Abstract The economic contributions of the green industry in the United States were estimated for eight sectors in 2023 using information on industry employment and wages, and economic multipliers from a U.S. IMPLAN economic model. Total direct industry output was estimated at $223 billion (B), and total output contributions, including indirect and induced regional economic multiplier effects, were $520 B. The total value-added contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was $303 B, including labor income contributions of $175 B, other property income contributions of $106 B, and taxes paid to local, state, and federal governments of $69.1 B. The industry had direct employment of 1.48 million full-time and part-time individuals, and total employment contributions of 2.95 million jobs in the broader economy. Since the previous study for 2018, overall green industry contributions increased by 12.5% for employment, 20.8% for labor income, 14.9% for output, and 31.1% for GDP in inflation-adjusted terms. Although the growth has moderated, the green industry expanded strongly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and remains an essential contributor to national, state, and local economies. These findings provide benchmarks for policymakers and industry stakeholders and underscore the importance of the U.S. green industry’s role as a driver of regional development.
Abstract The lack of assessment methods and emission data hamper comprehensive life cycle assessment of urban greening. Ornamental plants constitute the core of urban greening, and their nursery production requires more attention both in research and practice. Based on interviews and life cycle inventory, 18 environmental impact and primary energy use indicators were estimated for six ornamental plants produced at a medium-sized nursery in Kanta-Häme, Finland. Input materials were collected for one year of production and plants were organized into container-grown and field-grown categories. Among the container-grown categories, Sorbus aucuparia had the highest values for all environmental impacts and primary energy use whereas Acer platanoides had the highest values for the field-grown categories. The results also showed that nursery production method influences greatly where impacts are the highest. For Global Warming Potential, the most contributing inputs for container-grown plants were growing medium (52%) and plastics (24%), whereas fuels and oils (44%) and fertilizers (31%) had the highest emission for field-grown plants. The amount of atmospheric carbon stored in the woody biomass during nursery production ranged from 0.302 to 13.95 kg CO 2 (0.67-30.8 lb) per plant. The most contributing input for other environmental impacts varied between the plant categories, but polypropylene containers were among the main contributors, with a share varying between 11% and 82% of the total impact. Species used in this study: Birch-leaf spiraea , Spirea betulifolia Pall. (1784); Siberian barren strawberry , Waldsteinia ternata (Stephan) Fritsch; European mountain-ash , Sorbus aucuparia L.; Grefsheim spirea , Spiraea x cineria ‘Grefsheim’; Norway maple, Acer platanoides L.; Norway spruce , Picea abies (L.) Karst.
Abstract The development of GREENBOX technology addresses the challenges posed by rapid population growth, which intensifies the demand for agricultural resources essential for cultivating and distributing fresh produce, including arable land, water, and nutrients, to both rural and urban areas. Reclaimed water is treated wastewater that has been purified to a safe level for various non-potable uses, such as irrigation, industrial processes, and landscaping. We were interested in assessing the feasibility of utilizing reclaimed water for lettuce production utilizing GREENBOX technology. This study's primary objective was to conduct a comparative analysis of Lactuca sativa ‘Rex Butterhead’ lettuce production using Reclaimed Water (RW) or treated wastewater supplemented with additional nutrients (Treatment 1) and the standard nutrient solution, made with Reverse Osmosis Water as the control (Treatment 2). The assessment focused on measuring crop biomass (g), productivity (kg . m −2 ) and environmental conditions associated with each nutrient solution to identify any significant differences. Both treatments yielded lettuce well above the anticipated harvest weight of 180 g, indicating their suitability for crop production in urban warehouse settings. The findings of this experiment contribute new scholarship into the feasibility of utilizing various types of wastewaters for hydroponic crop growth. Species used in this study: ‘Rex Butterhead’ lettuce, Latuca sativa L.
Abstract Needle retention is essential for marketing Christmas trees and greens. Trees shedding needles cannot be marketed, and excessive needle loss during display may discourage future purchases of real trees by consumers. Combining synthetic auxins with ethylene synthesis inhibitors (ESIs) in water was effective for reducing needle loss (NL) over 28 d as revealed by their factorial combinations. Main effects for decreased NL were: aspirin, 75%; 2-aminoisobutyric acid (2AIB), 37%; and fluroxypyr, 41%. Binary combinations of aspirin + 2AIB and aspirin + fluroxypyr decreased NL by 88 and 84%, respectively, and the three compounds together reduced NL by 94% in the absence of other stressors, signifying that these compounds provided independent complementary effects in reducing NL probabilities. Shoots from trees representing excellent, good, and poor needle retention classes harvested in November 2024 were used in a needle abscission experiment. A preharvest foliar spray of 12 µM triclopyr prevented subsequent response of shoots to stressors for ∼1 month and was compatible with infusion of the three-fold combination of a synthetic auxin and ESIs in water provided for display. Improved fir needle retention is attainable with small quantities of biologically active compounds which can be applied before and/or after harvest. Species used in this study: balsam fir, Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.; Canaan fir, Canaan [ Abies balsamea var. phanerolepis (L.) Mill.], concolor fir, Abies concolor (Gordon & Glend.) Lindl. ex Hildebrand; Nordmann and Turkish fir, Abies nordmanniana (Steven) Spach. Chemicals used in this study: 1-aminocyclopropyl-1-carboxylic acid (Accede); 2-aminoisobutyric acid; aspirin; ethephon (Florel® Brand Growth Regulator); fluroxypyr (Starane Ultra); sodium benzoate; triclopyr (Garlon 3A).
Abstract Methyl bromide is a fumigant used to control pests and weeds in nursery crops. Due to restricted use, new alternatives are needed. Pulsed electric field (PEF) applies high-voltage electrical pulses to kill weed seeds and soil pathogens. We evaluated soil-applied PEF for weed and nematode control, and crop response in a seedling bed. PEF was applied at pre-plant, using a commercial device. Maple seeds were planted within a week after treatment. Treatments consisted of two energy densities (200 and 400 J·cm −3 ) and two depths [8 and 18 cm (3 and 7 in)], plus a nontreated control. Weed density was recorded once monthly through 270 days after treatment (DAT). Crop safety (stand, height, trunk cross-sectional area, biomass, and grading) was unaffected by PEF. PEF lowered weed density at 30 DAT, but differences disappeared late in the season and weed biomass at 270 DAT did not differ among treatments. Nematode, Fusarium spp., and Pythium spp. responses were highly variable, with no consistent suppression within the tested energy range, indicating that improved application efficiency is needed for practical use. Alternative timing and application methods will confirm this technology as an alternative to methyl bromide for weed and nematode control. Species used in this study : Maple seedlings Acer tataricum subsp. ginnala (Maxim.).
Abstract Vegetative propagation of hybrid hazelnuts for the Upper Midwest [ Corylus americana (Walter) x C. avellena (L.) ] remains a bottleneck to both production of sufficient ramets from ortets for replicated multi-environment testing of advanced selections and scale-up of commercial cultivars. Here we present a hypocotyl-graft layering method capable of producing multiple field-ready ramets from a single 1-2 node ortet scion in two growing seasons. Grafting success after 7 weeks for the hybrid cultivars ‘Stap N7-6’ and ‘Price W41’ averaged 56% across grafting date and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) treatments. The application of IAA at 5, 10, or 20 ppm had no impact on grafting success compared to the control. Mound-layering grafted plants yielded an average of 1.9 and 2.4 field-ready ramets in years 1 and 2 after grafting, respectively. Species used in this study: Hybrid hazelnuts [ Corylus americana (Walter) x Corylus avellana (L.) ]. Chemicals used in this study: Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA); indole-3-butryic acid (IBA).
Abstract The search for sustainable alternatives to peat-based substrates in horticulture has intensified due to environmental concerns, rising costs, and limitations of peat resources. Consequently, there is a continued need for alternative media. This study evaluated composted kenaf ( Hibiscus cannabinus ) growing media, formulated with food and landscape waste (Mix A: 40% kenaf, Mix B: 30% kenaf), as substitutes for commercial Promix BX in the production of coleus ( Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Wasabi’). Cuttings were grown in 25%–100% composted kenaf-based media for five weeks. Growth parameters, shoot and root biomass, media pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and nutrient composition were measured. Composted kenaf-based media supported coleus growth equal to or greater than the control, especially with higher proportions of Mix B, linked to elevated nitrogen and potassium. Although pH and EC were initially higher in kenaf-based mixes compared to Promix BX, both levels decreased over time and did not impair plant growth or quality. Despite lower phosphorus and some micronutrient concentrations compared to Promix BX, these findings suggest that composted kenaf-based substrates can serve as a promising, sustainable alternative to peat-based media for ornamental plant cultivation, provided that nutrient balance and pH are further optimized. Species used in this study: Kenaf ( Hibiscus cannabinus L .), Coleus [ Solenostemon scutellarioides (L. ) Codd].
Abstract We investigated five sequences commonly used as DNA barcodes in other plants, matK , rbcL , trnH-psbA, and ycf1 (chloroplast genome) and ITS2 (nuclear genome) to validate their identification in Camellia osmantha. For 12 well-grown individual plants, we obtained amplification efficiencies and sequencing success rates of 100% for matK , rbcL, and trnH-psbA , 100% and 50% for ycf1b and 0%, and 0% for ITS2 , indicating that ycf1b and ITS2 are not suitable as DNA barcodes for C. osmantha . Comparing the matK , rbcL, and trnH-psbA sequences to the NCBI GenBank database revealed over 99.51% similarity to their homologs in Camellia oleifera (accession code: MF541730.2); the rbcL sequences had 100% similarity. Phylogenetic tree analyses using matK , rbcL, and trnH-psbA , either together or separately, divided the test samples into two groups. One sample (sample 1714) differed notably from the others and therefore may hold great potential for future investigations. This preliminary DNA barcoding analysis should provide a basis for subsequent molecular studies of C. osmantha . Species used in this study: Camellia osmantha Ye, Ma et Ye.
Abstract The invasive Cydalima perspectalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) (Walker), known as the box tree moth, poses a significant threat to the North American ornamental horticulture industry, particularly impacting boxwoods ( Buxus spp.), a foundational genus valued for its aesthetic and economic importance. In this study, we evaluated the susceptibility of twelve commercially available boxwood cultivars to larval feeding under controlled no-choice assays. Proportion incidence and severity of foliar damage were quantified at 24- and 48-hour intervals. Cultivar was the primary driver of variation in larval feeding, with ‘Winter Gem,’ ‘Green Beauty,’ and ‘John Baldwin’ exhibiting consistently high defoliation rates, while ‘Fastigiata,’ ‘Dee Runk,’ and ‘Gold Dream’ showed reduced defoliation. These results underscore the importance of cultivar selection in mitigating C. perspectalis damage and support the integration of more tolerant cultivars into nursery production and landscape management. These findings can guide cultivar selection in nursery production and landscape management and inform breeding efforts aimed at improving resistance. Future work should investigate the mechanistic basis of cultivar preference and validate laboratory findings under field conditions to inform long-term integrated pest management strategies. Species used in this study: box tree moth [ Cydalima perspectalis (Walker)]; boxwood ( Buxus spp ).
Abstract Stevia rebaudiana is an important natural sweetener crop with rising global demand; however, commercial expansion requires reliable and efficient propagation systems. Micropropagation offers a scalable method for producing genetically uniform, disease-free plants. This study evaluated (1) the effect of culture media on shoot proliferation, (2) the stability of multiplication and biomass across five sequential subcultures in three genotypes, and (3) the effectiveness of ex vitro rooting using potassium indole-3-butyric acid (K-IBA). Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1 mg·L −1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) produced the highest multiplication rate (3.08 shoots/explant), node number (5.68 nodes/explant), and biomass (0.841 g/explant). Multiplication declined across successive subcultures, with NC1782 exhibiting the most pronounced reduction, whereas NC1215 maintained stable shoot numbers during early subcultures before declining at later stages. K-IBA significantly enhanced root development compared to the nontreated control, with 500 mg·L −1 producing the greatest root length and biomass among the treatments evaluated. ImageJ analysis supported these findings, with root area increasing from 147.31 mm 2 in the nontreated control to 198.95 mm 2 with K-IBA at 500 mg·L −1 . These results demonstrate an efficient micropropagation strategy integrating optimized shoot multiplication and ex vitro rooting. The genotype-specific decline in multiplication highlights the need to consider stability across subcultures when selecting material for commercial propagation and breeding. Species used in this study: Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni. Chemicals used in this study: 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP); potassium indole-3-butyric acid (K-IBA).
While only a small portion of introduced species naturalize, and even fewer become invasive, those that do may alter ecosystems and disrupt natural plant communities. Recognizing that many non-native landscape plants are valuable commodities that provide important ecosystem services, enhance property values, and improve our quality of life, there is strong justification for developing cultivars with low reproductive fertility to prevent further distribution. This report reviews approaches for developing and evaluating low-fertility landscape cultivars to minimize self-sowing, weediness, range expansion, and potential invasiveness with recommended approaches, guidelines, and policy. Specific conclusions and recommendations include: Selecting and developing cultivars with reduced fertility is a viable approach for maintaining economic, environmental, and aesthetic benefits of important landscape crops while minimizing potential invasiveness. A ≥ 98% reduction in fertility, compared to fertile controls, is an achievable and practical criterion for accepting low-fertility cultivars as alternatives to potentially invasive, sexually reproducing plants. Regulations of potentially invasive plants should include exclusions and provisions to allow for the continued production of cultivars with documented low reproductive fertility.
Rice hull mulch is widely used in container plant production due to its availability and effectiveness. This study evaluated whether common nursery weed species can survive or emerge through rice hull mulch when already established at the time of mulch application. Seeds of four weed species were sown to reach either the cotyledon to 1-leaf, 1–2 leaf, or 2–4 leaf growth stages using staggered seeding dates. Once seedlings reached the target stages, containers were thinned to five seedlings each and mulched with rice hulls at depths of 0, 0.6, 1.3, 2.5, or 5 cm (equivalent to 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, or 2 in). Results showed that mulch depths of 1.3 cm and greater significantly suppressed emergence and growth of flexuous bittercress (Cardamine flexuosa), creeping woodsorrel (Oxalis corniculata), eclipta (Eclipta prostrata), and longstalked phyllanthus (Phyllanthus tenellus). These effects were observed at both early (1–2 leaf) and more developed (2–4 leaf) stages of these four species., The most effective suppression occurred at 2.5 and 5 cm depths, demonstrating the potential of rice hull mulch to serve as a sustainable weed management strategy, even if small weed seedlings are present at the time of application. All rice hull depths effectively prevented growth of liverwort (Marchantia polymorpha). Species used in this study: eclipta (Eclipta prostrata L.), liverwort (Marchantia polymorpha L.), longstalked phyllanthus (Phyllanthus tenellus Roxb.), flexuous bittercress (Cardamine flexuosa With.), creeping woodsorrel (Oxalis corniculata L.).
Trunk-boring insects, including flatheaded borers, can weaken and even kill a range of nursery crops. Controlling flatheaded borers is particularly challenging because the larvae hatch and chew directly into the wood, which limits their exposure to contact insecticides. An air-blast sprayer equipped with laser-guided, variable-rate spray technology was investigated for its spray application to trunks in field and pot-in-pot production systems. Spray characteristics were compared to those from a conventional, constant-rate application. Water and water-sensitive paper were used to quantify spray applications to trunks. Airborne and ground off-target movements were also assessed within and outside of the production block. In the field system, trunk coverage was high on all directional faces, 75.7% to 96.5% for variable-rate and 90.2% to 99.7% for constant-rate, but did not achieve 100% despite discharging a high volume in both sprayer modes, 124.7±0.3 L (33±0.08 gal) and 78.6±0.7 L (21±0.2 gal) for constant-rate and variable-rate, respectively. In the pot-in-pot system, coverage on directional faces ranged from 29.8% to 96.2% and 35.7% to 95.4% in variable-rate and constant-rate, respectively, in spite of a high-volume application. The row number and related crop density of this pot-in-pot system did not allow 100% coverage regardless of sprayer mode. Future research should include surfactants, nozzle types, and better defining the coverage needed for flatheaded borers. Species used in this study: Northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.), Nuttall oaks (Quercus texana Buckley).
Pycnanthemum is a relatively new market introduction. Due to a lack of existing production procedures, growers may hesitate to work with the genus. Determining optimal plant growth regulator concentrations could make the plant more accessible. In the study, P. virginianum were drenched with 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 mg a.i./pot of paclobutrazol (Bonzi®), while P. flexuosum were drenched with 0, 6, and 8 mg a.i./pot. The height, growth index, shoot dry weight, density, and inflorescence count were measured to compare growth between treatments. The height was controlled in all treatments except P. virginianum treated with 0.5 mg a.i./pot. The inflorescence count and growth index of P. virginianum increased at lower concentrations, while the shoot dry weight decreased at higher concentrations. Pycnanthemum virginianum plants treated with 8 mg a.i./pot had increased density (mg·cm−3) . The height, inflorescence count, and growth index of P. flexuosum decreased when treated with paclobutrazol. Treating P. flexuosum with 6 mg a.i./pot decreased shoot dry weight compared to nontreated plants, although the shoot dry weight was numerically higher when treated with 8 mg a.i./pot compared to 6 mg a.i./pot . Plant introductions can be daunting for growers if plants have no previous protocols for care. Providing information about Pycnanthemum production will enable more efficient production and faster distribution. Species used in this study: Virginia mountain mint, Pycnanthemum virginianum (L.); Appalachian mountain mint, Pycnanthemum flexuosum (Walt.). Chemicals used in this study: paclobutrazol (Bonzi®).
Topramezone was evaluated in an outdoor container experiment for tolerance of multiple conifer species in Windsor, CT and for postemergence weed control and Fraser × balsam hybrid fir tolerance on a Christmas tree farm in Enfield, CT in 2022 and 2023. In both experiments, topramezone was applied to actively growing Christmas trees at 49 g ai·ha−1 (0.04 lb ai·A−1), 98 g ai·ha−1 (0.09 lb ai·A−1), or 196 g ai·ha−1 (0.17 lb ai·A−1). Balsam fir [Abies balsamea (L.) Mill. var. balsamea], canaan fir [Abies balsamea (L.) Mill. var. phanerolepis Fernald], Fraser fir [Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir], Nordman fir [Abies nordmanniana (L.)], Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.)] Karst), and white pine [Pinus strobus (L.)] in the container experiment and Fraser × balsam hybrid fir [Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir] × [Abies balsamea (L.) Mill. var. balsamea] in the field experiment were not injured from topramezone rates ranging from 49 g ai·ha−1 (0.04 lb ai·A−1) to 196 g ai·ha−1 (0.17 lb ai·A−1). Colorado blue spruce [Picea pungens (Engelm)] in 2022 and 2023 and Douglas fir [Pseudotsuga menzeisii (Mirb.) Franco] in 2023 showed temporary bleaching/yellowing of the new growth with topramezone at 196 g ai·ha−1 (0.17 lb ai·A−1). The highest injury was observed at 3 weeks after treatment and ranged from 9% in Colorado blue spruce to 23% in Douglas fir. Common ragweed [Ambrosia artemisiifolia (L.) var. artemisiifolia], horseweed [Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist], fall panicum [Panicum dichotomiflorum (L.)], large crabgrass [Digitaria sangunalis (L.) Scop.], and yellow foxtail [Setaria pumila (Poir.) Roem. & Schult. ssp. Pumila] were controlled 61 to 91%, 66 to 98%, and 45 to 99% by 4, 8, and 12 weeks after treatment, respectively, depending upon topramezone rate. Weed density 12 weeks after treatment showed a 58 to 100% reduction depending upon topramezone rate applied and weed species tested. Overall, these results suggest that postemergence topramezone at the labelled rate (98 g ai·ha−1 or 0.09 lb ai·A−1) can be safely used for effective weed control in Christmas trees. Further research is needed to evaluate postemergence topramezone in conjunction with preemergence and other postemergence herbicides for enhanced crop safety and weed control. Herbicides used in this study: topramezone (Frequency), 4-[3-(4,5-dihydro-1,2-oxazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-4-methylsulfonylbenzoyl]-2-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-one. Christmas tree species used in this study: balsam fir [Abies balsamea (L.) Mill. var. balsamea], canaan fir [Abies balsamea (L.) Mill. var. phanerolepis Fernald], Colorado blue spruce [Picea pungens (Engelm)], Douglas fir [Pseudotsuga menzeisii (Mirb.) Franco], Fraser fir [Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir], Fraser × balsam hybrid fir [Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir] × [Abies balsamea (L.) Mill. var. balsamea], Nordman fir [Abies nordmanniana (L.)], Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst], and white pine [Pinus strobus (L.)]. Weed Species used in this study: common ragweed [Ambrosia artemisiifolia (L.) var. artemisiifolia], fall panicum [Panicum dichotomiflorum (L.)], horseweed [Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist], large crabgrass [Digitaria sangunalis (L.) Scop.], and yellow foxtail [Setaria pumila (Poir.) Roem. & Schult. ssp. Pumila].
Periodical cicada oviposition during emergence of 2008 (17-yr cycle Brood XIV) and 2011 (13-yr cycle Brood XIX) in Middle Tennessee caused millions of dollars in damage to field-grown nursery trees. Brood XIX returned in 2024, and Brood XIV returned in 2025. Following the 2011 emergence of Brood XIX (13-yr cycle), an assessment was conducted at seven Tennessee commercial nurseries to identify damage caused by female cicada oviposition on woody plant species. At each nursery facility, female cicadas laid eggs on multiple tree species that were being grown as ornamentals, including genera like Acer , Betula , Cornus , Gleditsia , Liquidambar , Nyssa , Malus , Oxydendrum , Prunus , Quercus , and others. In 2021, Brood X (17-yr cycle) emerged in east Tennessee and northern Kentucky providing an interim opportunity for this project to quantify ovipositional damage on 34 trees of 7 genera at two sites of a Kentucky commercial nursery. At each site, various tree rows were examined, and tree species, cultivar, and ovipositional damage were evaluated. The oviposition damage was severe (55–100% of canopy branches) on Amelanchier , Carpinus , Cercis , Ostrya , Prunus , and Quercus . However, four cultivars, including Cercis canadensis L. ‘Forest Pansy’, Liquidambar styraciflua L. ‘Hapdell’ and ‘Slender Silhouette’, and Prunus virginiana L. ‘Canada Red’, had minimal oviposition damage (0–38% of canopy branches), possibly indicating some undesirable traits to female cicadas. Host-related factors that may reduce oviposition preference could be anatomical (e.g., rough corky bark, frequent buds on trunks, etc.) or physical and chemical conditions (e.g., gummy coniferous sap, toxic or repellent secondary metabolites). Other factors like nursery habitat (e.g., tree type and diversity), site location (e.g., proximity to adjacent forests), and absence of preventative pest management practices by nurseries might influence oviposition damage. Some trees were extensively damaged; thus, removing them was more cost effective than pruning severely injured branches to restore canopy structure and allow new growth. Consequently, host damage data from this project caused by periodical cicadas will facilitate future nursery grower tree selections during brood emergence years to reduce costly pruning or tree removal costs.
Japanese stiltgrass ( Microstegium vimineum ) is an invasive species that proliferates in shady areas of lawns, ornamental beds, and noncrop areas. Understanding the impact of temperature on its germination pattern will assist in the management of this invasive species. The impact of cold temperatures on emerged Japanese stiltgrass will also assist in developing control programs. The germination pattern of this species across a temperature range was conducted in growth chamber trials and compared to that of southern crabgrass ( Digitaria ciliaris ). Neither species germinated at 0 C (32 F). Southern crabgrass did not germinate at 5 C (41 F) but Japanese stiltgrass did germinate at that temperature. Both species germinated at 10 C (50 F). Studies were conducted to determine the cold tolerance of emerged plants of both species in growth chamber trials. Southern crabgrass plants did not survive when exposed to 3 or more days at 0 C. Although injured, Japanese stiltgrass plants survived 9 days at 0 C. Neither species survived one day at -5 C (23 F). Japanese stiltgrass has greater tolerance to cold temperatures than southern crabgrass and this needs to be considered when scouting and developing control strategies. Species used in this study: Japanese stiltgrass, Microstegium vimineum (Trin.) A. Camus; southern crabgrass, Digitaria ciliaris (Retz) Koeler.
This study examines the impact of personalized advertising on social media for plant purchases in horticultural advertising. Specifically, it examines the impact of ethnicity and age congruence between consumers and endorsers (i.e., models) on shaping consumers' attitudes and purchase intentions for plants. The research acknowledges the importance of culturally relevant ads in today's diverse consumer market and aims to provide horticultural marketers with insights on developing effective advertising strategies. The study draws upon previous literature highlighting the role of congruence between endorsers and consumers in advertising effectiveness. The findings of this research will contribute to a better understanding of the role of consumer-model similarity in shaping purchase intentions and provide practical implications for marketers in the horticultural industry. Species used in this study: split-leaf philodendron, Monstera deliciosa Liebm.
Crapemyrtle ( Lagerstroemia sp.) is a top-selling flowering tree in the U.S., yet in-vitro regeneration of iconic cultivars like ‘Natchez’ ( Lagerstroemia indica × L. fauriei ) remains challenging due to contamination issues and recalcitrant responses to plant growth regulators (PGRs). This study established a comprehensive protocol for ‘Natchez’ regeneration encompassing surface sterilization, micropropagation, callus-induced shoot organogenesis, rooting and acclimatization. Comparing two surface-sterilants for nodal explants revealed 15% bleach (containing 7.4% (w/v) NaClO) led to 100% contamination, whereas 0.2% (w/v) HgCl 2 reduced contamination to as low as 4.6% but caused a decline in explant survival due to phytotoxicity. An optimized approach utilizing 0.1% (w/v) HgCl 2 for 8 minutes achieved a balance, with 75.4% contamination, 15.6% explant survival, and 10.6% development of aseptic buds. In micropropagation, nodal segments cultured on Woody Plant Medium (WPM) supplemented with 0.5 mg·L −1 6-BA and 0.02 mg·L −1 NAA achieved the highest shoot proliferation efficiency. For callus-induced regeneration, the combinations of 0.1 mg·L −1 NAA plus 5.0 mg·L −1 6-BA or 0.1 mg·L −1 NAA plus 0.1 mg·L −1 thidiazuron maximized adventitious bud differentiation. Ultimately, plantlets transferred to half-strength WPM containing 0.2 mg·L −1 IBA formed three roots per shoot (2.5-3 cm long) within about 35 days, and acclimatization under dome conditions yielded 83.33% survival. Species used in this study: ‘Natchez’ crapemyrtle ( Lagerstroemia indica × L. fauriei ). Chemicals used in this study: Ethanol, sodium hypochlorite (Clorox TM bleach), mercuric chloride, woody plant medium, sucrose, agar, polyvinylpyrrolidone-40 (PVP-40), ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA), thidiazuron (TDZ), forchlorfenuron (4-CPPU).
Butterfly bush are commonly grown for their ease of culture and attraction of pollinators. Due to their prolific seed production, many have escaped cultivation to become weedy. Breeders have developed and introduced low fertility cultivars that alleviate the threat of invasion but there is no data on how this may impact pollinator attraction. We studied 34 cultivars in a field setting of the Willamette Valley of Oregon and did not observe a relationship between female fertility, determined by seedlings produced, and pollinator visitation. Nor did we find that nectar or pollen were predictive of pollinator visitation. There was a positive correlation between pollinator visitation (all pollinators as well as when limited to native pollinators) and inflorescence count during both years of the study. During 2021 we observed a positive correlation between days in full flower and pollinator visitation including all pollinators (native pollinators and honeybees) as well as when limited to native pollinators. This study demonstrated that breeding for low fertility does not reduce pollinator visitation in butterfly bush. There are varied options of low fertility cultivars that that will also attract and provide resources for pollinators. Species used in this study: Buddleja davidii Franch, Buddleja × weyeriana .
