HRI Coffee Chat: FNRI Research on Potential Invasive Insect Pests
HRI Research • November 15, 2020
The Horticultural Research Institute is pleased to share a roundtable discussion and Q&A with the researchers representing USDA's Floriculture & Nursery Research Initiative (FNRI)'s Whitefly & Thrip Group. Bring your coffee and questions!
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CABI and USDA APHIS are collaborating on the biological control of the box tree moth using parasitoids from Asia. Several parasitoid species are currently under consideration for introduction into North America and Europe. One of these parasitoids arrived in Europe on its own and has begun controlling the moth on both planted trees and in wild boxwood stands. The webinar will describe the spread and impact of this adventive parasitoid in Europe and present efforts to assess the potential of this species and others as biological control agents in North America.
Meet the HRI Leadership Academy Class of 2027. This intensive year-long program equips green industry leaders with strategic insight and business acumen.
This session will introduce the HortCalculator, an online decision-support tool designed to help ornamental growers translate farm-level data into actionable financial insights. The tool generates clear analyses of profitability, breakeven points, and return on investment, giving growers confidence to evaluate sustainable production practices and new technologies. By linking financial literacy with production decisions, the HortCalculator helps growers balance profitability and sustainability, strengthening resilience in ornamental horticulture systems. The session will highlight practical applications for nursery, greenhouse, and specialty crop operations, while also exploring opportunities for research, education, and industry partnerships to scale the tool across crops and regions.
