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Native Plant Needs Assessment Survey of Nursery and Landscape Professionals

Applied Research

William Errickson
Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent
Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Freehold

Abstract

Native plants are becoming increasingly popular choices for low-input ornamental landscapes in residential and commercial applications. However, there are currently several barriers to increased wide-spread adoption of native plants at the production level. Many nurseries and independent garden centers in New Jersey are currently growing or offering at least some native plants in response to this increasing demand. However, supplies are still limited and there are specific best management practices associated with growing, marketing, and maintaining native plants that need further development. To determine which priorities were most important to the green industry in New Jersey, Rutgers Cooperative Extension developed and disseminated a state-wide native plant needs assessment survey. The survey received 44 responses (n=44) from nursery and landscape professionals. Survey responses from stakeholders indicated native alternatives to invasive species, deer resistant native plants, and new cultivars of native plants were among the highest priorities for Extension programming. Knowledge gaps in native plant propagation methods, managing insects, market potential, and disease management were identified. Based on this direction from stakeholders, Extension programming can be developed to effectively meet these needs to support the green industry in their production and marketing of native plants.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: William Errickson, Timothy Waller, Michele Bakacs, Cara Cuite
  1. Errickson, W. Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, Rutgers University, New Jersey, 07728
  2. Waller, T. Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, Rutgers University, New Jersey, 08332
  3. Bakacs, M. Agriulture and Natural Resources Agent, Rutgers University, New Jersey, 08902
  4. Cuite, C. Associate Professor/Associate Extension Specialist, Rutgers University, New Jersey, 08901