4 weeks at 4 ° C (Fisher & Edwards, 2002). We have developed a technique for continuous mass rearing of O. sulcatus in the laboratory using a meridic diet. Since small changes in diet composition can often lead to dramatic changes in larval survival and growth, experiments were also performed to determine if O. sulcatus larval survival and development were increased on the improved diet described here, compared to the standard diet. Additionally, we determined if O. sulcatus eggs could be stored for up to 4 weeks at 4 ° C without significant reductions in larval survival and development.

The Growing Importance of the Environmental Horticulture Industry in the Agricultural Economy of the Northeastern United States

This study examines several aspects of the Environmental Horticulture Industry (EHI) in the northeastern United States. First, the EHI is compared to other agricultural sectors in the region. The sector's growth is found to far outpace growth in traditionally important crops and commodities. The study then takes a closer look at the EHI in Pennsylvania, utilizing survey data and the IMPLAN input-output model to estimate the overall economic contributions of the industry to the state's economy. Results suggest that the EHI generates nearly $3.3 billion in value-added and more than 107,000 state jobs through direct, indirect, and induced effects. Finally, survey data are used to identify and discuss important issues that land grant universities throughout the Northeast can address as they seek to strengthen the sector.

Economic Impact of Florida's Environmental Horticulture Industry

Abstract The economic impact of Florida's environmental horticulture industry in 1997 was estimated based on a telephone survey of wholesale plant nurseries, horticultural retailers, and landscape service firms. Sales of ornamental plants and related horticultural goods and services by the production, retail, and service sectors were estimated at $1.46 billion (B), $1.75B, and $2.70B, respectively. Domestic and international exports of horticultural products and services from Florida amounted to $659 million (M). Economic multiplier effects of commercial activity associated with purchased inputs from other industries and personal consumption expenditures by employees were estimated with an input-output model. Regional impacts of the wholesale nursery sector were also estimated separately for seven areas of the state. Economic impacts of Florida's environmental horticulture industry included total value added of $5.42B and employment of 187,000 people. These impacts are greater than for any other sector of agriculture and associated manufacturing in Florida, including the large fruit and vegetable industry.

ECONOMIC IMPACT OF FLORIDA'S ENVIRONMENTAL HORTICULTURE INDUSTRY

Abstract The economic impact of Florida's environmental horticulture industry in 1997 was estimated based on a telephone survey of wholesale plant nurseries, horticultural retailers, and landscape service firms. Sales of ornamental plants and related horticultural goods and services by the production, retail, and service sectors were estimated at $1.46 billion (B), $1.75B, and $2.70B, respectively. Domestic and international exports of horticultural products and services from Florida amounted to $659 million (M). Economic multiplier effects of commercial activity associated with purchased inputs from other industries and personal consumption expenditures by employees were estimated with an input-output model. Regional impacts of the wholesale nursery sector were also estimated separately for seven areas of the state. Economic impacts of Florida's environmental horticulture industry included total value added of $5.42B and employment of 187,000 people. These impacts are greater than for any other sector of...

Reducing the Pollution Potential of Pesticides and Fertilizers in the Environmental Horticulture Industry: II. Lawn Care and Landscape Management

Optimizing growing conditions and, thereby, plant growth reduces the susceptibility of plants to many disease and insect pest problems. Educating lawn or landscape management professionals and homeowners about plant health management reduces the need for chemical intervention. Pesticides combined with N and P fertilizers contribute to water pollution problems in urban areas; thus, it is important to manage the amount, timing, and placement of chemicals and fertilizers. To educate consumers applying pesticides and fertilizers in residential gardens, we must educate the sales representatives and others who interact most closely with consumers. Evidence suggests that knowledge about the effects of chemicals is limited and that warning labels are not read or are ignored. Integrated pest management (IPM) offers alternatives to conventional chemical treatments, but such methods are not used commonly because of their relatively high cost and their uncertain impact on pests. Pest detection methods and using pest-resistant plants in landscapes are simple and, in many cases, readily available approaches to reducing the dependence on chemical use. Research on effective, low-cost IPM methods is essential if chemical use in landscape management is to decrease. Current impediments to reducing the pollution potential of chemicals used in the landscape include the limited number of easily implemented, reliable, and cost-effective alternative pest control methods; underfunding of research on development of alternative pest control measures; limited knowledge of commercial operators, chemical and nursery sales representatives, landscape architects, and the general public concerning available alternatives; reluctance of the nursery industry to produce, and of the landscape architects to specify the use of, pest-resistant plant materials; lack of economic or regulatory incentive for professionals to implement alternatives; inadequate funding for education on the benefits of decreased chemical use; and the necessity of changing consumer definition of unacceptable plant damage. We need to teach homeowners and professionals how to manage irrigation to optimize plant growth; use sound IPM practices for reducing disease, weed, and insect problems; and minimize pollution hazards from fertilizers and pesticides.

Reducing the Pollution Potential of Pesticides and Fertilizers in the Environmental Horticulture Industry: I. Greenhouse, Nursery, and Sod Production

Pesticides have been the primary method of pest control for years, and growers depend on them to control insect and disease-causing pests effectively and economically. However, opportunities for reducing the potential pollution arising from the use of pesticides and fertilizers in environmental horticulture are excellent. Greenhouse, nursery, and sod producers are using many of the scouting and cultural practices recommended for reducing the outbreak potential and severity of disease and insect problems. Growers are receptive to alternatives to conventional pesticides, and many already use biorational insecticides. Future research should focus on increasing the effectiveness and availability of these alternatives. Optimizing growing conditions, and thereby plant health, reduces the susceptibility of plants to many disease and insect pest problems. Impediments to reducing the use of conventional pesticides and fertilizers in the environmental horticulture industry include 1) lack of easily implemented, reliable, and cost-effective alternative pest control methods; 2) inadequate funding for research to develop alternatives; 3) lack of sufficient educational or resource information for users on the availability of alternatives; 4) insufficient funding for educating users on implementing alternatives; 5) lack of economic or regulatory incentive for growers to implement alternatives; and 6) limited consumer acceptance of aesthetic damage to plants. Research and broadly defined educational efforts will help alleviate these impediments to reducing potential pollution by the environmental horticulture industry.

Environmental horticulture: “Growth” industry in California

California's environmental horticulture industry has economic activity in excess of $7.2 billion annually, but its numerous segments are not unified. University research and extension activities could significantly assist in defining industry problems and extending practical solutions based on applied and basic research.