Horticultural Research Institute Funds 18 New Green Industry Projects
Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) logo. | AmericanHort
The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) has announced $564,521 in research funding for 18 projects in 2026, supporting new work designed to strengthen every stage of the horticulture supply chain.
The selected projects address a wide range of industry priorities, including plant propagation and production efficiency, pest and disease management, landscape plant performance, and consumer engagement with horticultural products. Together, the projects reflect the breadth of challenges and opportunities facing growers, landscapers, retailers, and allied businesses.
HRI’s investments are guided by four strategic research priorities: quantifying plant benefits, creating innovative solutions, gathering consumer insights, and producing practical and actionable solutions. By aligning funding with these priorities, HRI ensures that supported research delivers meaningful benefits to the horticulture industry.
“The projects funded through HRI reflect the industry’s commitment to investing in solutions that strengthen horticulture today and into the future,” says Mark Yelanich, HRI Board President and Research Director at Metrolina Greenhouses. “When businesses and researchers work together through HRI, the results benefit the entire green industry.”
Here are some of the funded projects:
Lean on Me: The Roles of Microbial “Friends” in Ameliorating Root Rot Disease in Rhododendron
Project Lead: Jean Burns of Case Western Reserve University
Root rot caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi is a persistent and costly problem in Rhododendron production, often requiring repeated fungicide applications with diminishing returns. This project builds on previous HRI-funded work to identify specific beneficial fungi that naturally help plants survive pathogen pressure. Researchers will evaluate ericoid mycorrhizal fungi and multiple Trichoderma species to determine their ability to improve plant survival and growth under disease stress. By isolating and testing these microbial “friends,” the project aims to identify biological tools that can be incorporated into production systems as alternatives or complements to chemical control. Results will provide growers with science-based guidance on using beneficial microbes to reduce losses, improve plant health, and support more sustainable nursery and landscape production practices.
Accelerating Root Development in Slow-Growing Nursery Stock Using Plant Growth Regulators
Project Lead: Kristopher Criscione of Virginia Tech
Slow root development is a major bottleneck in ornamental production, often extending crop cycles and increasing costs. This project will evaluate whether targeted applications of plant growth regulators (PGRs) can stimulate faster root system development in container-grown nursery stock. By enhancing root fill and quality, plants may reach market readiness sooner or achieve higher quality within standard timelines. The research will assess application methods, substrate interactions, and production impacts under nursery conditions. Outcomes will provide growers with actionable strategies to shorten production cycles, improve liner quality, reduce labor and space constraints, and increase overall production efficiency across nursery and greenhouse systems.
Magnet Plants: Increasing Pollinator Biodiversity via Use of Non-Native, Ornamental Plants in Gardens
Project Lead: Gail Langellotto of Oregon State University
This project evaluates how highly attractive non-native ornamental plants — “magnet plants” — can be used strategically to support pollinator biodiversity in garden systems. By drawing honey bees away from native plants, magnet plants may reduce competition and improve coexistence between managed and wild pollinators. Researchers will measure pollinator visitation, diversity, and behavior in mixed plantings to document ecological benefits. Results will provide evidence-based guidance for growers, landscapers, and retailers on how non-native ornamentals can contribute positively to pollinator conservation. The findings have the potential to reshape consumer narratives, support sustainable landscape design, and expand market opportunities for pollinator-supportive ornamental plants.
Innovations for Sustainable Control of High-Impact Bacterial Diseases
Project Lead: Jonathan Jacobs of The Ohio State University
Bacterial diseases caused by Xanthomonas and Rhodococcus affect a wide range of ornamental crops and are difficult to manage with existing tools. This project explores innovative biological control strategies using bacteriophages and beneficial Bacillus species as targeted alternatives to traditional chemical bactericides. Researchers will identify, test, and validate biological agents that suppress bacterial pathogens without harming plant quality or the environment. Outcomes will provide growers with new, sustainable disease management options that can be integrated into IPM programs, helping reduce losses, improve plant health, and meet increasing regulatory and consumer expectations for environmentally responsible production.
To view the full details on all 18 of the HRI-funded projects, please click here.
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