More than 150 industry professionals attended a reception at MANTS, which introduced new officers and celebrated the more than $190,000 in donations for HRI research fostering business-building knowledge for the horticultural industry.

The projects cover areas ranging from disease and weed control to improving soil health.

The foundation has awarded 13 grants totaling $131,016 to support floriculture research for innovation and improved production practices.

The Society of American Florists and the American Floral Endowment have released an update and analysis of this study, which first began in 2009.

AFE’s primary research funding priorities cover everything from pest control to production management. Funding applications are due June 1.

AmericanHort announced at Cultivate’14 this week a pledge to support the Horticultural Research Institute with a gift of $100,000. The national horticulture association is committing $50,000 and will match up to another $50,000 in gifts from other individuals and companies for a total contribution of $100,000.