|
|
|
National Poinsettia Trial, 2001 - Present
As part of the S290 Regional Hatch Project, I coordinated one of ten locations for a national poinsettia evaluation trial designed to compare production in all regions of the USA. The poinsettia open house was highly educational to attendees and well received. Public attendance doubled from 2001 to 2002 indicating improved community awareness and enthusiasm. The collaborative efforts were highlighted on the trail website at http://www.louisianalawnandgarden.org/poinsettias/index.asp. As a result of this trial, I was invited to develop and host three videos on poinsettias for the WILL Illinois Gardener television show. These segments are used on an annual basis to educate the general public about poinsettia history, diversity, and culture.
- D.F. Warnock. History of Poinsettia. Tip of the Week. Oral/Video Presentation aired on Illinois Gardener, WILL television program, December 2002.
- D.F. Warnock. Diversity of Poinsettia. Tip of the Week. Oral/Video Presentation aired on Illinois Gardener, WILL television program, December 2002.
- D.F. Warnock. Making Poinsettia Flower. Tip of the Week. Oral/Video Presentation aired on Illinois Gardener, WILL television program, December 2002.
The initial poinsettia project led to collaboration with Kansas State University and Tennessee State University to evaluate the performance of poinsettia cultivars given uniform cultural practices at three sites. The overall goal of these trails was to determine if poinsettia cultivar quality was consistent across geographic locations. The results of these trials were highlighted in industry trade magazines (publications) and the official trial website. Industry and public response to these trials has been positive. Additionally, I use the trialing project as an opportunity for active learning in the Greenhouse management and crop production class. Students are responsible for crop production and data collection during the semester. Students also are involved with planning and implementing the open house. These learning activities are often highlighted as one of the most rewarding activities by students on course evaluations.
|  |
