Challenges and perspectives for woody ornamentals

In most European countries the nursery stock industry has grown steadily during many years, resulting in a profitable but quite traditional horticultural sector in which there are still many possibilities for innovation. In order to meet the requirements of actual and upcoming European legislation on water quality regarding nutrients and pesticides a substantial innovation in production methods is necessary. Another challenge is the present economic situation. The nursery stock market is very open and international and the actual situation makes it a highly competing business that needs entrepreneurship and vision. These developments challenge growers to change superseded production methods, innovate their mechanisation and invest in new products and marketing strategies. Solutions can be found in e.g., integrated pest control, soilless and closed production systems, efficient systems for irrigation and mineral application, GPS-based precision techniques, automation and efficient logistics and chain management. With decreasing funding in most countries, research is challenged to focus on the main issues and shifts from on-station to on-farm research to support the growers in successfully implementing solutions for more sustainable and advanced ways of production.