IA Nurseryman’s Research Corp.

The Iowa Nurserymen’s Research Corp. was organized in 1954 with a primary function of introducing new plant material developed by Iowa State University. Since that time I.N.R.C. has introduced the following:

Black Hawk Raspberry (1955)–A real winner to start the program. Black Hawk continues to be one of the top black caps.

Jonadel Apple (1956)–This Jonathan X Red Delicious cross has excellent quality and outstanding red color.

Cyclone Strawberry (Dr. E.L. Denison, 1960)–Still a popular June-bearing variety for the Midwest.

Chieftain Apple (1968)–a progeny of a cross between Jonathan and Red Delicious. An apple you can eat in October and one you can store all winter. Preferred by consumers over both its parents. Excellent for cooking.

Amethyst Raspberry (Dr. E.L. Denison, 1969)–One of the best purple raspberries in the country.

Stoplight Strawberry (Dr. E.L. Denison, 1970)–Excellent June-bearing variety that ripens in a concentrated time period.

Pink Princess Weigela (Dr. Jack L. Weigle, 1975)–One of the hardiest weigela varieties. Grows up to 6 feet tall, attractive deep green foliage with reddish-purple margins and stems. Bright pink flowers cover each branch from mid-May into June.

Sunrise Forsythia (Dr. Jack L. Weigle, 1981)–Neat and compact plant, only 4 to 6 feet tall. Bright green foliage turns an attractive purplish-mahogany in autumn. Very consistent bloomer with bright yellow flowers in early spring.

Red Prince Weigela (Dr. Jack L. Weigle, 1984)–Medium size shrub growing up to 6 feet tall, rather upright when young becoming more arching with maturity. Pure, bright red flowers that do not fade or become “purplish” with age and a strong tendency for secondary bloom. Excellent winter hardiness.

White Knight Weigela (P.P. X 8348) (Dr. Jack L. Weigle, 1994)–Well branched, medium growing up to 6 feet tall. Very heavy bloomer, white flowers with pink tips in May-June and a very good secondary bloom in August.

The I.N.R.C. has allocated over $18,450.00 to Iowa State University for research projects. Donated $25,000.00 to The Horticulture Research Institute (H.R.I.) to establish the “Silver Circle Iowa Nursery and Landscape Research Fund” (in 1998). Donated $5,000 to the Landscape Plant Development Center targeted to their new Pyrus (Ornamental Pear) evaluation program.

Although our basic function is funding the development of new varieties and the introduction of these varieties, the I.N.R.C. has also funded or helped fund the following research projects at Iowa State University.

Research Projects Initiated at Iowa State University and Funded by The Iowa Nurserymen’s Research Corporation:

From the statistics above you can see your Research Corporation has been active and productive. But we cannot rest on last year’s laurels. We are really just getting sufficient monies in the treasury to make an impact on research at I.S.U. We need to keep evaluating shrub and tree selections at the Horticulture Farm for future income for new research.

Your input is vital if we are to enhance the growth and well being of the Iowa nursery industry. Please contribute your ideas and suggestions to this all-important process. We need to work together to build and maintain a strong commitment to ensure the continued success and growth of the Iowa nursery industry.

The following firms have been instrumental in royalty payments in the last year. We are indebted to them for their commitment.