Ornamental Research

Ornamental plant research has grown tremendously at the center. Many large seed and plug producers enlist UT's expertise in the assessment of the heat tolerance, flower production, plant uniformity, flower and plant size, pest resistance, and overall landscape appeal of their products. Climatic and environmental conditions can vary widely in Tennessee. Information collected provides comprehensize data on cultivar performance. Such information is important not only to the commercial sponsors of the research, but to in-state commercial growers, landscapers and gardeners as well. This research aids the economic growth of Tennessee's green industry and helps gardening remain a healthy and popular pastime.

Ornamental research has also grown to include pumpkins, as these vegetables have become very popular in autumn displays. Each year between 80 to 90 cultivars of pumpkins, gourds and winter squash are grown on two Pumpkins grown & harvested at WTREC acres at the center. They are evaluated for characteristics such as disease and insect susceptiblity, size, yield and storage longevity. The end product of these trials is used to create an original and magnificent display containing more than 5,000 pumpkins. The Pumpkin Harvest Display has made national headlines and attracts hundreds of visitors.

Trial Reports

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Ornamental Research