Click on the image above for the PDF version of the Hammond Research Station Profile.

• Plant introduction and evaluation
• Fertility and water management in the landscape
• Integrated insect, disease and weed management

Outreach and Extension
Results of landscape horticulture research are communicated to green industry professionals by extension specialists and county agents. Numerous programs are held at the station. The evaluation gardens and research plots are labeled for guided or self-guided tours, and growers/retailers are encouraged to visit.


Research Highlights
The mission of the station is to conduct research on environmental and production factors that affect quality and sustainability of plants in the landscape.


Herbaceous Ornamental Landscape Plant Evaluations
The largest herbaceous ornamental plant trial in a multi-state area is conducted annually at the Hammond Research Station. These multi-year trials are used to introduce and recommend the best cultivars and new plants for Louisiana and the Gulf Coast region. Hundreds of visitors view these evaluations each year.

Landscape Shrub Rose Testing
Evaluations of landscape performance and production practices on new varieties are conducted each year. Landscape shrub roses account for 50% of all modern roses sold in 2009.

Thrips Management Taskforce
This multidisciplinary-team research project on thrips management emphasizes cultural management (cultivar, fertilizer and water) and use of biopesticides and action thresholds to manage thrips more effectively and economically.

Landscape Nutrient Management
This research provides appropriate fertilization guidelines for optimum growth/bloom of plants while reducing over-application and runoff from the landscape. The ability of landscape plants to remove (bio-filter) nitrogen and phosphorus from run-off water is being evaluated for recommendation in stormwater mitigation systems.

Plant Growth Regulator (PGR) Use in the Landscape
New PGRs and application technology are evaluated for improved production efficiency and reduced landscape maintenance costs. Information is provided to growers and landscape professionals for the effective use of chemical resources in their operation.


Significance of Landscape Horticulture Research

• Plant evaluations provide information to growers, landscapers and homeowners on the newest and best plants for landscape use. Herbaceous ornamental plants account for 15% of Landscape Services annually.
• Several landscape plants have been identified as excellent bio-filters for use in stormwater mitigation systems, providing an additional market for producers and retailers.
• Research has led to registration of bio-pesticides for use on ornamental crops, offering alternative pest control in high-traffic areas.

2009 Green Industry Facts

• Total farm gate value of nursery crop production was $82.3 million.
• Value added production accounted for $41.9 million.
• Landscape Services account for over $266 million in annual sales in Louisiana.
• Over 56,000 individuals are employed in the Green Industry in Louisiana.
• Nursery production, retail sales and commercial landscape horticulture activities occur in 64 parishes.
• Economic impact from retail sales, golf course revenue and related horticultural activities in the state are valued at over $1.83 billion annually.

Data from the Louisiana Ag Summary Web site: LSUAgCenter.com/agsummary


Future Plans:

Louisiana Super Plant Program
Personnel at the Hammond Research Station were recently awarded a Louisiana Specialty Crops Competitiveness Program grant through the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry for developing a plant marketing program specific to Louisiana. The Louisiana Super Plant program is an educational and marketing campaign that evaluates and highlights reliable and beautiful plants that perform well in statewide Louisiana landscapes.

Reducing Environmental Stress in the Landscape
Production methods used by wholesale growers can affect a plant’s ability to tolerate environmental stresses in the landscape. Research at the Hammond Station will continue to identify the most effective production methods and proper use of fertilizers, water and plants in the landscape. This research can provide methods for reducing use of environmental resources and lowering landscape costs.

Hammond Research Station Field Day
The Hammond Research Station conducts an annual field day and hosts open house events throughout the year to highlight plant evaluations and landscape management during spring, summer, and fall seasons.