Previous research focused on Consumer Horticulture Advancement: health and human issues in horticul- Identifying Critical Research Areas and ture (HIH) and established the ben- eficial role of plants and the practice of Cultivating Collaborations horticulture in a range of therapeutic, educational, and workplace settings 1 2 3 (Relf, 1992; Shoemaker et al., 1992; Natalie Bumgarner , Sheri Dorn , Esther McGinnis , Ulrich, 1984; Waliczek and Zajicek, Pam Bennett4, Ellen Bauske5, Sarada Krishnan6, 1999). This period of horticulture 7 research was built on both horticul- and Lucy Bradley tural therapy and environmental psychology. Positive health and well-
ADDITIONAL INDEX WORDS. gardening, greenspace, health, nature, nutrition, well- being benefits have been shown to being reach varied populations, with effects on stress, productivity, attitude, con- SUMMARY. Many fields of research converge to assess the impact of plants on human centration, and cognitive performance health, well-being, and nutrition. However, evenwitharecenthistoryofhorticulturists contributing to human–plant interaction work, much of the current research is conducted being documented (Lohr et al., 1996; outside the context of horticulture and specifically outside of consumer horticulture Mooney and Nicell, 1992; Relf and (CH). To connect CH to research being conducted by other disciplines that explore the Dorn, 1995; Shoemaker et al., 1992). role of plants in improving human quality of life, a workshop was held on 1 Aug. 2018 in In recent years, CH scientists Washington, DC, at the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) annual have played a more limited role in conference. The workshop focused on current food science, nutrition, and crop-breeding research fields outside horticulture, efforts to enhance nutrition and flavor, and human health and well-being research related such as public health, that explore to nature and plant interactions in an increasingly urban population. Following these the impact of plants on people (Dorn presentations regarding potential research linkages and collaboration opportunities, et al., 2018). In light of the fact that a facilitated discussion identified ways to improve future CH research and foster collab- orative work. Action items identified included connecting research and vocabulary to help CH, by definition, focuses on ‘‘the cultivate an interest in plants in younger generations; supporting awareness of collabo- cultivation, use, and enjoyment of rative opportunities with health, nutrition, urban planning, and public health practi- plants, gardens, landscapes and re- tioners; ensuring CH is known to administrators; and taking responsibility for initiating lated horticultural items to the benefit communication with colleagues in these areas. of individuals, communities, and the environment’’ (National Initiative for lluminating the many beneficial interdisciplinary study in a variety of Consumer Horticulture, 2018), this roles of plants in human lives, scientific fields. A large body of re- relative lack of involvement merits Idiets, and environments requires search addresses human–plant–nature intellectual consideration. interactions and includes contribu- Today’s science calls for inte- Received for publication 30 May 2019. Accepted for tions from medicine, public health, grated, collaborative research that publication 5 Sept. 2019. human nutrition, social science, and brings together researchers with ex- Published online 7 November 2019. environmental psychology (Bratman pertise in plant, nature, and health 1Plant Sciences Department, University of Tennessee, et al., 2015b; Bringslimark et al., fields to promote human well-being 2431 Joe Johnson Drive, 252 Ellington Plant Sci- 2009; de Vries et al., 2003; Dorn and environmental sustainability within ences, Knoxville, TN 37996 et al., 2018; Goldman, 2014; Kaplan thecontextofincreasinglyurbanpop- 2Department of Horticulture, University of Georgia, ulations. Interestingly, CH scientists, 1109 Experiment Street, Griffin, GA 30223 and Kaplan, 1989; Simon, 2014) as who focus on the science of plants as 3Department of Plant Sciences, North Dakota State well as early work in this field by University, P.O. Box 6050, Fargo, ND 58108 horticulturists (Lohr and Relf, 2000; they relate to people, have not estab- 4Ohio State University Extension, Clark County, Lohr et al., 1996; Relf, 1990, 1992; lished consistent collaborations with 3130 E. Main Street, Springfield, OH 45505 Relf and Lohr, 2003; Shoemaker social scientists or public health re- 5Department of Plant Pathology, University of Geor- et al., 1992). Recent research has searchers, as evidenced by the few gia, 1109 Experiment Street, Griffin, GA 30223 been summarized here to provide an coauthorships in research journals out- 6Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York Street, Denver, overview of the physical, mental, and side horticulture (Dorn et al., 2018). CO 80206 social benefits of human interaction Most CH scientists have been trained 7Department of Horticultural Science, North Caro- lina State University, Campus Box 7609, Kilgore Hall with plants, nature, and green envi- as plant scientists or production horti- 128, 2721 Founders Drive, Raleigh, NC 27695 ronments (Bowler et al., 2010; culturists, so partnering with agricul- This paper is based on the Workshop titled ‘‘The Cameron, 2014; de Vries et al., 2013; tural or horticultural scientists to National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture: Iden- Hartig et al., 2014; Keniger et al., conduct research is a more natural tifying and Cultivating Consumer Horticulture Re- search Relationships’’ presented on 1 Aug. 2018 2013; Lohr, 2011; Thompson, 2011; fit. Although research collaborations during the 2018 American Society for Horticultural van den Berg and van den Berg, 2015). in human nutrition and public health Science annual conference in Washington, DC. Additional research explores crop appear promising as a result of the N.B. is the corresponding author. E-mail: nbumgarn@ breeding, traditional food production, increasing recognition and integra- utk.edu. and economics, as well as public health tion of plants and nature in human This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/ and consumer perspectives (Bliss, 1999; health and well-being studies (Hartig licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Goldman, 2014; Hansson et al., 2018; et al., 2014; Lohr, 2011), few CH https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH04422-19 Patil et al., 2014). scientists have developed research
• December 2019 29(6) 769 WORKSHOP partnerships with social scientists out- Consumer Horticulture Research Re- breeding was to make production side the fields of horticulture. lationships. About 20 extension spe- and processing simpler and more prof- A lack of understanding of the cialists, professors, and graduate itable (Caligari, 1992). Potato breed- role of CH in social science fields students attended. The objective of ing objectives included increased may be explained, at least in part, by the workshop was to set the stage yield, decreased maturity time, toler- the general public’s narrow view of with a review of existing research, ance to environmental stresses, tuber the field. Doyle and Kelleher (2009) and then promote discussion, collab- shape and color, storage longevity, state that ‘‘limiting the term horti- oration, and action. processing characteristics, and resis- culture to the popularist under- Presentations explored potential tance to common diseases (Caligari, standing of just a gardening activity research collaborations within as well 1992). Although these are all valuable fails to encompass the enormity of as outside of agriculture. Dr. Esther and environmentally sustainable ob- the impact that horticulture has on McGinnis, Department of Plant Sci- jectives, consumers’ desires were individuals, communities, and soci- ences, North Dakota State Univer- secondary. ety.’’ Horticulture itself appears to sity, summarized food science, plant Low vegetable consumption be confronting an identity crisis be- breeding, and human nutrition re- should alarm the horticulture indus- cause many plant enthusiasts, espe- search efforts that could be expanded tryfrombothapublichealthandan cially the young, do not connect by working with CH scientists. Dr. economic perspective (Simon, 2014). their interest in plants with the prac- Natalie Bumgarner, Plant Sciences Horticultural crops that are rich in tice of horticulture (Garden Media Department, University of Tennes- antioxidants and phytonutrients can Group, 2014). Combined with this see, and Ms. Sheri Dorn, Department decrease the potential for chronic con- changing terminology is the chal- of Horticulture, University of Geor- ditions such as diabetes, some cancers, lenge of plant blindness, which is gia, explored potential collaborative and heart disease (Simon, 2014; Stein- the inability to see plants in our opportunities in human health and metz and Potter, 1996). Despite vig- environments. First defined in a pub- well-being. The workshop concluded orous marketing, the Centers for lication of the American Botanical with a facilitated discussion, led by Disease Control estimate that fewer Society (Wandersee and Schussler, Ms. Pam Bennett, Ohio State Uni- than 10% of Americans consume the 2001), this problem continues un- versity Extension, on research needs, recommended daily amount of vege- abated, with even biological scientists opportunities for collaboration, and tables (Lee-Kwan et al., 2017). The struggling to identify common plants next steps in connecting CH research U.S. Department of Agriculture (Belkin, 2018). Consequently, it is with these areas within the context of (2018) promoted vegetable consump- hardly surprising that researchers out- efforts of the National Initiative for tion first with the food pyramid and side of horticulture may not give full Consumer Horticulture (NICH). In- now with increased emphasis on the consideration to plants or the CH dividual presentations have been ‘‘My Plate’’ plan, which encourages researchers whose expertise is based combined to avoid repetition and people to fill more than one-quarter on interacting with plants and people. bring clarity to the results. of their plate with an array of colorful To clarify and address specifically vegetables. the scientific challenges and benefits Results The potato industry began in- of CH cooperation in wider human– CH contributions to crop troducing cultivars with colorful skins plant fields of study, and to lay the breeding, food science, and and flesh that contain significantly foundation for developing current human nutrition research greater levels of antioxidants com- and future research partnerships, the The consumer is often the end pared with white-flesh potatoes. A CH and Master Gardener Profes- purchaser of fresh market vegetables; recent study found that yellow- and sional Interest Group of the ASHS however, breeding and production purple-flesh potatoes contain more hosted a workshop and a facilitated efforts have focused on commercial than double the level of phenolic discussion at the 2018 ASHS annual producers’ needs (Morris and Sands, compounds compared with white- conference. The objective was to pro- 2006; Sands et al., 2009). Before the flesh potatoes (Kaspar et al., 2013). vide a review of relevant current re- 21st century, few vegetable breeding Purple-flesh potatoes have 20 times search being conducted outside the programs prioritized traits desired by the level of anthocyanins compared realm of CH, identify opportunities consumers (such as enhanced nutri- with yellow potatoes. Yellow-flesh for collaboration, and determine po- tion or flavor), focusing instead on potatoes exhibit more than 45 times tential CH contributions and benefits producer-valued traits such as yield, the level of carotenoids of white- and of CH inclusion. cost efficiency, and insect and disease purple-flesh potatoes (Kaspar et al., resistance (Farnham and Grusak, 2013). Materials and methods 2014). Even commonly studied The question remains whether On 1 Aug. 2018 at the annual traits, such as shelf life, overlap with enhanced nutrition of colorful potato conference of the ASHS in Washing- consumer needs, but do not have cultivars will result in increased con- ton, DC, the CH and Master Gar- consumers as the primary audience. sumer demand. Yukon Gold, a yellow- dener Professional Interest Group Potato (Solanum tuberosum), the flesh cultivar, has become popular for and the HIH Professional Interest vegetable with the greatest consump- its gourmet cooking qualities, but the Group cohosted a workshop. The tion in the United States (Kaspar et al., number of U.S. acres in production title of the workshop was The Na- 2013), is illustrative of the commercial remains minimal (National Potato tional Initiative for Consumer Horti- production focus. During the 20th Council, 2018). Purple potato pro- culture: Identifying and Cultivating century, the overall goal of potato duction is even less. Yellow and purple
770 • December 2019 29(6) potatoes are usually sold as specialty research and sensory evaluation. both horticultural science and human products, such as mixtures of different- Chef Dan Barber, owner of Blue health and well-being. color baby potatoes. Hill at Stone Barns in Pocantino The lack of consumer demand Hills, NY, sponsored a chef and CH contributions to health and for yellow- and purple-flesh potatoes breeder summit in 2013 with the well-being research compared with white-flesh potatoes goal of working together to pro- The field of CH should be com- can be explained by a number of duce high-yielding and flavorful mitted to forming research collabora- factors. White potatoes are more fa- vegetables (Beans, 2017). Barber tions that enable CH scientists to miliar to fresh-potato consumers has collaborated with Cornell Uni- contribute more consistently to cur- (Kaspar et al., 2013). In addition, versity vegetable breeder Dr. rent research focusing on the interac- consumers ranked purple potatoes as Michael Mazourek to produce a de- tion of humans, plants, and natural or having lower scores for aroma and licious new winter squash (Cucurbita green environments. This work often appearance than yellow and white moschata): ‘Honeynut’ (Whitney, encompasses a wide range of exper- potatoes. However, the same con- 2017). This unique collaboration used tise, including environmental psy- sumer panel found that the overall advanced culinary techniques, such as chology, urban planning, landscape flavor of yellow, purple, and white dry roasting to caramelize the sugars in architecture and design, public health, potatoes was not significantly differ- the squash, before being evaluated for and social science. However, unlike ent (Kaspar et al., 2013). flavor. Previously, Dr. Mazourek’s previously cited work that was initiated Many areas of research are re- team microwaved or steamed sensory by horticulturists, much of this re- quired to support dietary changes, samples, which were cooking tech- search is currently conducted out- including plant breeding, human nu- niques that did not enhance vegetable side the horticulture field and trition, and human aspects of adop- flavor. without the input of CH scientists tion and awareness that link with CH Not every interdisciplinary vege- (Dorn et al., 2018). CH research and efforts. Patil et al. (2014) have sug- table team can tap into the expertise input may clarify the context of the gested amassing a team of scientists and resources of a celebrity chef to work, contribute to the design and with backgrounds in plant breeding, evaluate new cultivars. However, CH methodology, and facilitate authen- human health, food science, and nu- scientists can reach out to local chefs, tic human interaction. CH scientists trition to address this issue. Bliss farmers’ market producers, and pub- could bring much-needed expertise (1999) recommends a larger team lic panels (Beans, 2017). Such input to these studies. that also includes social scientists can help vegetable breeders, at the CONTEXTUALIZING THE RESEARCH. and economists. early stages, to prioritize which traits Researchers who work in the human– CH scientists may be able to help matter to consumers and then to plant–nature arena but were trained bridge the gap between specialty po- guide the breeding process (Hayes, in fields outside horticulture often tato producers and consumers by 2016). publish using ‘‘nature’’ and ‘‘natural’’ educating the public and promoting Through interaction with con- terminology that includes both natu- consumption. Extension CH special- sumer audiences, CH has a powerful ral and built environments and does ists could include these potatoes in potential to connect breeding and not always exclude artificial elements home vegetable cultivar trials and in nutrition advancements with research (Hartig et al., 2014). An example of demonstration gardens, educating focused on consumer perception, this terminology challenge is the cur- the public about these products and preference, and adoption. Previous rent debate about the inclusion of increasing the number of these culti- and recent studies that were summa- film, video, or images of nature, as vars routinely planted in home gar- rized in two comprehensive review well as the use of artificial plants, in dens. They can also reach out to the articles suggest that gardening can nature research (van den Berg and van farmers’ market growers and commu- increase consumption of fruits and den Berg, 2015). Published works often nity-supported agriculture practi- vegetables in youth in general lack clear articulation of the specific tioners to produce these more (Savoie-Roskos et al., 2017), and plants or the environment in which they nutritious cultivars. Marketing stud- encourage eating a broader range of are located (Keniger et al., 2013). These ies could be conducted to aid in the vegetables species (Langellotto and factors impact both where and how re- acceptance of nontraditional culti- Gupta, 2012). This increase can also search results are interpreted and applied. vars. Extension CH specialists often extend into adulthood. A recent It is not uncommon for there to partner with extension food and nu- study showed that childhood and be a lack of distinction made among trition specialists to educate the pub- adolescent gardening experiences led plant species, plant or ecosystem ma- lic about health benefits of food, and to greater consumption of fruits and turity, and management intensity. these efforts could be extended to vegetables by college freshmen com- This often-insufficient inclusion of these nutritious potatoes for best pared with those who had never gar- ecology or horticulture expertise has culinary effect. dened (Loso et al., 2018). CH led to incomplete understanding of Although nutritional content scientists can contribute to this re- the role of biodiversity, species rich- can be used to promote vegetable search by supplying consumer input ness, and composition of plants in consumption, flavor is equally to crop breeding and selection efforts, such settings (Keniger et al., 2013). important, if not more so, to con- and by collaborating with nutrition Thompson (2011) described this per- sumers (Simon, 2014). An unex- and social scientists to investigate and spective from the field of landscape pected source has sparked enhance adoption and acceptance of and urban planning, and concluded a resurgence in vegetable flavor new crops and cultivars to support that specific characteristics of the
• December 2019 29(6) 771 WORKSHOP landscape—quantity, proximity, and formalized practices structure the in- experience and the type, location, access—can be critical to providing teraction of people and plants. For- and level of cultivation of the plants consistent or repeatable health bene- mal medical care resides at one end of themselves. In each of these exam- fits for different populations and are the spectrum whereas incidental, un- ples, the training and experience of needed for proper valuation. As an intentional plant interaction anchors CH scientists could be an asset to example of the potential for ambigu- the other. a research team by providing con- ity in describing the quality, quantity, The space occupied within each text and clarity of the mechanism or even presence of plants, Lee and quadrant defines the specific human– and impact of human–plant–nature Maheswaran (2010) used ‘‘green- plant interaction. As examples of the activities. space’’ and ‘‘public open space’’ in- importance of the context of human– FACILITATING AUTHENTIC AND terchangeably in their review, while plant research, ‘‘A’’ occupies a REPLICABLE INTERACTIONS AMONG reporting weak evidence of health position that could describe a reha- PEOPLE, PLANTS, AND NATURE. The benefits of urban greenspace. Like- bilitation program conducted by act of cultivating plants is an integral wise, Cameron (2014) argues that the a horticultural therapist in a nursing component of human–plant interac- interactions between human health home, whereas ‘‘B’’ could represent tions. Many fields of research outside and vegetation are weak, citing the a therapeutic gardening program led horticulture have explored multiple limited information about the form, by an extension master gardener vol- methodologies (e.g., views of nature, extent, or quality of vegetation unteer in a community garden. The pictures, walks in urban settings, and studied. C position could represent an apart- physical activity in natural settings) The lack of clear definitions of ment resident visiting a rooftop gar- (Cameron, 2014), but largely ig- the environments in which human– den whereas the D position could nored the physical act of gardening. plant–nature interactions take place be a bicyclist riding through a city The effect of contact with ‘‘gardened’’ also diminishes the opportunity to with an urban tree canopy. The nature vs. ‘‘wild’’ nature is rarely in- explain the specific mechanisms of potential human benefit from plant vestigated by environmental psychol- effect (Keniger et al., 2013; Thompson, interactionineachoftheseset- ogists (Kendle and Stoneham, 2014). 2011). The value of clarity and tings could differ because of the Examples A, B, and C as shown in Fig. precision in describing plants and level of human engagement in the 1 all illustrate human contact with environments while conducting re- search was presented concisely by van den Berg and van den Berg (2015) in a summary from a People Plant Council Symposium. These re- searchers stated that ‘‘only studies that directly relate exposure to plants and greenspaces to health outcomes should be admitted into the evidence base.’’ Although such models and mech- anisms for plant and human interac- tion are not always described in public health fields, horticultural therapy and related fields have focused on models in terms of activities, roles, and bene- fits(Relf,2008;Sonetal.,2016). Likewise, CH researchers are most often trained in plant sciences, but also function daily across two spectra that describe human–plant interaction: level of engagement and level of culti- vation. This relationship is defined across a range of settings and pro- fessional areas, as shown in Fig. 1. The level of cultivation on the x-axis relates to the range of environments in which humans can interact with plants. At one end of the spectrum Fig. 1. Context of human–plant relationships explained through defining the (x- y are wilderness areas, where no con- axis) level of cultivation and the ( -axis) level of engagement. Letters represent trol has been exerted; at the other different combinations of cultivation and engagement common in consumer horticulture. ‘‘A’’ occupies a position that could describe a horticulture therapy end of that axis is the very controlled plan of treatment conducted by a horticultural therapist whereas ‘‘B’’ could use of plants in constructed environ- represent a therapeutic gardening program led by an Extension Master Gardener. ments, such as indoor foliage plants. The C position could represent an apartment resident visiting a rooftop garden The level of engagement on the y- whereas the D position could be a bicyclist riding through a city with an urban tree axis relates to the degree to which canopy.
772 • December 2019 29(6) ‘‘gardened’’ nature and include the (2003) noted, ‘‘Maybe the mecha- residents in the activities. CH scien- physical act of gardening. As shown in nisms behind both effects, that of tists experienced in volunteerism and Fig. 1, these ‘‘gardened’’ settings oc- a garden and greenspace, are differ- practical gardening may have in- cupy a large percentage of the poten- ent.’’ This concept is familiar to cluded a hands-on gardening compo- tial contact of humans with plants in horticulturists and has been founda- nent. Personal participation in the our urban world. CH scientists are tional to previously published work effort could enhance benefit, as Kuo uniquely suited to explore the impacts (Langellotto and Gupta, 2012), but is and Sullivan (2001) have suggested. of this contact. not always considered in research led Public health researchers com- When physical, mental, social, by other experts. When horticulture is monly use cross-sectional population and nutritional benefits are attributed added as an afterthought, CH spe- data, observational data, or self- to ‘‘nature’’ or ‘‘greenspace,’’ this cialists are able to help with method- reported measures in longitudinal blurs and diminishes the importance ology of gardening, but are unable to studies, so there may be confounding of gardening. Actively working with contribute to the underlying premise factors or bias in sampling (Hartig plants in the garden or landscape of the research. et al., 2014; Keniger et al., 2013). provides a range of social and health CONTRIBUTING TO THE RESEARCH Although correlational work can be benefits that would not necessarily DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY. Horticul- an excellent way to refine studies and accrue when simply observing nature tural activities, such as design, plant hypotheses, experimental work is (Cameron, 2014). selection, and maintenance, may im- also needed to clarify mechanisms, A clear understanding of the prove the health potential of urban questions of proximity, and a path- separate and interacting effects of green spaces because these activities way for implementation. Experimen- ‘‘nature’’ and ‘‘garden’’ is crucial to improve the quality of the ‘‘greenery’’ tal research, in which most plant conducting and using human–plant (Cameron, 2014). CH scientists can scientists and horticulturists are research, especially in an increasingly guide critical research design deci- trained, is designed to eliminate the urban world. Although horticulture sions, including plant selection, opportunity for uncontrolled factors researchers have investigated garden- maintenance, identification of horti- to affect results. Through horticul- ing impacts in many venues for de- cultural tasks for research treatments, tural knowledge of plant materials cades (Relf and Lohr, 2003), this and selection of seasonally appropri- and training in experimental re- emphasis is often lacking elsewhere. ate elements. search, CH scientists can be ideal Although limited in public health and Knowledge of CH may also help collaborators on research that trans- other fields, the research published in remove or reduce uncontrolled re- lates observationally derived hypoth- this area is intriguing. For example, search variables. For example, sun- eses into experimental studies. domestic gardens in most urban set- loving plants, installed in shaded, However, experimental studies have tings had a mitigating effect on local therapeutic gardens may require fre- limitations in extrapolating what health deprivation that was greater quent pesticide applications that can short-term effects of treatments than parks and communal green space be detrimental to patient health. might mean through time (Hartig (Dennis and James, 2017). Interest- ‘‘With healthcare professionals in et al., 2014). In investigating com- ingly, this research suggests that in- charge of garden maintenance, the plex health questions, all research vestments in domestic garden space necessary expertise and vision to methodologies can have weaknesses may be more beneficial than parks and maintain plantings in keeping with (Hartig et al., 2014), but teams of communal greenspace in populated original therapeutic goals may be cross-disciplinary researchers can be areas. missing’’ (Davis, 2011). However, en- best positioned to balance the Although the value of human in- gaging horticulturists at the design strengths and weaknesses of their teraction with plants can be overlooked stage could avoid critical design flaws. different fields of training and re- in human–nature studies, it is the foun- Horticulturists have the necessary search experience to answer ques- dation of horticultural science. CH knowledge of plants to reduce poten- tions most effectively. scientists could help design research tial risks and negative health effects that includes a focus on the value of associated with plants (i.e., pollen gen- Workshop-facilitated discussion: actively cultivating plants (Dorn et al., eration, hazards from falling limbs Connecting CH to allied research 2018; Kendle and Stoneham, 2014). and debris) (van den Bosch and areas Current human–plant research con- Nieuwenhuijsen, 2017). Several important points were ducted outside horticulture may also Knowledge of CH may also re- made during the discussions. Partici- be designed in a way that lacks authen- sult in the incorporation of additional pants immediately noted that scarcity tic horticultural experience, focusing treatments or methodologies that en- of faculty positions in CH is currently instead on passive visual observation hance the impact of the study. For a key hurdle to expanding the re- (South et al., 2018). example, recent research on the ef- search impact of CH. In addition, Full inclusion of horticulturists fects of a community green interven- extension or outreach focus, rather in the design of research experiments tion included site cleanup and than research, dominates many cur- in other disciplines, such as environ- grading, planting of turf and trees, rent faculty positions. mental psychology, public health, and fence installation, and the conduct of Limited consumer awareness of urban planning, would allow explora- ongoing maintenance (South et al., horticultural research developments tion of the potentially varied effects of 2018). Human benefits were assessed and the subsequent slow adoption plant management and plant contact after this work was completed, but the of current research advances present a via green environments. de Vries et al. project did not engage community challenge, such as for breeding efforts
• December 2019 29(6) 773 WORKSHOP addressing human nutrition. These (2015a), de Boer et al. (2017), Dennis in 2012, this effort has grown into an useful advances face a headwind of and James (2017), and Locke et al. extensive collaboration of profes- market momentum as a result of the (2017). Smaller roles in initial collab- sionals from colleges and universi- familiarity of current cultivars that can orations may be required to create ties, public gardens, nonprofit cause a drag on future work if new a foundation to ensure CH method- organizations, associations, govern- cultivar introductions are unsuccess- ology integrating authentic human ment,extension,andthegreenin- ful in attaining acceptable market interaction with plants is used and dustry. The NICH mission is to grow share. valued as a precursor to larger roles a healthy world through plants, gar- Horticulture seems to be facing in future work. We need to avail dens, and landscapes, primarily by an identity crisis. This is not a crisis of ourselves to play a range of roles in increasing the percentage of U.S. interest, utility, or applicability, but research opportunities outside our households that practice indoor or rather of an understanding of horti- agricultural or horticultural fields to outdoor gardening (NICH, 2018). culture as a profession as well as its create a platform from which we NICH is tasked with integrating the scientific value beyond production. educate our colleagues on ways our efforts of CH scientists, educators, Familiarity with and understanding expertise can benefit larger projects. CH commercial enterprises, and ex- of horticulture are extremely low. In- This will allow us to build capacity to perienced ‘‘plant people’’ (Bradley corporating new vocabulary that con- contribute at a greater level. et al., 2016). nects with audiences will likely be The burden of initiation lies with Now is the time to address this more effective than trying to educate CH scientists. Change will occur as gap in consumer awareness and value of our audiences on our disciplinary we reach out to other fields and CH. Rapid urbanization is increasing terminology. It is important to con- document our ability to contribute the pressure for horticulturists to ad- nect research in horticultural science to rigorous science and the beneficial dress the needs of urban populations, with key areas of consumer interest, application of such research within including a fresh and nutritious food such as recent commercial demand our societies. Through their broad supply as well as the training and skills for interior plants, fueled by younger range of activities and interaction necessary to implement urban horticul- generations. with the general population (Bauske ture solutions for human health and It is essential that CH scientists et al., 2014, 2015), CH scientists are well-being (Lohr and Relf, 2014). open doors to collaborations with well positioned to build on previous Horticulture’s view of itself as operat- medical, public health, and nutrition efforts focused on human–plant re- ing mainly in the agricultural produc- experts. This can be accomplished by search and initiate new collaborations tion realm needs to change if we are to ensuring that university administra- with social, health, and environmental broaden our impact on society. We tors are aware of CH research and scientists, providing context for the need to augment our agricultural iden- outreach efforts, and by building per- many roles of plants in human lives tity by connecting with physical, social, sonal relationships in informal set- and societies. They can address the economic, and environmental health tings across our universities. Building limitations inherent when human– scientists focused on urban, suburban, on previous research that often pres- plant interaction and impacts are stud- and rural populations. ents observational or correlational data ied and reported without the engage- and uses imprecise terminology is ment of those trained in the use of challenging. It may be easier to build plants in landscapes, gardens, and hu- Literature cited collaborations with emerging and man environments. Bauske, E.M., G.R. Bachman, T. Bewick, L. early-stage researchers in allied fields. Two organizations have been Bradley, R. Durham, and M.H. Meyer. Although CH scientists clearly see the created to address the combination 2015. The case for a strategic plan for con- collaboration benefits in research in- of research, industry, and educational sumer horticulture research, education and vestigating human–plant–nature in- impacts of plant blindness in our extension. HortTechnology 25:477–479. teractions, it is clear that it will be society. The first is Seed Your Future, Bauske, E.M., G.R. Bachman, L. Bradley, largely our responsibility to push to which brings together members of K. Jeannette, A.S. O’Connor, and P.J. expand our research into research the horticulture industry, educators, Bennett. 2014. Consumer horticulture areas outside the field of horticulture. nonprofits, interested individuals, outreach: Communication challenges and and garden organizations, along with solutions. HortTechnology 24:266–269. Discussion public gardens. This organization The potential contribution of created a campaign to excite young Beans, C. 2017. Science and culture: CH scientists and educators to re- people about the power of plants Vegetable breeders turn to chefs for flavor search projects has yet to be fully (Wright, 2018). boost. 7 Oct. 2018.
774 • December 2019 29(6) Bowler, D.E., L.M. Buyung-Ali, T.M. between greenspace and health. Environ. Springer Science Media, Dordrecht, The Knight, and A.S. Pullin. 2010. A systematic Plan. 35:1717–1731. Netherlands. review of evidence of the added benefits to Dorn, S., L. Bradley, D. Hamrick, J. Keniger, L.E., K.J. Gaston, K.N. Irvine, health of exposure to natural environ- Weisenhorn, P. Bennett, J. Callabro, B. and R.A. Fuller. 2013. What are the ments. BMC Public Health 10:456–465. Behe, E. Bauske, and N. Bumgarner. benefits of interacting with nature? Intl. J. Bradley, L., E.M. Bauske, T.A. Bewick, 2018. The National Initiative for Con- Environ. Res. Public Health 10:913–935. J.R. Clark, R.E. Durham, G. Langellotto, sumer Horticulture: Focusing on the critical role of communication and col- Kuo, F.E. and W.C. Sullivan. 2001. En- M.H. Meyer, M. Pooler, and S. Dorn. vironment and crime in the inner city: 2016. Developing a national strategic laboration to further research, extension, and industry goals. HortTechnology Does vegetation reduce crime? Environ. plan for consumer horticulture. Hort- Behav. 33:343–367. Technology 26:372–378. 28:414–421. Langellotto, G.A. and A. Gupta. 2012. Bratman, G.N., G.C. Daily, B.J. Levy, and Doyle, O.P.E. and Y. Kelleher. 2009. Re- discovering horticulture: An exploration Gardening increases vegetable con- J.J. Gross. 2015a. The benefits of nature sumption in school-aged children: A experience: Improved affect and cogni- from plant production to social capital. Acta Hort. 817:209–216. meta-analytical synthesis. HortTech- tion. Landsc. Urban Plan. 138:41–50. nology 22:430–445. Farnham, M.W. and M.A. Grusak. 2014. Bratman, G.N., J.P. Hamilton, K.S. Lee, A.C.K. and R. Maheswaran. 2010. Hahn, G.C. Daily, and J.J. Gross. 2015b. Assessing nutritional changes in a vegeta- ble over time: Issues and considerations. The health evidence of urban green Nature experience reduces rumination HortScience 49:128–132. spaces: A review of the evidence. J. Public and subgenual prefrontal cortex activa- Health 33:212–222. tion. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA Garden Media Group. 2014. What the 112:8567–8572. millennial generations wants from YOU, Lee-Kwan, S.H., L.T. Moore, H.M. the garden industry. 1 July 2019.
• December 2019 29(6) 775 WORKSHOP
Morris, C.E. and D.C. Sands. 2006. The human nutrition to a central goal of plant Ulrich, R.S. 1984. View through a win- breeder’s dilemma: Yield or nutrition? breeding and production of plant-based dow many influence recovery from sur- Nat. Biotechnol. 24:1078–1080. foods. Plant Sci. 177:377–389. gery. Science 224:420–421. National Initiative for Consumer Horti- Savoie-Roskos, M.R., H. Wengreen, and U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2018. culture. 2018. Definition and core values. C. Durward. 2017. Increasing fruit Choose my plate. 5 Oct. 2018.
776 • December 2019 29(6)