Dr. Potter Awarded 2017 NENA/HRI Grant
Professor Dan Potter of the University of Kentucky is the lead researcher for NENA's 2017 Industry Growth Initiative grant award.
The 2017 NENA/HRI Industry Growth Initiative grant was awarded to the research project: “Assessing Bee Attractiveness of Woody Landscape Plants
& Mitigating Potential Bee Hazard for Neonic Insecticides.” This project is being conducted by Dr. Dan Potter of the University of Kentucky’s Department of Entomology and will benefit the industry both locally and nationwide.
The objectives of the study, as outlined in Dr. Potter’s grant application, are as follows:
•To assess the extent and longevity of translocation of soil-applied imidacloprid (Merit) and dinotefuran (Safari) into nectar and pollen of representative flowering landscape plants, and, if warranted, mitigation by modified treatment timing. To inform Best Management Practices by which producers and landscape managers can protect plants from pests without residual hazard to bees.
•Document bee assemblages (types of bees, bee species, richness and diversity) associated with numerous species of flowering woody ornamentals, and rate/rank those plants as far as attractiveness to bees. We aim to support planting recommendations for landscapes that support bees throughout the growing season, to highlight plants that warrant particular caution when using systemic insecticides, and plants whose floral characteristics reduce the potential for bees to be impacted should systemic insecticides be used. For example, our pilot surveys in 2014 showed that relatively few bees are attracted to azaleas (meager nectar reward) and almost none to hybrid tea roses (inaccessible flower morphology).
•Evaluate reduced-risk insecticides and Best Management Practices for using them in situations where neonicotinoids might pose hazards to bees.
“NENA members are excited to support research, innovation and new thinking like that found in Dr. Potter’s study,” said NENA President, Carol Macleod. “Our collaboration with HRI—through the Industry
Growth Initiative—enables NENA to make
significant contributions and continue to
move the commercial horticulture industry forward.”
NENA encourages researchers and other interested members of the green industry in New England to submit project proposals to (HRI).
Specifically, NENA’s Industry Growth Initiative with HRI is designed to support horticultural research projects in New England like:
• economic impact studies that bolster the industry
• marketing strategies that boost sales of plants and services
• research that provides scientifically proven answers to critical questions
• education to engage the next generation
• programs to support and inspire tomorrow’s horticultural workforce
HRI grant awards typically range from $5,000 to $35,000. Applicants are encouraged to present projects that represent collaborative research efforts. Researchers are challenged to focus their research on attainable outcomes that demonstrate a return on investment for all sectors of the horticulture industry.
The grant application and procedural guidelines are available on the HRI website at www.hriresearch.org.
NENA's 2016 board of directors reviewed grant applications in contention for the 2017 NENA/HRI Industry Growth Initiative Grant. From left to right: Peter House; Carol MacLeod, Ed Bemis; Mark Hixson, and NENA Executive Director, Virginia Wood.