Research

Supporting Sector Prosperity

The research needs of the ornamental sector are as diverse as the industry itself and over the years, Landscape Ontario and the Ontario Horticulture Trades Foundation (OHTF) have provided financial support to a wide range of research projects.  Addressing many distinct priorities ranging from disease and insect management to water access and quality and consumer studies, these research projects and association-led initiatives have been instrumental in helping the grower, landscape and retail sectors to remain competitive in an increasingly complex business environment.

Recently, the industry has recognized a unique opportunity in the increased demand for living green solutions to address the environmental impacts associated with climate change.  The quest by governments and other organizations to mitigate these impacts has resulted in a wealth of industry-friendly tree supply and planting initiatives.  Ensuring the success of urban landscape plantings is not without its challenges however and dealing with these challenges has been the focus of several important research initiatives managed by Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, with financial support from Landscape Ontario and the OHTF.   

The Ontario nursery and landscape sectors have benefited greatly from many Greening the Landscape research projects undertaken by Dr. Darby McGrath, head of Vineland’s Environmental Horticulture department, a position that has been funded by industry.

Landscape Ontario and the Ontario Horticulture Trades Foundation have provided funding to Vineland Research and Innovation Centre in support of their Environmental Horticulture Research Chair.  The collaborative relationship between Vineland and Landscape Ontario has resulted in significant outcomes that benefit both the nursery and landscape sectors in Ontario.

For more details on how to apply for OHTF research funding, please contact us directly.

Research Funds

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The Landscape Ontario Growers’ Group Fund

The Landscape Ontario Growers’ Group Fund has grown to become one of the largest funds managed within the OHTF, thanks to the dedication and generosity of the nursery grower sector.  Funds are raised primarily through the annual Growers’ Research Auction which, besides its mandate of supporting industry research, has become an important Association tradition.

The overall mandate of the Growers’ Group Fund is to support research projects and strategic initiatives that are designed to advance production innovation and provide actionable solutions to assist industry to address current industry issues.  With certain exceptions, it is expected that OHTF funding will be used to leverage funding from other organizations and government agencies.

Researchers are invited to apply for consideration to the OHTF Board and LO Growers’ Group.  Projects of merit will be invited to submit a formal request for funding.   

Contact us for more information or to submit a brief description of your project.

 
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The Dunington Grubb/Sheridan Nurseries Research Fund

The Dunington Grubb/Sheridan Nurseries Research Fund is to be used for research, scholarship and educational projects and activities related to the growers sector of horticulture.

The IPM Symposium Fund

The IPM Symposium Fund is to be used for research, scholarship, educational and promotional activity related to the advancement of horticulture.

 
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Tree Planting Guide

Ontario Landscape Tree Planting Guide

The Ontario Landscape Tree Planting Guidelines, is the most comprehensive tree planting standard ever developed for use by the landscape industry across North America.  Authored by Dr. Darby McGrath with the assistance of an industry advisory committee, the Guide is a comprehensive document which draws on years of research work conducted in tree planting and establishment and most notably, on the many findings of the Vineland research team resulting from their Greening the Canadian Landscape research projects.