AgBioResearch

Michigan Nursery & Landscape Industry Research Priorities

Contact Information:
Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association
2149 Commons Parkway
Okemos, MI 48864
517-381-0437, Fax 517-381-0638Submitter: Amy Frankmann

Weed Control

Specific concerns:

• Strategies for management/control for weeds, alternatives for the loss of methyl bromide.

Integrated Crop Management Best Management Practice (Cultural Practices)

Specific concerns:

• Water quality: ground water, surface runoff and containment systems.
• Production medias: components, nutrition, microflora, compost, recycled materials.
• Reduced input plant selection (diverse selection that affect different segments of the industry).
• Growth regulation.
• Water consumption/delivery systems.
• Environmental stewardship programs.

Pest Management

Specific concerns:

• Strategies for management/control of major pests.
• Effects of the Food Quality Protection Act on the green industry.
• Low-risk products.
• Quarantines – interstate, intrastate.
• Spray technology, equipment.
• Alternative control strategies.
• Vertebrae damage.

New Crops/Plants Program

Specific concerns:

• Plant exploration/evaluation native and introduced species.
• Expanded markets.
• Value added markets.
• Selection/evaluation for:
• Pest resistances.
• Stress tolerances (urban and suburban landscape development)
• Phyto remediations in land reclamation/redevelopment.

Business, Marketing, Consumer Issues

Specific concerns:

• Marketing – perceived value.
• Education.
• Social issues – perception/buying trends.

Human Resource Management

Specific concerns:

• Develop strategies to supply labor for future growth.
• Migrant issues.
• Recruitment of underutilized segments of the workforces.
• Workforce training.
• Sensitivity training for employers.