12 horti research projects receiving AFE funding

Added on 29 June 2023

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12 horti research projects receiving AFE funding

Growth and advancement are the keys to success in an ever-changing world, and the American Floral Endowment (AFE) aims to aid the horticulture industry in these areas by supporting impactful research that addresses current challenges, provides new advances, and shares best practices. Each year, the Endowment funds new and innovative projects targeting current needs based directly on feedback from industry leaders.

In 2023-2024, AFE will support 12 research projects in total, including five new research projects and seven continuing projects with $550,000 in funding from the Endowment’s research funds.

“Research is hugely impactful to our industry, ensuring that the highest quality flowers and plants make it from seed or cuttings to the consumer’s home. These projects will help the industry increase profitability, streamline processes, and take advantage of new technologies,” says Dr. Terril Nell, AFE Research Director.

New Projects

Plant Breeding and Genetic Engineering

Use of CRISPR to Develop Powdery Mildew Resistance in Gerbera: Dayton Wilde, University of Georgia. Objective: Gene editing of the gerbera MLO gene to confer powdery mildew resistance; Develop a somatic embryogenesis system for gerbera; Investigate non-transgenic means to introduce CRISPR constructs.