HRI - Hort Research

Horticultural Research Institute
501(c) (3) tax-exempt research and education foundation.

[HRI - Hort Research @HortResearch]

Vascular streak dieback (VSD) threatens redbud production. HRI-funded research led by Dr. Fulya Baysal-Gurel (Tennessee State Univ.) is testing disease management tools under nursery conditions to identify practical strategies to protect redbud crops.

[HRI - Hort Research @HortResearch]

Plant sales are increasingly happening online. HRI-funded research led by Dr. Juan Mundel (Michigan State Univ.) is studying how AI-driven personalized advertising affects consumer trust, engagement, and plant purchasing decisions for horticultural products.

[HRI - Hort Research @HortResearch]

The future of commercial horticulture needs entrepreneurial leaders. Luke Duncan (Cal Poly Pomona) is stepping into that role as a recipient of the Usrey Family Scholarship through the HRI Scholarship Program, sharpening his focus on plant-centered leadership and industry impact.

[HRI - Hort Research @HortResearch]

Nathan Sims (URI) has received the Spring Meadow–Proven Winners Scholarship through the HRI Scholarship Program. Majoring in landscape architecture, he's interested in creating sustainable landscapes with a focus on the performance of woody plants in resilient environments.

[HRI - Hort Research @HortResearch]

Every production decision has a financial impact. This webinar introduces the HortCalculator, a tool that helps growers evaluate profitability, breakeven points, and ROI. Empowering Specialty Crop Growers with Data-Driven Decision Tools: HortCalculator. https://t.co/XVauAQgM05

[HRI - Hort Research @HortResearch]

James Hines, IV (Tennessee Tech) has received the John B. & Elizabeth Wight Memorial Scholarship through the HRI Scholarship Program. James is preparing for a career in nursery production, applying horticultural knowledge directly to his family's commercial growing operation.

[HRI - Hort Research @HortResearch]

Landon Erbrick (Auburn) has received the Dennis & Harriet Walters Memorial Scholarship through the HRI Scholarship Program. He studies greenhouse & nursery production, plant growth, & production management. He hopes to one day own a retail garden center!

[HRI - Hort Research @HortResearch]

Inventory counts are time-consuming in nursery production. HRI-funded research led by Dr. Patricia Knight (Mississippi State) is developing an AI-powered drone system that can identify and count southern magnolia trees, helping nurseries improve inventory accuracy and planning.

[HRI - Hort Research @HortResearch]

Joseph Romano (University of Delaware) has received a Spring Meadow – Proven Winners Scholarship through the HRI Scholarship Program. Joseph plans to pursue a career working directly in production systems and supporting horticulture businesses through hands-on expertise.

[HRI - Hort Research @HortResearch]

Freddy Mendez Urbano (Ohio State) has received the Mugget Scholarship through the HRI Scholarship Program. Freddy’s career goals include working in commercial horticulture systems where he can apply research-informed strategies to improve plant quality and production efficiency.

[HRI - Hort Research @HortResearch]

The shift away from peat is already underway. This webinar explores next-generation substrates, how they perform, and what growers need to consider as production systems evolve. Soilless Substrate Science: Ushering in the Next Generation of Growing Media https://t.co/5UIsowlCxW

[HRI - Hort Research @HortResearch]

Ryan Joseph Rey (UF) has received the Spring Meadow – Proven Winners Scholarship through the HRI Scholarship Program. Ryan is preparing for a career in commercial horticulture where he can apply his education directly within production environments.

[HRI - Hort Research @HortResearch]

What if plant genetics could be edited without adding permanent foreign DNA? HRI-funded research led by Dr. Hongmin Qin (Texas A&M) is developing a genome editing system for woody ornamentals that could accelerate breeding and improve traits like cold tolerance.

[HRI - Hort Research @HortResearch]

From production to design to market demand — Luke Duncan (Cal Poly Pomona) is learning how it all connects. A Mugget Scholarship recipient through the HRI Scholarship Program, he’s studying landscape architecture with a clear eye on the business of plants

[HRI - Hort Research @HortResearch]

Some woody ornamentals are difficult to propagate, with cuttings that refuse to root. HRI-funded research led by Dr. Haiying Liang (Clemson Univ.) is testing a slow-release synthetic auxin that could improve rooting success and help nurseries produce more reliable liners.

[HRI - Hort Research @HortResearch]

Happy Earth Day! Our Power, Our Planet-and in horticulture, that power grows from the ground up. We plant trees and design landscapes that clean air, cool cities & restore ecosystems. Proud that HRI supports science-based solutions for a more sustainable future. #PlantsDoThat

[HRI - Hort Research @HortResearch]

Congratulations to Spring Meadow – Proven Winners Scholarship winner Stacey Thorne! Stacey studies environmental horticulture at Lake Washington Tech and is preparing for a career centered on hands-on plant care and practical horticulture skills.

[HRI - Hort Research @HortResearch]

Congrats to Layne Krug at Purdue who was named the Gunter Mecking Memorial Scholarship recipient. This HRI Scholarship Program winner is preparing for leadership in greenhouse production and horticultural management!

[HRI - Hort Research @HortResearch]

Jesse Potts (UF) is a Spring Meadow–Proven Winners Scholarship winner through the HRI Scholarship Program. A PhD student, Jesse's interests include greenhouse and woody plant production. He is preparing for a career that connects research, production, and industry engagement.

[HRI - Hort Research @HortResearch]

Kathryn Huether (Stephen F. Austin State) was recently awarded the Cultivate the Future Scholarship through the HRI Scholarship Program. Kathryn is focused on greenhouse and nursery production and is preparing to strengthen sustainable commercial growing systems.