Horticultural Research Institute 501(c) (3) tax-exempt research and education foundation.
Washington, DC
Joined February 2010
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Plants do more than beautify spaces. They can strengthen human connections. HRI-funded research led by Dr. Jade Wu (Texas A&M AgriLife) is studying how plant gifting and shared gardening affect stress, social bonding, and plant interest among young adults with disabilities.
Can certain ornamentals help support pollinator biodiversity? HRI-funded research led by Dr. Gail Langellotto (Oregon State) is studying “magnet plants” that may draw honeybees away from native plants and reduce competition with wild pollinators.
Water conservation and pollinator support are shaping plant choices. HRI-funded research led by Dr. Ryan Contreras (Oregon State Univ.) is studying whether polyploid ornamental cultivars can handle reduced irrigation while still supporting pollinators.
Crapemyrtle bark scale is a growing challenge for nurseries and landscapes. HRI-funded research led by Dr. Hongmin Qin (Texas A&M Univ.) is developing RNA interference (RNAi) sprays that target essential pest genes while minimizing impacts on beneficial insects.
Sucker removal in field-grown ornamentals takes time and labor. HRI-funded research led by Dr. Marcelo Moretti (Oregon State Univ.) is testing plant growth regulators and mechanical tools to reduce sucker growth and help growers improve efficiency.
$60,000+ in scholarships. The green industry needs the next gen more than ever. Gifts to HRI Cultivate the Future Fund helps students start strong & strengthen nurseries, greenhouses & landscape companies from day one.
Make your Back-to-School gift today. buff.ly/GBdDHQH
ALT Horticultural Research Institute fundraising appeal offering $60,000+ in scholarships to support the next generation of horticulture professionals; a hand waters a young seedling in sunlight and a button urges a back-to-school gift.
Gardenias are popular, but consistent propagation can be challenging. HRI-funded research led by Dr. Wusheng Liu (NC State Univ.) is developing micropropagation systems to help growers produce uniform gardenia liners at scale.
HRI is proud to partner with the Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund. This week they awarded $30K to 12 hort students—the first awards from our shared application cycle (now in year 4). Next month: HRI’s 2026 recipients ($60K+). Congrats to these deserving students!
Michael Cook, Texas A&M — Dr. James & Fay Foret, Sr. Scholarship
Tori Guarino, Univ. of Florida
Homa Hajarian, Virginia Tech — Art & Millie Lancaster Scholarship
Tanner Hamerling, Univ. of Georgia — Arthur A. “Buck” Jones Scholarship
Bacterial diseases caused by Xanthomonas and Rhodococcus are tough to manage. HRI-funded research led by Dr. Jonathan Jacobs (Ohio State Univ.) is testing bacteriophages and beneficial Bacillus as biological controls for ornamental crops.
Lindsay Squires (Community Development Manager, Tagawa Gardens – CO) in the elite HRI Leadership Academy Class of 2027! Relationship builder and team development expert. So excited! #HRILeadershipAcademy #LeadershipDevelopment #AmericanHort
Jake Scott (GM, Piedmont Feed & Garden Center – NC) selected for HRI Leadership Academy Class of 2027! Garden center leader, former educator & FFA Advisor. Strong addition! #HRILeadershipAcademy #LeadershipDevelopment #AmericanHort
Kelly Nicholas (Head of Tech Services NA, Dümmen Orange – OH) in the HRI Leadership Academy Class of 2027! 22 years of expertise and mentoring excellence. Fantastic leader! #HRILeadershipAcademy #LeadershipDevelopment #AmericanHort
Javier Lopez Aguilar (Head Grower, Altman Plants – CA) joins elite HRI Leadership Academy Class of 2027! Production expert, MBA, and sustainability champion. The bar is high! #HRILeadershipAcademy #LeadershipDevelopment #AmericanHort
Abby Thompson (Sales Yard Manager & Buyer, Acorn Farms – OH) joins the elite HRI Leadership Academy Class of 2027! 25-year veteran, association leader, and mentor. Phenomenal! #HRILeadershipAcademy #LeadershipDevelopment #AmericanHort
Tanner Jones (Store Manager, Family Tree Nursery – MO) selected for the HRI Leadership Academy Class of 2027! Retail growth expert and team builder with 18 years of passion. Great addition! #HRILeadershipAcademy #LeadershipDevelopment #AmericanHort
Carrie Hancock (Maintenance & Enhancement Ops Manager, JMR Landscaping – IL) in the HRI Leadership Academy Class of 2027! 25+ year veteran, volunteer leader, and culture champion. Excellent choice! #HRILeadershipAcademy #LeadershipDevelopment #AmericanHort
Andy Fields (VP Container Ops & IPM, Goodmark Nurseries – IL) selected for the HRI Leadership Academy Class of 2027! Sustainable practices champion and team empowerer. The future looks strong! #HRILeadershipAcademy #LeadershipDevelopment #AmericanHort
