Research
and Development Strategy
Hardy Nursery Stock
Hardy Nursery Stock contributes approximately 15%
of the annual HDC income and is one of the most diverse
of the 7 sectors, encompassing all HNS species whether
produced outdoors, in the field or in containers, or
increasingly, under protection in glasshouses or tunnels.
Similarly, businesses within this sector vary considerably
in size, the markets they supply and the range of crops
produced, with the most specialist nurseries concentrating
on only a few lines while others may supply well over
a thousand.
Despite this diversity, consultation with the industry,
relevant organisations and the Hardy Nursery Stock
Panel showed that most businesses will need to address
similar issues if they are to maintain or increase
profitability in the future.
The recent restructuring of Horticulture Research
International has had significant effects on the traditional
base relied upon for hardy nursery stock research.
The HDC has been actively working to secure new research
facilities and staff to ensure a continuity of supply
of nursery stock research. The future challenges provided
by the hardy nursery stock sector is refocusing R&D
in new and exciting directions, providing opportunities
for a range of researchers beyond those traditionally
contracted by the HDC.
Four main objectives have been defined and each of
these objectives has been broken down into a series
of targets that describe the areas likely to produce
the greatest benefit. These have in turn been divided
into a series of initiatives that suggest ways to reach
the targets. These initiatives should not be regarded
as definitive as it is not intended to preclude other
well thought out, novel approaches. It is also worthwhile
noting that the initiatives often highlight opportunities
for technology transfer in place of research projects.
Additionally to the overarching strategy further sub-strategies
for individual crop types (e.g. liner production, water
plants, conifers and roses) have been collated. Please
contact the HDC office for further details on these.
In common with other sectors of horticulture, the
largest element of the cost of production in HNS is
labour. Despite this, only a limited amount of work
has been commissioned by HDC to identify more efficient,
cost-effective techniques for reducing labour costs
per unit of production. A number of specific areas
have been identified where improvements in productivity
would yield the greatest benefits. However, the solutions
may not be straightforward owing to the need to consider
management practice, staff training, capital investment
and legislation.
Crop protection has in the past been one of the most
important areas of work for the HNS Panel, with projects
aimed at both specific crops and more generic problems.
This commitment is likely to continue, but with added
emphasis on the need to reduce pesticide usage through
improved monitoring and targeting and the adoption
of integrated crop management techniques.
In addition to reducing pesticide use, the HNS sector
needs to maintain its positive image as a ‘green’ industry
that benefits the environment by addressing the need
to identify and develop alternatives to peat as a growing
media. Like other issues identified in this strategy,
the solution is likely to involve strategic work, suitable
for DEFRA or LINK funding, backed-up by applied research
and development work funded by the HDC.
Nina Chantry
Technical Manager
Download R&D Strategy Tables (PDF - 74K)
Download R&D sub-strategy for Roses (PDF - 74K)
Download R&D sub-strategy for Liner Production (PDF - 74K)
Download R&D sub-strategy for Field and Containerised Trees (PDF - 74K)
Download R&D sub-strategy for Aquatic Plants (PDF - 74K)
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