Corvallis, Oregon, USA
January 2025
The nursery and greenhouse industry is the most valuable agricultural commodity in Oregon. A national leader, Oregon is the third largest nursery producing state in the United States. This prominent position is due to the state's ideal growing conditions and diverse plant varieties, and innovative nursery community. This diversity helps meet the demands of both local and national markets.
Oregon State University has supported over generations the success and sustainability of Oregon's nursery and greenhouse industry, which generates over $1 billion annually and supports more than 22,000 jobs.
OSU’s Ornamental Plant Breeding Program, Nursery Production Program and Nursery Plant Pathology Extension are the three key programs that assist growers in making informed decisions about plant selection, plant production and pest management.
Researchers in the OSU Agricultural Experiment Station and OSU Extension Service provide a wealth of resources, including publications and expert advice, to help nursery and greenhouse operators stay informed about best practices and new developments in the industry. OSU’s educational outreach ensures that industry professionals have access to the latest best practices, helping the industry remain competitive and environmentally responsible.
OSU’s Ornamental Plant Breeding Program, Nursery Production Program and Nursery Plant Pathology Extension are the three key programs that assist growers in making informed decisions about plant selection, plant production and pest management.
OSU is involved in several ongoing research projects to support the nursery and greenhouse industry. Here are a few notable ones:
- Researchers have developed and validated a laser-guided air-assisted spray system that improves the efficiency of pesticide use, saving growers hundreds of dollars per acre in production costs.
- The Nursery Production team is an international leader in sensor-based irrigation decision management. OSU is evaluating various commercially available soil moisture sensors to determine their performance, consistency, accuracy and affordability. This research helps optimize irrigation management for nursery crops, saving thousands of gallons of water per acre, and hundreds of dollars of per acre from reduced pumping costs.
- Stress-tolerant plant trials: In collaboration with plant breeders and community horticulturists, OSU regularly evaluates new plant varieties that may serve as stress-tolerant ground ornamental plants suitable for the Pacific Northwest climate.
These efforts collectively help the Oregon nursery and greenhouse industry adapt to changing conditions and maintain its leading position in the state's agricultural economy.
Learn more about OSU Extension's Statewide Impact
Topics
Species
