@article{rihn_behe_knuth_huddleston_2024, title={Blooming Business: How Consumer Satisfaction Shapes Online Plant and Cut Flower Spending}, volume={34}, ISSN={["1943-7714"]}, DOI={10.21273/HORTTECH05427-24}, abstractNote={Online sales of plants are relatively new compared with other products. An online survey was used to measure online and in-store plant/flower spending from 1290 participants. Participants were satisfied with their online plant/flower purchases and spent $31.86 more on plants/flowers through online retailers than in stores. Participants’ social media use increased their in-store plant/flower spending but not online spending. Using Amazon, Google, and farm-direct online retailers increased both in-store and online plant/flower spending. Demographic characteristics did not influence online or in-store spending, except income which had a positive effect.}, number={4}, journal={HORTTECHNOLOGY}, author={Rihn, Alicia L. and Behe, Bridget K. and Knuth, Melinda and Huddleston, Patricial}, year={2024}, month={Aug}, pages={481–484} }
 @article{knuth_wei_zhang_khachatryan_hodges_yue_2024, title={Defining preferred turfgrass features for lawn choice for Floridian homeowners}, url={https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jum.2024.07.005}, DOI={10.1016/j.jum.2024.07.005}, abstractNote={Turfgrass lawns provide many environmental benefits, including temperature moderation, soil stabilization in urban centers, and surface water runoff reduction in the rapidly urbanizing societies. Recently, more sustainable management of urban vegetation have arisen to encourage Florida homeowners to shift from high-input (e.g., fertilizer, water) to low-input landscapes through initiatives such as the Florida Friendly Landscapes and Florida Water Star Programs. To support the water conservation programs in Florida, and better understand homeowners' lawn choices, the objective of this study is to identify and evaluate homeowners' preferred turfgrass features for lawn choices and understand the context of promoting sustainable landscaping practices in the state of Florida. Approximately 1000 Florida homeowners were surveyed online and ranked their most preferred turfgrass features out of a set of 12 alternatives. A rank-ordered logit model was utilized to evaluate Florida homeowners' preferences for different turfgrass features and determine if they influence turfgrass selection for Florida homeowners. The results showed that the top features were drought tolerance, color, frequency of mowing, disease resistance, and pest tolerance. Identification and communication of water proficient, low fertilizer input turfgrass cultivars that are tolerant to environmental stresses (e.g., drought, traffic, shade) are needed in Florida. Policymakers should promote strategies to combat drought tolerant cultivars. Extension agents should educate homeowners on grass dormancy and drought tolerance (affecting color change) as well as promote disease resistance and pest tolerant species through the Florida Friendly Landscape and WaterStar Programs.}, journal={Journal of Urban Management}, author={Knuth, Melinda and Wei, Xuan and Zhang, Xumin and Khachatryan, Hayk and Hodges, Alan and Yue, Chengyan}, year={2024}, month={Jul} }
 @article{fields_nackley_shreckhise_bampasidou_contreras_kantrovich_knuth_owen jr_white_2024, title={How Natural Resources, Consumer Perceptions, and Labor Are Transforming the US Nursery Industry}, volume={34}, ISSN={["1943-7714"]}, DOI={10.21273/HORTTECH05410-24}, abstractNote={The nursery industry produces and sells plants for landscape and environmental purposes and represents a major sector within the US agricultural industry. In recent years, the nursery industry has undergone rapid growth as a result of various factors, including increased demand from housing development and pandemic-fueled interest in home horticulture. As with any industry, the nursery industry must adapt to changes in societal trends to sustain growth. In the wake of unprecedented societal and supply chain issues stemming from the global coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the American Society for Horticultural Science Nursery Crops Professional Interest Group gathered experts in various disciplines to provide their opinions and insights into the future of the nursery industry, focusing specifically on the changes and challenges the nursery industry will face in the coming decade. Nursery crop specialists spanning the United States identified three primary areas that will steer the future momentum of the nursery industry: consumer trends, natural resources, and labor. Six experts were selected to represent these areas in a workshop held Jul 2022 at the American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference in Chicago, IL, USA. This article was developed to disseminate to the greater scientific community the discussions held and insight shared during that workshop.}, number={4}, journal={HORTTECHNOLOGY}, author={Fields, Jeb S. and Nackley, Lloyd L. and Shreckhise, Jacob H. and Bampasidou, Maria and Contreras, Ryan and Kantrovich, Adam and Knuth, Melinda J. and Owen Jr, James S. and White, Sarah A.}, year={2024}, month={Aug}, pages={424–429} }
 @article{knuth_rihn_behe_hall_2024, title={Plant purchasers perceptions of mental health and optimism for the future}, volume={9}, url={https://ojs.as-pub.com/index.php/ESP/article/view/1476}, number={4}, journal={Environment and Social Psychology}, publisher={J Consumer Psychology}, author={Knuth, M.J. and Rihn, A. and Behe, B.K. and Hall, C.}, year={2024} }
 @article{wei_knuth_khachatryan_2024, title={The Role of Consumers' Knowledge of Native and Pollinator-friendly Plants and Their Prioritization of Plant Characteristics in Purchase Decisions}, volume={59}, ISSN={["2327-9834"]}, DOI={10.21273/HORTSCI17637-23}, abstractNote={There is a growing trend toward planting native and pollinator-friendly plants in residential gardens and landscapes due to concerns about invasive plant species, water conservation, and urban land management. Yet, understanding consumer purchase behavior and how knowledge affects their purchase intent is largely unknown. In this analysis, we integrated national online and in-person surveys to determine the influence of consumers’ subjective and objective knowledge of native and pollinator-friendly ornamental plants on their purchase decisions. Factors influencing plant purchase decisions were measured using a 7-point Likert rating scale. We found that participants with relatively higher knowledge of native and pollinator-attractive plants placed more emphasis on sustainable production methods relative to the plant’s physical attributes (e.g., plant size, shape, etc.) and care-related characteristics (e.g., plant health, easiness of care, etc.). Plant lovers (i.e., frequent purchasers who spent relatively more money on plants than infrequent purchasers) were more likely to prioritize sustainable production methods over the plants’ physical attributes. In contrast, participants primarily buying plants from mass merchandisers/box stores tend to focus on visual appeal or aesthetic characteristics. Consumer marketing implications for the nursery and greenhouse industry stakeholders are discussed.}, number={7}, journal={HORTSCIENCE}, author={Wei, Xuan and Knuth, Melinda and Khachatryan, Hayk}, year={2024}, month={Jul}, pages={941–948} }
 @article{rihn_knuth_behe_hall_2023, title={Benefit Information's Impact on Ornamental Plant Value}, volume={9}, ISSN={["2311-7524"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9070740}, DOI={10.3390/horticulturae9070740}, abstractNote={Ornamental plants provide many benefits to humans, including those that affect emotional/mental health, physiological health, social interactions, and economic/financial conditions. However, research related to consumers’ perceived value of ornamental plants has focused primarily on production methods that were used to produce plants, while consumers’ perceived intrinsic value of postpurchase benefits has not been addressed. There is potential for benefit information to generate value for consumers. Knowing consumers’ value for different plant benefits serves to inform green industry stakeholders as they consider their marketing strategies and whether to include benefit information as a part of their plant promotions. An online survey was conducted to elicit U.S. consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for lavender plants while displaying different plant benefit information. Participants randomly viewed one of eight plant benefit messages and indicated the maximum they were willing to pay for a lavender plant displaying that benefit. The benefits messages were categorized as cognitive, social, physical, emotional, environmental, aesthetic, educational, and economic based on prior literature. Tobit models were used to analyze the data. Compared to economic benefit information, the social benefit generated the largest premium (USD 6.75). Plant spending in 2020 and household income increased participants’ WTP for the lavender plants. Age had a negative impact on WTP.}, number={7}, journal={HORTICULTURAE}, author={Rihn, Alicia L. and Knuth, Melinda J. and Behe, Bridget K. and Hall, Charles R.}, year={2023}, month={Jul} }
 @article{knuth_behe_rihn_hall_2023, title={Effects of Benefits Messaging on Consumer Purchasing of Plants}, volume={58}, ISSN={0018-5345 2327-9834}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI16993-22}, DOI={10.21273/HORTSCI16993-22}, abstractNote={An online survey of plant purchasers was conducted to ascertain the influence of plant benefits messaging on consumer behavior. Three plant attributes, including type of plant, price, and plant availability, were used to distinguish purchasing preferences. To assess plant purchasing behavior, participants viewed a list of 12 different plant types and selected those they had purchased in the past year. The 12 plant types included annuals, vegetables, herbs, perennials, flowering shrubs, evergreen shrubs, fruit trees, evergreen trees, shade trees, flowering plants, foliage plants, and succulents. The most common retail locations patronized for plant purchases were home improvement stores, closely followed by independent garden centers. Consumers were grouped according to eight different plant benefit messages that they were exposed to, including physical, emotional, cognitive, social, educational, environmental, financial, and aesthetic benefits. Although some of the groups (clusters) exhibited similar purchasing behaviors in terms of plant types purchased, price levels preferred, and their preference for rare, common, or moderately available plants, there were just enough differences among groups to be able to distinguish them from other groups. The plant benefits were obviously affecting purchasing behavior, but further study is needed to understand the underlying reasons more fully.}, number={5}, journal={HortScience}, publisher={American Society for Horticultural Science}, author={Knuth, Melinda J. and Behe, Bridget K. and Rihn, Alicia and Hall, Charles R.}, year={2023}, month={May}, pages={481–487} }
 @article{knuth_woods_wu_hall_palma_2023, title={Elements of Style in Floral Arrangements: How Discerning Are Consumers Toward Floristry Design Principles and How Much Are They Willing to Pay?}, volume={58}, ISSN={["2327-9834"]}, DOI={10.21273/HORTSCI17273-23}, abstractNote={Florists use design theory to create arrangements that they assume will be pleasing to consumers, thus increasing purchase rates and spending. However, certain elements of design theory and their relationship with consumer acceptance and spending have not been empirically tested. Using mixed logit models and eye-tracking technology, we investigated whether consumer preferences support three key elements of existing floral design theory: line, color, and form. We also examined consumer preferences for floral species, which, although not a traditional element of design theory, may influence consumer purchasing decisions. Our findings challenge existing design theory because consumers did not uniformly favor it. Instead, they valued symmetrical form, arrangements with similar (but not identical) colors, and, surprisingly, the presence of roses in an arrangement was the most crucial factor in capturing consumer attention and increasing the willingness to pay.}, number={12}, journal={HORTSCIENCE}, author={Knuth, Melinda and Woods, Vanessa and Wu, Xuan and Hall, Charlie and Palma, Marco}, year={2023}, month={Dec}, pages={1560–1567} }
 @article{knuth_wu_hall_palma_2023, title={Exploring the market penetration of floral arrangements using second-price and double auctions}, volume={1368}, ISSN={0567-7572 2406-6168}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.17660/actahortic.2023.1368.25}, DOI={10.17660/actahortic.2023.1368.25}, number={1368}, journal={Acta Horticulturae}, publisher={International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS)}, author={Knuth, M.J. and Wu, X. and Hall, C.R. and Palma, M.A.}, year={2023}, month={May}, pages={185–194} }
 @article{lindberg_knuth_2023, title={Get the 4-1-1 on Social Media for Garden Retailers}, url={https://www.e-gro.org/pdf/2023-12-25.pdf}, journal={E-GRO Alert}, author={Lindberg, H. and Knuth, M.}, year={2023}, month={May} }
 @article{knuth_rihn_behe_hall_2023, title={Happiness is a plant away!}, volume={1}, url={https://www.greenprofit.com/Article/?articleid=26158}, journal={Green Profit Magazine}, author={Knuth, M. and Rihn, A. and Behe, B. and Hall, C.}, year={2023}, month={Feb} }
 @article{heagy_schultheis_birdsell_knuth_ward_2023, title={High-density Planting and a Smaller Row Width Increased Yield and Decreased Fruit Size of}, volume={58}, ISSN={["2327-9834"]}, DOI={10.21273/HORTSCI17246-23}, abstractNote={Pumpkins (Cucurbita sp.) grown in North Carolina are a nascent specialty crop that has only risen to a national production level in the past 10 years. There are only general cultural management guidelines for this region, resulting in variation in plant density and inefficient production. Production field studies of the cultivar Kratos were conducted to investigate the impact of plant density and row width on marketable yield and individual fruit size for large carving pumpkins. Plant densities of 2691, 3588, 5382, and 10,764 plants per hectare with row widths of 1.5 and 3.0 m were grown in 2020 and 2021 in North Carolina. Data regarding fruit size, fruit size variance, and yield per area were collected. Fruit size in terms of weight, length, and diameter increased as plant density decreased. There was no difference in fruit size variation between plant densities and row widths. The fruit number per hectare and fruit weight per hectare increased as plant density increased, with the highest production at 10,764 plants per hectare. For years combined, reducing the row width from 3.0 to 1.5 m increased the fruit weight and diameter, but not the length. Additionally, the 1.5-m row width produced more fruit weight per hectare than the 3.0-m row width for both years. Growers can optimize fruit weight per area and fruit number per area by using a density of 10,764 plants per hectare. Overall, using a row width distance that is more equidistant to the in-row spacing promotes higher fruit yield and larger fruit size.}, number={10}, journal={HORTSCIENCE}, author={Heagy, Kimberly and Schultheis, Jonathan R. and Birdsell, Travis and Knuth, Melinda and Ward, Jason K.}, year={2023}, month={Oct}, pages={1194–1200} }
 @article{knuth_wei_zhang_khachatryan_2023, title={Homeowners' Prioritization of Landscape Features Regarding Aesthetic, Environmental, Financial, and Psychological Benefits}, volume={33}, ISSN={["1943-7714"]}, DOI={10.21273/HORTTECH05249-23}, abstractNote={Maintaining and caring for residential landscapes is a crucial aspect of homeownership in the United States. For homeowners in the United States, residential lawns represent a significant economic investment, signal their social commitments, and reflect their personal characters. To investigate the differences in Florida homeowners’ priorities regarding residential landscape features, an online survey of 1220 homeowners was conducted. Four different groups of homeowners were identified based on their perceived importance of the four landscape features, namely, environmental, financial, aesthetic, and psychological benefits. Factors such as environmental and financial attitudes and social norms influencing homeowners’ decision-making were examined. The findings revealed that homeowners’ knowledge of landscaping practices and environmental attitudes impact their prioritization regarding landscape features.}, number={6}, journal={HORTTECHNOLOGY}, author={Knuth, Melinda and Wei, Xuan and Zhang, Xumin and Khachatryan, Hayk}, year={2023}, month={Dec}, pages={535–543} }
 @article{rihn_knuth_behe_hall_2023, title={Marketing Plants to Engage the Conscientious Consumer}, url={https://www.greenprofit.com/Article/?articleid=26191}, journal={Green Profit Magazine}, author={Rihn, A. and Knuth, M. and Behe, B. and Hall, C.}, year={2023}, month={Mar} }
 @article{behe_knuth_2023, title={Merchandising with purpose}, url={https://www.gardencentermag.com/article/merchandising-with-purpose-displays-igca-tour-netherlands/}, journal={Garden Center Magazine}, author={Behe, B. and Knuth, M.}, year={2023}, month={Feb} }
 @article{knuth_wei_zhang_khachatryan_hodges_yue_2023, title={Preferences for Sustainable Residential Lawns in Florida: The Case of Irrigation and Fertilization Requirements}, volume={13}, ISSN={2073-4395}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13020416}, DOI={10.3390/agronomy13020416}, abstractNote={The American landscape is well defined by the presence of turfgrass. To maintain the lush, green carpet, irrigation, fertilizer, and other necessary inputs are required. When these inputs are excessively applied, which is not uncommon, they are harmful to the natural environment. To mitigate potential adverse impacts, local and state governments are interested in policies that incentivize homeowners to maintain their lawns sustainably. But are there homeowners who are environmentally conscious and are willing to minimize their use of fertilizers or water? In this study, we evaluate the Floridian homeowners’ preferences for high- and low-level inputs of irrigation water and fertilizer using latent class logit (LCL) regression models based on data collected from an online choice experiment survey. Results indicated that there are heterogeneous preferences for the level of irrigation water and fertilizer application by Floridian homeowners, including high-input users (33% of the sample), irrigation-conscious users (27%), fertilizer-conscious users (23%), and moderate-input users (17%). The policy and marketing implications for relevant stakeholders are discussed.}, number={2}, journal={Agronomy}, publisher={MDPI AG}, author={Knuth, Melinda and Wei, Xuan and Zhang, Xumin and Khachatryan, Hayk and Hodges, Alan and Yue, Chengyan}, year={2023}, month={Jan}, pages={416} }
 @article{jenkins_knuth_hall_palma_2023, title={Shifts in the American Floriculture Industry: Insight from Industry Experts}, volume={41}, ISSN={2573-5586 0738-2898}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.24266/0738-2898-41.4.133}, DOI={10.24266/0738-2898-41.4.133}, abstractNote={Abstract
               The U.S. floral industry is constantly shifting due to several factors that are involved in nearly every aspect of an industry that sells a living product. In order to determine these factors, over forty leaders from different sectors within the industry were interviewed in order to gain expert insight into which factors are directing these shifts. Utilizing the participants’ responses, Leximancer software was used to conduct a quantitative content analysis using a machine learning technique. Through our analyses, we pinpointed many of the same recurring responses from the participants regarding structural shifts in the industry, omnichannel development, and key future success factors. Implications are discussed.}, number={4}, journal={Journal of Environmental Horticulture}, publisher={Horticultural Research Institute}, author={Jenkins, Ethan B. and Knuth, Melinda J. and Hall, Charlie R. and Palma, Marco A.}, year={2023}, month={Dec}, pages={133–140} }
 @inproceedings{jenkins_knuth_hall_2023, title={Shifts in the American floriculture industry: insight from industry experts}, booktitle={Asian Horticulture Conference}, author={Jenkins, B. and Knuth, M. and Hall, C.}, year={2023} }
 @article{woods_knuth_2023, title={The Biophilia Reactivity Hypothesis: biophilia as a temperament trait, or more precisely, a domain specific attraction to biodiversity}, DOI={10.1007/s10818-023-09342-w}, abstractNote={AbstractE.O. Wilson proposed the concept of biophilia as “the innately emotional affiliation of human beings with other living organisms.” While the idea has gained traction in diverse fields, including architecture and horticulture, the few empirical tests of the biophilia hypothesis are either inconclusive or fail to provide support. This paper reviews fundamental flaws in Wilson's biophilia hypothesis and proposes “the Biophilia Reactivity Hypothesis”: biophilia as a temperament trait, a theory that offers a falsifiable version of Wilson’s original concept.}, journal={Journal of Bioeconomics}, author={Woods, V. and Knuth, M.}, year={2023} }
 @article{heagy_knuth_schultheis_birdsell_ward_2023, title={Using Partial Budgeting Analyses to Analyze Profitability of Commercial Pumpkin Production, Standardize Bin Size Categories, and Understand Bin Sorting Accuracy}, volume={58}, ISSN={0018-5345 2327-9834}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.21273/hortsci17499-23}, DOI={10.21273/hortsci17499-23}, abstractNote={Pumpkins (Cucurbita sp.) are currently sold in retail commercial bins categorized based on fruit size. There are no standards for these fruit sizes, thus creating discrepancies across the industry. Furthermore, there is not a published partial budget analysis for pumpkin fruit yield based on plant area. An observational study was conducted to quantify and standardize the fruit sizes of pumpkins packed into commercial bins. These proposed standardized fruit sizes were then correlated to the expected fruit size and quantity of different plant areas to estimate the total commercial bin yield. Additionally, a partial budget analysis was conducted to calculate the greatest profit per hectare with the varying plant areas. Pumpkins from bins labeled medium, large, extra-large, and jumbo were hand-measured to determine the diameter, length, and weight. Based on a discriminate analysis, 20% of pumpkins were incorrectly sorted based on current practices. The proposed standard fruit diameters for each bin size are as follows: medium, 23.5 to 26.8 cm; large, 26.9 to 29.9 cm; extra-large, 30.0 to 33.6 cm; and jumbo, 33.7 to 35.5 cm. The results of a partial budget analysis showed that the most profitable plant spacing area is 0.9 m2 with a 1.5-m row width, which will earn $37,163/ha. Profit for pumpkin production is contingent on both fruit quantity and fruit size because these factors dictate the quantity and category of commercial bins. Growers should consider both metrics to optimize their operation.}, number={12}, journal={HortScience}, publisher={American Society for Horticultural Science}, author={Heagy, Kimberly and Knuth, Melinda and Schultheis, Jonathan R. and Birdsell, Travis and Ward, Jason}, year={2023}, month={Dec}, pages={1587–1594} }
 @article{behe_knuth_rihn_hall_2023, title={What’s the value of a rare plant?}, url={https://www.greenprofit.com/Article/?articleid=26094}, journal={Green Profit Magazine}, author={Behe, B. and Knuth, M. and Rihn, A. and Hall, C.}, year={2023}, month={Jan} }
 @article{behe_knuth_2022, title={Adventures during the IGCA}, url={https://www.gardencentermag.com/article/adventures-during-the-igca/}, journal={Garden Center Magazine}, author={Behe, B. and Knuth, M.}, year={2022}, month={Nov} }
 @inproceedings{knuth_2022, title={Building a career: leadership skills – leadership basics}, booktitle={American Society of Horticultural Sciences Annual Conference}, author={Knuth, M.}, year={2022} }
 @article{hamm_mahapatra_knuth_abedini_lingerfelt_ekins_kullman_2022, title={Confirmation of high-throughput screening data and novel mechanistic insights into FXR-xenobiotic interactions by orthogonal assays}, volume={3}, ISSN={["2666-027X"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.crtox.2022.100092}, abstractNote={Toxicology in the 21st Century (Tox21) is a federal collaboration employing a high-throughput robotic screening system to test 10,000 environmental chemicals. One of the primary goals of the program is prioritizing toxicity evaluations through in vitro high-throughput screening (HTS) assays for large numbers of chemicals already in commercial use for which little or no toxicity data is available. Within the Tox21 screening program, disruption in nuclear receptor (NR) signaling represents a particular area of interest. Given the role of NR's in modulating a wide range of biological processes, alterations of their activity can have profound biological impacts. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily that has demonstrated importance in bile acid homeostasis, glucose metabolism, lipid homeostasis and hepatic regeneration. In this study, we re-evaluated 24 FXR agonists and antagonists identified through Tox21 using select orthogonal assays. In transient transactivation assays, 7/8 putative agonists and 4/4 putative inactive compounds were confirmed. Likewise, we confirmed 9/12 antagonists tested. Using a mammalian two hybrid approach we demonstrate that both FXR agonists and antagonists facilitate FXRα-coregulator interactions suggesting that differential coregulator recruitment may mediate activation/repression of FXRα mediated transcription. Additionally, we tested the ability of select FXR agonists and antagonists to facilitate hepatic transcription of FXR gene targets Shp and Bsep in a teleost (Medaka) model. Through application of in vitro cell-based assays, in silico modeling and in vivo gene expressions, we demonstrated the molecular complexity of FXR:ligand interactions and confirmed the ability of diverse ligands to modulate FXRα, facilitate differential coregulator recruitment and activate/repress receptor-mediated transcription. Overall, we suggest a multiplicative approach to assessment of nuclear receptor function may facilitate a greater understanding of the biological and mechanistic complexities of nuclear receptor activities and further our ability to interpret broad HTS outcomes.}, journal={CURRENT RESEARCH IN TOXICOLOGY}, author={Hamm, Jon and Mahapatra, Debabrata and Knuth, Megan M. and Abedini, Jaleh and Lingerfelt, Mary and Ekins, Sean and Kullman, Seth W.}, year={2022} }
 @article{hopkins_hall_arnold_palma_knuth_pemberton_2022, title={Consumer Preferences of Ratibida columnifera (Nutt.) Wooton & Standl. Floral Characteristics}, volume={57}, ISSN={0018-5345 2327-9834}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.21273/hortsci16233-21}, DOI={10.21273/HORTSCI16233-21}, abstractNote={Conjoint analysis can be used to simultaneously investigate consumer preferences on multiple attributes and levels. Our objective was to gain insight regarding consumer preferences for attributes and levels attributed to Ratibida columnifera, a wildflower of potential commercial interest. A ratings-based conjoint analysis using petal color (bicolor, marble, red, yellow), petal shape (circular, oval, notched, lobed), petal number (less than 10, more than 10), and price ($10.00, $15.00, $20.00) was conducted to elucidate part-worth utility from data from 1000 subjects recruited using Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk), a crowdsourcing marketplace. Subjects were then clustered according to their conjoint utility scores. In addition to the conjoint analysis, a principal component analysis was performed based on native plant knowledge of the respondent. Conjoint results revealed that petal color was the most important attribute in decision making, followed by price, petal shape, and petal number. Utility values revealed preference for bicolor petals, followed by red, yellow, and marbled color petals. Preference for price went from least expensive to most expensive. Circular petals were favored over oval, notched, and lobed. Subjects also preferred to have 10 petals or more, vs. less than 10 petals. Cluster analysis yielded three consumer segments, which differed in their utility values. These clusters differed in both demographics and R. columnifera preferences. Overall, consumers preferred R. columnifera with partial (bicolor) or complete red coloration over other options, lower prices, more petals, and entire circular or oval petals.}, number={3}, journal={HortScience}, publisher={American Society for Horticultural Science}, author={Hopkins, Kaitlin A. and Hall, Charles R. and Arnold, Michael A. and Palma, Marco A. and Knuth, Melinda and Pemberton, Brent}, year={2022}, month={Mar}, pages={431–440} }
 @inproceedings{knuth_rihn_behe_hall_2022, title={Do plant benefits influence consumer behavior}, booktitle={American Society of Horticultural Sciences Annual Conference}, author={Knuth, M. and Rihn, A. and Behe, B. and Hall, C.}, year={2022} }
 @book{khachatryan_knuth_hodges_hall_2020, title={Florida Nursery and Landscape Industry Economic Contributions Report}, url={https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FE1114}, DOI={10.32473/edis-FE1114-2022}, abstractNote={This report summarizes production and marketing practices and trade flows for the Florida ornamental plant grower and dealer firms for 2018. Written by Hayk Khachatryan, Melinda Knuth, Alan Hodges, and Charlie Hall, and published by the UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department, February 2022.}, number={FE1114FE1114}, journal={IFAS EDIS}, author={Khachatryan, Hayk and Knuth, Melinda and Hodges, Alan and Hall, Charlie}, year={2020}, month={Dec} }
 @inproceedings{knuth_khachatryan_hall_2022, title={Houseplant purchasing: comparing purchasers and non-purchasers}, booktitle={American Society of Horticultural Sciences Annual Conference}, author={Knuth, M. and Khachatryan, H. and Hall, C.}, year={2022} }
 @article{knuth_behe_2022, title={IGCA: New ways to grow}, url={https://www.gardencentermag.com/article/2022-igca-new-ways-to-grow/}, journal={Garden Center Magazine}, author={Knuth, M. and Behe, B.}, year={2022}, month={Dec} }
 @article{rihn_knuth_peterson_torres_campbell_boyer_palma_khachatryan_2022, title={Investigating Drivers of Native Plant Production in the United States Green Industry}, volume={14}, ISSN={2071-1050}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su14116774}, DOI={10.3390/su14116774}, abstractNote={Native plant use in United States (U.S.) ornamental landscapes is expected to increase in upcoming years. Various market, production, and economic factors may influence a nursery firm’s likelihood of growing and selling native plants. The objective of this study was to investigate production-related factors (e.g., integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, firm characteristics, and plant types sold) that impact commercial native plant sales in the U.S. The research questions included the following: (a) What production factors drive growers to produce native plants? (b) What production factors increase native plant sales? Insights on production-related factors that influence native plant production can be used to understand the decision-making process of native plant growers and encourage additional production of native plants to meet expected increases in demand. Data from the 2014 and 2019 Green Industry Research Consortium’s National Green Industry Survey were used to address this research objective. Green industry firms were categorized by their annual native plant sales, and an ordered probit model was used to assess differences in IPM strategies, firm characteristics, number of plant types grown, sales attributed to different plant types, and actions to address labor issues. In general, firms selling native plants participated in more IPM strategies, sold a more diverse array of plants, and used more sales avenues than non-native plant firms. IPM strategies varied by native plant sales, with firms generating higher native plant sales exhibiting a higher likelihood of removing infested plants, circulating air, managing irrigation, using beneficial insects, and planting pest resistant varieties as part of their IPM strategy than non-native plant firms. Annual native sales and paying higher wages were impacted by plant types sold. Understanding current production and business practices can help identify practices resulting in market success for native plants, the use of which can enhance sustainable landscapes by increasing biodiversity and ecosystem services.}, number={11}, journal={Sustainability}, publisher={MDPI AG}, author={Rihn, Alicia L. and Knuth, Melinda J. and Peterson, Bryan J. and Torres, Ariana P. and Campbell, Julie H. and Boyer, Cheryl R. and Palma, Marco A. and Khachatryan, Hayk}, year={2022}, month={Jun}, pages={6774} }
 @article{behe_knuth_rihn_hall_2022, title={Plant Novices and Experts Differ in Their Value of Plant Type, Price, and Perceived Availability}, volume={40}, ISSN={2573-5586 0738-2898}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.24266/2573-5586-40.3.116}, DOI={10.24266/2573-5586-40.3.116}, abstractNote={Abstract
               Individuals with greater plant knowledge likely differ in purchase behavior compared to those with less plant knowledge. The goal of this study was to investigate consumer preferences for plants based on availability, price, and type, comparing plant experts with novices. Researchers employed an online survey and sub-contracted with a survey panel to recruit participants, yielding 1,010 complete and useful responses. Participants responded to a 10-item plant knowledge test adopted from Knuth et al. (2020). The number of correct answers to the knowledge test was used to categorize respondents into plant novice and expert groups (those intermediate in plant knowledge were excluded from analyses) and differences were explored. Experts had a slightly higher percentage of females compared to novices, were eight years older, and were slightly more educated compared to novices. Experts spent nearly twice as much on plants in 2021 as novices and bought more plants but from fewer plant categories. Plant type was the most important contributor to the expert's purchase decision, followed by price, and then availability. Novices valued more (had a higher mean utility score) plants that were moderately common when compared to experts, while experts valued rare plants more than novices.}, number={3}, journal={Journal of Environmental Horticulture}, publisher={Horticultural Research Institute}, author={Behe, Bridget K. and Knuth, Melinda J. and Rihn, Alicia and Hall, Charles R.}, year={2022}, month={Sep}, pages={116–122} }
 @inproceedings{knuth_2022, title={The nursery industry: challenges and changes expected in the coming decades: consumer perception of the nursery industry that will steer changes in the future. Houseplant purchasing: comparing purchasers and non-purchasers}, booktitle={American Society of Horticultural Sciences Annual Conference}, author={Knuth, M.}, year={2022} }
 @inproceedings{knuth_wu_hall_palma_2022, title={Valuation of Floral Products Through Experimental Auctions}, booktitle={International Horticultural Congress}, author={Knuth, M. and Wu, X. and Hall, C. and Palma, M.}, year={2022} }
 @article{knuth_2022, title={What research says about millennials and houseplants}, url={https://gpnmag.com/article/what-the-research-says-about-millennials-and-houseplants/}, journal={Greenhouse Product News}, author={Knuth, M.}, year={2022}, month={Apr} }
 @book{knuth_2021, title={Characteristics of Texas’ Nursery and Greenhouse Industries}, author={Knuth, M.}, year={2021}, month={May} }
 @article{kee_knuth_lahey_palma_2021, title={Does eye-tracking have an effect on economic behavior?}, volume={16}, ISSN={1932-6203}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0254867}, DOI={10.1371/journal.pone.0254867}, abstractNote={Eye-tracking is becoming an increasingly popular tool for understanding the underlying behavior driving human decisions. However, an important unanswered methodological question is whether the use of an eye-tracking device itself induces changes in participants’ behavior. We study this question using eight popular games in experimental economics chosen for their varying levels of theorized susceptibility to social desirability bias. We implement a simple between-subject design where participants are randomly assigned to either a control or an eye-tracking treatment. In seven of the eight games, eye-tracking did not produce different outcomes. In the Holt and Laury risk assessment (HL), subjects with multiple calibration attempts demonstrated more risk averse behavior in eye-tracking conditions. However, this effect only appeared during the first five (of ten) rounds. Because calibration difficulty is correlated with eye-tracking data quality, the standard practice of removing participants with low eye-tracking data quality resulted in no difference between the treatment and control groups in HL. Our results suggest that experiments may incorporate eye-tracking equipment without inducing changes in the economic behavior of participants, particularly after observations with low quality eye-tracking data are removed.}, number={8}, journal={PLOS ONE}, publisher={Public Library of Science (PLoS)}, author={Kee, Jennifer and Knuth, Melinda and Lahey, Joanna N. and Palma, Marco A.}, editor={Brañas-Garza, PabloEditor}, year={2021}, month={Aug}, pages={e0254867} }
 @book{khachatryan_knuth_hodges_hall_2021, title={FLORIDA NURSERY AND LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY CHARACTERISTICS REPORT}, url={https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FE1108}, number={FE1108}, journal={IFAS EDIS}, author={Khachatryan, Hayk and Knuth, Melinda and Hodges, Alan and Hall, Charlie}, year={2021}, month={Dec} }
 @article{khachatryan_knuth_hodges_hall_2021, title={Florida Nursery and Landscape Industry Characteristics Report}, volume={2021}, url={https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/128989}, DOI={10.32473/edis-fe1108-2021}, abstractNote={This publication summarizes production, marketing, and trade practices for Florida ornamental growers and dealers based on a 2019 national survey by the Green Industry Research Consortium, a multi-state research project under the USDA-National Institute for Food and Agriculture. The most recent survey collected information on business practices for the fiscal year 2018-2019 in all 50 states.}, number={6}, journal={EDIS}, author={Khachatryan, Hayk and Knuth, Melinda and Hodges, Alan and Hall, Charles}, year={2021}, month={Dec} }
 @article{knuth_khachatryan_hall_2021, title={How Consistent Are Consumers in Their Decisions? Investigation of Houseplant Purchasing}, volume={11}, url={https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/11/5/73}, DOI={10.3390/bs11050073}, abstractNote={This paper examines the impact of intrinsic consumer attributes on decision consistency in houseplant purchasing intentions. Subjects reported their likelihood to buy (LTB) for themselves and as a gift at perceived bargain and getting expensive price levels. The sample was analyzed according to those who switched their LTB ratings to relatively lower values versus subjects who did not by using their demographic characteristics and responses to plant buying behavior questions. Secondly, subjects who had high initial purchase intents were analyzed versus those who had low initial purchase intents. The results indicate that inconsistent purchase decisions are more likely to occur at the perceived getting expensive price level than the perceived bargain price points. Additionally, there are very few demographic differences among the plant buyers who are consistent with their purchase intent versus inconsistent, indicating that external environmental cues may have more of an influence on purchase consistency than intrinsic cues. This information can be utilized by greenhouse and retail firms to understand when a consumer is less likely to change their plant purchase decision with a high initial intent. These price points can help firms optimize their current price offerings within the market and create dialogues with partnering box stores.}, number={5}, journal={Behavioral Sciences}, publisher={MDPI AG}, author={Knuth, Melinda and Khachatryan, Hayk and Hall, Charles}, year={2021}, month={May}, pages={73} }
 @inproceedings{knuth_khachatryan_hall_2021, title={How Consistently Do Plant Purchasers Know Their Preferences for Houseplants?}, booktitle={American Society of Horticultural Sciences Annual Conference}, author={Knuth, M. and Khachatryan, H. and Hall, C.}, year={2021} }
 @inproceedings{knuth_khachatryan_zhang_wei_yue_hodges_2021, title={Latent class analysis of Florida household turfgrass inputs}, booktitle={American Society of Horticultural Sciences Annual Conference}, author={Knuth, M. and Khachatryan, H. and Zhang, X. and Wei, X. and Yue, C. and Hodges, A.}, year={2021} }
 @article{zhang_khachatryan_knuth_2021, title={Relating Knowledge and Perception of Sustainable Landscape Practices to the Adoption Intention of Environmentally Friendly Landscapes}, volume={13}, ISSN={["2071-1050"]}, DOI={10.3390/su132414070}, abstractNote={The influence of traditional residential landscapes on humans and the environment has provoked a discussion on maintaining landscapes in a sustainable way and conserving water resources. Traditional American landscapes require water-intensive management. Previous research has discussed potential negative impacts on the environment from prevalent improper landscaping maintenance techniques. To mitigate long-term consequences, sustainable landscape management programs aim at protecting the environment from harmful inputs and conserving water. Among alternative practices, converting fully turfgrass lawns to sustainable landscapes is recommended. The Florida Friendly Landscaping (FFLTM) initiative is one such program designed to minimize negative impacts while maintaining and improving landscapes’ aesthetic characteristics. Although technological advancements in lawn care services have rapidly developed in the past few decades (e.g., smart irrigation systems), the level of homeowners’ knowledge and perceptions regarding sustainable practices are still at the forefront of potential factors that influence the widespread adoption of sustainable lawn management. Relatively few studies have investigated how homeowners’ knowledge and perceptions of sustainable landscapes affect adoption decisions. This study adapted Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior as a framework to examine how individuals’ knowledge and perceptions of sustainable landscapes influence their adoption intention, and to predict their pro-environmental behavior. We found that homeowners’ knowledge about lawns and landscapes (more knowledgeable) is positively correlated with their sustainable landscape adoption intention. Additionally, homeowners’ perceptions of landscape conservation practices (more agreeable with sustainable landscape practices) are positively correlated with sustainable landscape adoption intentions. The implications for policymakers and water conservation programs are discussed.}, number={24}, journal={SUSTAINABILITY}, author={Zhang, Xumin and Khachatryan, Hayk and Knuth, Melinda}, year={2021}, month={Dec} }
 @article{knuth_khachatryan_hall_palma_hodges_torres_brumfield_2021, title={Trade Flows within the United States Nursery Industry in 2018}, volume={39}, ISSN={0738-2898}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.24266/0738-2898-39.2.77}, DOI={10.24266/0738-2898-39.2.77}, abstractNote={Abstract
               This study is a continuation of the series of summaries by the Green Industry Research Consortium examining the regional trade flows in the U.S. nursery industry. This detailed analysis of green industry regional trade flows in eight U.S. regions compares 2018 data with those of the 2008 and 2013 national survey estimates of origin and destination (OD) information to sales data. Specifically, we discuss: 1) regional annual sales reported by the green industry firms in 2018, 2) the percentage distribution of OD trade flows by regions and states, 3) differences in the percentage distribution of OD trade flows during the 5-year period by region (2013 to 2018), and 4) differences in the percentage distribution of OD trade flows during the 10-year period by region (2008 to 2018) for both intra-state (within home state) and inter-regional (between states) trade flows. The OD trade flow results were compared with those of 2008 and 2013. The results show considerable changes in intra-state and inter-regional trade flows from 2013 to 2018. From 2008 to 2018, only the Southcentral region increased in the proportion of sales within the region. Implications for relevant green industry stakeholders are discussed.}, number={2}, journal={Journal of Environmental Horticulture}, publisher={Horticultural Research Institute}, author={Knuth, Melinda J. and Khachatryan, Hayk and Hall, Charles R. and Palma, Marco A. and Hodges, Alan W. and Torres, Ariana P. and Brumfield, Robin G.}, year={2021}, month={Jun}, pages={77–90} }
 @article{knuth_stutts_ritter_garrard_kullman_2021, title={Vitamin D deficiency promotes accumulation of bioactive lipids and increased endocannabinoid tone in zebrafish}, volume={62}, ISSN={["1539-7262"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jlr.2021.100142}, DOI={10.1016/j.jlr.2021.100142}, abstractNote={<h2>Abstract</h2> Vitamin D is well known for its traditional role in bone mineral homeostasis; however, recent evidence suggests that vitamin D also plays a significant role in metabolic control. This study served to investigate putative linkages between vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and metabolic disruption of bioactive lipids by MS imaging. Our approach employed infrared-matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization MS imaging for lipid metabolite profiling in 6-month-old zebrafish fed either a VDD or a vitamin D-sufficient (VDS) diet. Using a lipidomics pipeline, we found that VDD zebrafish had a greater abundance of bioactive lipids (<i>N</i>-acyls, endocannabinoids [ECs], diacylglycerols/triacylglycerols, bile acids/bile alcohols, and vitamin D derivatives) suggestive of increased EC tone compared with VDS zebrafish. Tandem MS was performed on several differentially expressed metabolites with sufficient ion abundances to aid in structural elucidation and provide additional support for MS annotations. To confirm activation of the EC pathways, we subsequently examined expression of genes involved in EC biosynthesis, metabolism, and receptor signaling in adipose tissue and liver from VDD and VDS zebrafish. Gene expression changes were congruent with increased EC tone, with VDD zebrafish demonstrating increased synthesis and metabolism of anandamide compared with VDS zebrafish. Taken together, our data suggest that VDD may promote accumulation of bioactive lipids and increased EC tone in zebrafish.}, journal={JOURNAL OF LIPID RESEARCH}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Knuth, Megan M. and Stutts, Whitney L. and Ritter, Morgan M. and Garrard, Kenneth P. and Kullman, Seth W.}, year={2021} }
 @article{hall_knuth_2020, title={An Update of the Literature Supporting the Well-Being Benefits of Plants: Part 4 – Available Resources and Usage of Plant Benefits Information}, volume={38}, ISSN={0738-2898}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.24266/0738-2898-38.2.68}, DOI={10.24266/0738-2898-38.2.68}, abstractNote={AbstractThis paper provides an overview of the key resources available to green industry firms that provide evidence of the health and well-being benefits associated with plants and improved landscaped areas and how they influence the physiological, psychological, cognitive, and social well-being constructs affecting quality of life. These benefits may persuade reluctant residential homeowners to purchase plants and improve their landscapes, may aid municipal leaders and policymakers in justifying green infrastructure-related funding decisions, and may provide grounds for the construction industry for using biophilic design principles to ensure the built environment offers opportunities for green space interactions. In this way, the green industry can play a pivotal role not only in providing plants of high quality for these applications, but in educating stakeholders regarding the benefits discussed herein. This research should also be strategically incorporated into both industry-wide and firm-specific marketing messages that highlight the quality of life value proposition in order to maintain the industry's sense of value and relevance to residential landscape consumers of the future. If done correctly, the demand for green industry products and services may be affected positively.Index words: benefits of plants, information resources, elasticity of demand.}, number={2}, journal={Journal of Environmental Horticulture}, publisher={Horticultural Research Institute}, author={Hall, Charles R. and Knuth, Melinda J.}, year={2020}, month={Jun}, pages={68–72} }
 @inproceedings{knuth_2020, title={Floriculture’s Rising Stars: Research Updates from Graduate Students: Simple or complex? Consumer response to display signs}, booktitle={AmericanHort, Cultivate ’20}, author={Knuth, M.}, year={2020} }
 @article{wu_knuth_hall_palma_2021, title={Increasing Profit Margins by Substituting Species in Floral Arrangements}, volume={31}, ISSN={1063-0198 1943-7714}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.21273/horttech04695-20}, DOI={10.21273/horttech04695-20}, abstractNote={Flower species is one of the key determinants of the aesthetic and economic value of floral products. This research study sought to evaluate whether consumer perceptions of the aesthetic appeal and monetary valuations of floral arrangements change by substituting high-cost species with low-cost species of similar appearance. In addition, the researchers explored consumer preferences for flower symmetry, which provides information to assist floral designers in choosing and using species to increase profit margins and improve the economic efficiency of the floral industry. Two experiments were administered through an online survey. For the first experiment, no difference was shown in both willingness to pay and attractiveness ratings for flowers in the high-dollar value vs. low-dollar value comparison groups. For the second experiment, roses (Rosa hybrida) were rated the highest on attractiveness, followed by dahlia (Dahlia hybrida), ranunculus (Ranunculus asiaticus), and anthurium (Anthurium sp.). Radial flowers were considered most appealing, followed by asymmetrical flowers, and last, bilaterally symmetrical flowers. The results of this study lend insight into how the general floral consumer does not differentiate between flower species that are similar in design features such as color, size, or symmetry. This information can be used by floral business operators to sell their bouquets at a higher margin by strategically using lower-cost flower inputs.}, number={1}, journal={HortTechnology}, publisher={American Society for Horticultural Science}, author={Wu, Xuan (Jade) and Knuth, Melinda J. and Hall, Charles R. and Palma, Marco A.}, year={2021}, month={Feb}, pages={19–26} }
 @article{behe_knuth_huddleston_hall_2020, title={Seeing Red? The Role of Font Color, Size, and Sale Sign Location in Retail Garden Center Displays}, volume={38}, ISSN={0738-2898}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.24266/0738-2898-38.4.120}, DOI={10.24266/0738-2898-38.4.120}, abstractNote={AbstractThe goal of this study was to better understand consumers' likelihood to buy a plant when the word “sale” was presented in red font on a white sign, with a range of font sizes, showing an equivalent discounted price in three ways (dollar amount, 25% percent off, and buy-3-get-1-free), with the sale sign location either on the left or right side of the display. Researchers constructed a partial factorial design with three plant types producing 16 images for the study. They recruited 154 subjects from two states. Results of the rating-based conjoint study revealed that plant type comprised 45% of the purchase decision, which was consistent with prior research. Price (23.8%) was the next most important factor in likely to buy followed by sale font size. Sale sign location and sale font color were similar and third and fourth, respectively, in relative importance. The synergistic effect of sale font size and color indicate that when red fonts were used for the word “sale” they should be larger than other font sizes and placed to the right in the display. Consumer gaze appeared to move from left to right as though study participants “read” the display. Results showed the red font had greater attention-grabbing power on the right side of the display and when it appeared in a larger or smaller font size.Index words: consumer, eye-tracking, price, survey, signage.Species used in this study: Pepper [Capsicum annuum L. (C. frutescens)], parsley Petroselinum crispum J. Hill, petunia (Petunia x hybrida Juss.), rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis L., sage (Salvia officinalis L.), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.).}, number={4}, journal={Journal of Environmental Horticulture}, publisher={Horticultural Research Institute}, author={Behe, Bridget K. and Knuth, Melinda J. and Huddleston, Patricia T. and Hall, Charles R.}, year={2020}, month={Dec}, pages={120–127} }
 @inproceedings{knuth_2020, title={Signage and Music}, booktitle={Certificate in Applied Behavioral Economics Program}, author={Knuth, M.}, year={2020} }
 @article{knuth_behe_huddleston_2020, title={Simple or complex? Consumer response to display signs}, volume={4}, ISSN={2470-9670}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.15763/issn.2470-9670.2020.v4.i2.a67}, DOI={10.15763/issn.2470-9670.2020.v4.i2.a67}, abstractNote={Retail signage provides information from the marketer to facilitate product purchase. An increase in sign information creates greater sign complexity, which raises the question: for consumer product choices, what quantity of information is helpful versus overwhelming? We hypothesize that consumers would allocate more visual attention to complex signs and that sign complexity would be a predictor of likeliness to buy (LTB). Five experts rated 105 real garden center signs for complexity and five low, moderate, and highcomplexity signs were selected for the study. Signs were incorporated into Tobii X1 Light Eye Tracker software, where 85 non-student subjects rated sign attractiveness and LTB from a display containing that sign. Subjects allocated greater visual attention (higher fixation count and longer total fixation duration) to more complex signs, which were also rated as most attractive. Initial regression results showed sign attractiveness and fixation count were positive predictors of LTB, while complexity and total fixation duration were inversely related to LTB. Mediation analysis showed that fixation duration fully mediates fixation count impact on purchase intention. Results suggest that informationrich messaging in high complexity signs, while seen as attractive, may give consumers too much information and higher cognitive load, which makes decision-making more difficult.}, number={2}, journal={Interdisciplinary Journal of Signage and Wayfinding}, publisher={University of Oklahoma Libraries}, author={Knuth, Melinda and Behe, Bridget K. and Huddleston, Patricia T.}, year={2020}, month={Aug}, pages={7–22} }
 @inproceedings{knuth_hall_2020, title={The health and wellbeing benefits of plants}, booktitle={American Society of Horticultural Sciences Annual Conference}, author={Knuth, M. and Hall, C.R.}, year={2020} }
 @inproceedings{knuth_behe_huddleston_2020, title={Top-Down analysis of varied sign complexities}, booktitle={American Society of Horticultural Sciences Annual Conference}, author={Knuth, M. and Behe, B.K. and Huddleston, P.T.}, year={2020} }
 @article{knuth_behe_huddleston_hall_fernandez_khachatryan_2020, title={Water Conserving Message Influences Purchasing Decision of Consumers}, volume={12}, url={https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/12/12/3487}, DOI={10.3390/w12123487}, abstractNote={As more of the U.S. population urbanizes, freshwater resources will become more partitioned and scarcer. Live plants need water to become established and survive, but water demands vary by taxa. Additionally, outdoor household water use is becoming a greater target for watering restrictions, particularly landscape irrigation. Yet, how important is water conservation messaging in the context of a plant purchasing decision for outdoor plants? A ratings-based conjoint analysis of the water message, plant type, price, and plant guarantee was conducted using data from 288 subjects from three locales who rated their purchase intention to buy a plant from a retail merchandising display while using an eye-tracking device. Subjects were clustered by state of residency and, separately, their conjoint utility scores. Results indicate that water-related messaging does play a positive role in purchase intention. Residents of states who frequently experienced drought rated a water-saving message higher compared to residents of states who experienced relatively little drought. For some consumer groups, such as plant buyers, water savings are important and sought after. Green industry stakeholders should be aware of their region’s drought history and help develop point of purchase information to include water conservation messaging in retail displays.}, number={12}, journal={Water}, publisher={MDPI AG}, author={Knuth, Melinda and Behe, Bridget K. and Huddleston, Patricia T. and Hall, Charles and Fernandez, R. Thomas and Khachatryan, Hayk}, year={2020}, month={Dec}, pages={3487} }
 @inproceedings{knuth_2020, title={Water conservation messaging in the horticulture industry: communicating through the supply chain}, booktitle={North Texas Regional Water Conservation Symposium (11th)}, author={Knuth, M.}, year={2020} }
 @inproceedings{knuth_2020, title={What research tells us about consumer behavior!}, booktitle={Texas Nursery Landscape Association Region III Meeting}, author={Knuth, M.}, year={2020} }
 @article{hall_knuth_2019, title={An Update of the Literature Supporting the Well-Being Benefits of Plants: A Review of the Emotional and Mental Health Benefits of Plants}, volume={37}, ISSN={0738-2898 2573-5586}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.24266/0738-2898-37.1.30}, DOI={10.24266/0738-2898-37.1.30}, abstractNote={Abstract
               Consumers have historically shown an inclination to purchase plants that enhance their quality of life, meaning they will purchase items that positively influence their social, physical, psychological, cognitive, environmental, and spiritual well-being. Plants in native and improved landscapes (and interiorscapes) have been documented to influence each of six quality of life constructs. This paper summarizes publications regarding the emotional and mental health benefits associated with plants, addressing reduced anxiety and stress, attention deficit recovery, fractals and visual response, decreased depression, enhanced memory retention, greater happiness and life satisfaction, mitigation of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), increased creativity, enhanced productivity and attention, reduced effects of dementia, and improved self-esteem. This research should be strategically incorporated into both industry-wide and firm-specific marketing messages that highlight the quality of life value proposition in order to maintain the industry's sense of value and relevance to consumers of the future.
               Index words: benefits of plants, emotional health, mental health.}, number={1}, journal={Journal of Environmental Horticulture}, publisher={Horticultural Research Institute}, author={Hall, Charles and Knuth, Melinda}, year={2019}, month={Mar}, pages={30–38} }
 @article{hall_knuth_2019, title={An Update of the Literature Supporting the Well-Being Benefits of Plants: Part 2 Physiological Health Benefits}, volume={37}, ISSN={0738-2898 2573-5586}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.24266/0738-2898-37.2.63}, DOI={10.24266/0738-2898-37.2.63}, abstractNote={Abstract
               This paper focused on providing evidence from the literature regarding the physiological health benefits associated with plants, thereby influencing the physiological, psychological, and cognitive well-being constructs affecting quality of life. These benefits are segmented and discussed using the following categories: better sleep, increased birthweights, decreased diabetes, decreased ocular discomfort, enhanced immunity, improved circadian functioning, improved rehabilitation, decreased cardiovascular and respiratory disease, decreased mortality, improved digestion, decreased allergies, increased physical activity, and improved cognitive development. This research should be strategically incorporated into both industry-wide and firm-specific marketing messages that highlight the quality of life value proposition in order to maintain the industry's sense of value and relevance to residential landscape consumers of the future. These findings also present evidence that municipal leaders and policymakers can use in justifying green infrastructure-related funding decisions, as well as grounds for the construction industry using biophilic design principles in ensuring the built environment offers opportunities for green space interactions. The green industry can play a pivotal role not only in providing plants of high quality for these applications but educating stakeholders regarding the benefits discussed herein.
               Index words: benefits of plants, emotional health, mental health}, number={2}, journal={Journal of Environmental Horticulture}, publisher={Horticultural Research Institute}, author={Hall, Charles R. and Knuth, Melinda J.}, year={2019}, month={Jun}, pages={63–73} }
 @article{hall_knuth_2019, title={An Update of the Literature Supporting the Well-Being Benefits of Plants: Part 3 - Social Benefits}, volume={37}, ISSN={0738-2898 2573-5586}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.24266/0738-2898-37.4.136}, DOI={10.24266/0738-2898-37.4.136}, abstractNote={Abstract
               This paper provides evidence from the literature regarding the social benefits associated with plants and how they influence the physiological, psychological, and cognitive well-being constructs affecting quality of life. These benefits are segmented and discussed using the following categories: place or community attachment, reduced crime, disaster resilience, access to locally-produced foods, socialization of children and their school performance, and community therapeutic impacts. The equitable distribution of these green space benefits among local populations is also discussed. This research should be strategically incorporated into both industry-wide and firm-specific marketing messages that highlight the quality of life value proposition in order to maintain the industry's sense of value and relevance to residential landscape consumers of the future. These findings also present evidence that municipal leaders and policymakers can use in justifying green infrastructure-related funding decisions, as well as grounds for the construction industry using biophilic design principles in ensuring the built environment offers opportunities for green space interactions. The green industry can play a pivotal role not only in providing plants of high quality for these applications but educating stakeholders regarding the benefits discussed herein.
               Index words:, benefits of plants, community, social benefits.}, number={4}, journal={Journal of Environmental Horticulture}, publisher={Horticultural Research Institute}, author={Hall, Charles R. and Knuth, Melinda J.}, year={2019}, month={Dec}, pages={136–142} }
 @inproceedings{knuth_wu_hall_palma_2019, title={Categorizing floral consumers by taste preferences: clustering}, booktitle={Horticultural Sciences Departmental Poster Symposium}, author={Knuth, M. and Wu, X. and Hall, C.R. and Palma, M.}, year={2019} }
 @inproceedings{knuth_wu_hall_palma_2019, title={Categorizing floral consumers by taste preferences: logit regression}, booktitle={American Society of Horticultural Sciences Annual Conference}, author={Knuth, M. and Wu, X. and Hall, C.R. and Palma, M.A.}, year={2019} }
 @inproceedings{knuth_hall_2019, title={Driving forces of change}, booktitle={Wholesale Florists & Florist Supplier Association Floral Distribution Conference}, author={Knuth, M. and Hall, C.R.}, year={2019} }
 @inproceedings{knuth_kee_martinez_marwah_eckel_2019, title={Is Trust a Risky Decision: A Replication}, booktitle={TExAS Symposium}, author={Knuth, M. and Kee, J. and Martinez, C. and Marwah, P. and Eckel, C.}, year={2019} }
 @article{knuth_behe_hall_huddleston_fernandez_2019, title={Sit Back or Dig In: The Role of Activity Level in Landscape Market Segmentation}, volume={54}, ISSN={0018-5345 2327-9834}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI14158-19}, DOI={10.21273/HORTSCI14158-19}, abstractNote={Activity level, or the amount of action/interaction with a product, can be an indication of interest in a product category and influences purchases. Our goal was to assess the overall market for landscape plants using consumers’ activity level from the active/passive continuum proposed by Pine and Gilmore (2011). An online survey instrument was administered to invitees from a national online panel from 7 to 13 Sept. 2016 yielding 1543 useful responses. Factor analysis of 23 items adapted from a previous study revealed five factors, including one active factor and a separate passive factor. These two factors were used in the present study as a basis for a k-means cluster analysis. Two clusters emerged and were labeled “Active Engagement” and “Obligatory Passive Engagement” in landscape activities. We compared cluster means for all five factors and found the Active cluster purchased more plants of all types as well as had greater landscape pride and desire for a low (water) input landscape. Members of the Active cluster were from higher income and education households which were slightly larger and more likely to have Caucasian residents compared with the Passive cluster. In practice, retail employees and landscape professionals might initially ask about consumers’ activity level desired in the landscape as a screening question. Subsequent assistance in design and/or plant selection/purchase could then be tailored toward the desired activity level.}, number={10}, journal={HortScience}, publisher={American Society for Horticultural Science}, author={Knuth, Melinda and Behe, Bridget K. and Hall, Charles R. and Huddleston, Patricia T. and Fernandez, R. Thomas}, year={2019}, month={Oct}, pages={1818–1823} }
 @inproceedings{knuth_behe_huddleston_hall_2019, title={The dirt is in the details: sign complexity of garden retailer signage}, booktitle={American Society of Horticultural Sciences Annual Conference}, author={Knuth, M. and Behe, B.K. and Huddleston, P.T. and Hall, C.R.}, year={2019} }
 @inproceedings{knuth_behe_hall_huddleston_fernandez_2019, title={Water conservation + research + industry = changes to your business!}, booktitle={Texas Nursery and Landscape Association Annual Meeting}, author={Knuth, M. and Behe, B.K. and Hall, C.R. and Huddleston, P.T. and Fernandez, R.T.}, year={2019} }
 @inproceedings{knuth_wu_hall_palma_2019, title={What consumers REALLY want}, booktitle={Society of American Florists Annual Conference}, author={Knuth, M. and Wu, X. and Hall, C.R. and Palma, M.}, year={2019} }
 @inproceedings{knuth_behe_hall_huddleston_fernandez_2018, title={Actively interested and passively disinterested in water conservation cluster segments on horticulture product spending in 2016}, booktitle={American Society of Horticultural Sciences Annual Conference}, author={Knuth, M. and Behe, B.K. and Hall, C.R. and Huddleston, P.T. and Fernandez, R.T.}, year={2018} }
 @article{behe_knuth_hall_huddleston_fernandez_2018, title={Consumer Involvement with and Expertise in Water Conservation and Plants Affect Landscape Plant Purchases, Importance, and Enjoyment}, volume={53}, ISSN={0018-5345 2327-9834}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI13119-18}, DOI={10.21273/HORTSCI13119-18}, abstractNote={The strain on potable water supplies heightens the competition for water resources and potentially reduces the demand for outdoor plantings and landscaping. We conducted an online survey with 1543 respondents in 2016 to ascertain their water conservation and plant expertise, their involvement in water conservation and plant issues, and the importance of plants and landscaping. We also collected demographic characteristics. Cluster analysis results identified two key market segments comprising ≈50% of the sample each: those who are Actively Interested in Water Conservation and those who are Disinterested in Water Conservation. The Actively Interested segment was younger, had more adults and children in the household, and had a higher household income. In addition to having a higher mean score for water conservation involvement and expertise, the Actively Interested segment had a higher mean score for water conservation importance and impact, as well as plant expertise and involvement. The Actively Interested segment scored higher on select components relating to horticultural importance, including aesthetically beautiful landscapes, active landscape enjoyment, desire for a low maintenance landscape, and response in drought, compared with the Disinterested segment. The Disinterested segment scored higher on the Non-Landscape Use with no enjoyment. Findings suggest that pro–water-conserving attitudes are found among consumers who value outdoor landscapes and those individuals who spend more on plants. Results suggest that producers and retailers should focus marketing and communication efforts on low water use cultivar selection and operationalizing water-conserving behaviors more than convincing consumers that plant purchases and landscaping are important.}, number={8}, journal={HortScience}, publisher={American Society for Horticultural Science}, author={Behe, Bridget K. and Knuth, Melinda and Hall, Charles R. and Huddleston, Patricia T. and Fernandez, R. Thomas}, year={2018}, month={Aug}, pages={1164–1171} }
 @article{knuth_behe_hall_huddleston_fernandez_2018, title={Consumer Perceptions of Landscape Plant Production Water Sources and Uses in the Landscape during Perceived and Real Drought}, volume={28}, ISSN={1063-0198 1943-7714}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH03893-17}, DOI={10.21273/HORTTECH03893-17}, abstractNote={Water is becoming scarcer as world population increases and will be allocated among competing uses. Some of that water will go toward sustaining human life, but some will be needed to install and support landscape plants. Thus, future water resource availability may literally change the American landscape. Recent research suggests that consumers’ attitudes and behavior toward potable water supplies have changed in other countries because of greater social awareness and increasingly widespread exposure to drought conditions. We conducted an online survey of 1543 U.S. consumers to assess their perceptions about landscape plants, the water source used to produce them, and plant water needs to become established in the landscape. Using two separate conjoint designs, we assessed their perceptions of both herbaceous and woody perennials. Consumers placed greater relative importance on water source in production over water use in the landscape for both herbaceous and woody perennials included in this study. They preferred (had a higher utility score for) fresh water over recycled water and least preferred a blend of fresh with recycled water for perennials and recycled water used for woody perennial production. In addition, the group that did not perceive a drought but experienced one placed a higher value (higher utility score) on nursery plants grown with fresh water compared with those which were actually not in drought and did not perceive one. Educational and promotional efforts may improve the perception of recycled water to increase the utility of that resource. Promoting the benefits of low water use plants in the landscape may also facilitate plant sales in times of adequate and low water periods.}, number={1}, journal={HortTechnology}, publisher={American Society for Horticultural Science}, author={Knuth, Melinda and Behe, Bridget K. and Hall, Charles R. and Huddleston, Patricia and Fernandez, R. Thomas}, year={2018}, month={Feb}, pages={85–93} }
 @article{knuth_behe_hall_huddleston_fernandez_2018, title={Consumer Perceptions, Attitudes, and Purchase Behavior with Landscape Plants during Real and Perceived Drought Periods}, volume={53}, ISSN={0018-5345 2327-9834}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI12482-17}, DOI={10.21273/HORTSCI12482-17}, abstractNote={In the coming decades, no natural resource may prove to be more critical to human health and well-being than water. There is abundant evidence that the condition of water resources in many parts of the United States is deteriorating. In some regions of the country, the availability of sufficient water to meet growing domestic uses, and the future sufficiency of water to support the use of landscape plants where we live, work, and play is in doubt. Conservation through water efficiency measures and water management practices may be the best way to help resolve water problems. Yet, consumer perceptions and attitudes and behavior toward water conservation may differ widely, particularly in the presence of drought. This study sought to add to the current horticulture and water conservation literature by exploring consumer attitudes and behavior during real and perceived drought situations, especially in terms of their landscape purchases and gardening/landscaping activities. Study findings could better inform educational programs and marketing strategies, helping to ensure the future demand of Green Industry products and services. With a national sample of 1543 subjects, an online survey tool was used to classify respondents into categories based on whether they accurately perceived if the region in which they lived was experiencing drought. We hypothesized that consumers were heterogeneous in their attitudes and behavior regarding plants and water conservation, depending on their real and perceived drought situations, and that their attitudes affected their behavior regarding plant purchases. Results confirmed this hypothesis. Attitudes and behaviors for those who correctly perceived they were in drought were different from those who correctly perceived they were not in drought, as well as those who incorrectly did not perceive they were in an actual drought.}, number={1}, journal={HortScience}, publisher={American Society for Horticultural Science}, author={Knuth, Melinda and Behe, Bridget K. and Hall, Charles R. and Huddleston, Patricia T. and Fernandez, R. Thomas}, year={2018}, month={Jan}, pages={49–54} }
 @inproceedings{knuth_behe_hall_huddleston_fernandez_2018, title={Landscape importance components related to consumer active interest and passive disinterest in water conservation}, booktitle={American Society of Horticultural Sciences Annual Conference}, author={Knuth, M. and Behe, B.K. and Hall, C.R. and Huddleston, P.T. and Fernandez, R.T.}, year={2018} }
 @inproceedings{knuth_2017, title={Benefits of Plants}, booktitle={Cultivate Annual Conference}, author={Knuth, M.}, year={2017} }
 @inproceedings{knuth_behe_hall_huddleston_fernandez_2017, title={Demographic characteristics of interested and disinterested water conservers}, booktitle={American Society of Horticultural Sciences Annual Conference}, author={Knuth, M. and Behe, B.K. and Hall, C.R. and Huddleston, P.T. and Fernandez, R.T.}, year={2017} }
 @inproceedings{knuth_behe_hall_huddleston_fernandez_2017, title={Factors affecting water conservation attitudes}, booktitle={Horticultural Sciences Departmental Poster Symposium}, author={Knuth, M. and Behe, B.K. and Hall, C.R. and Huddleston, P.T. and Fernandez, R.T.}, year={2017} }
 @article{knuth_2017, title={Water Conservation Student Research}, journal={TNLA Green}, author={Knuth, M.}, year={2017}, month={Nov}, pages={19} }