AFE Research Director inducted into the Floriculture Hall of Fame

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) is excited to celebrate and recognise Research Director, Terril Nell, Ph.D., AAF for his recent induction into the 2023 Society of American Florists (SAF) Floriculture Hall of Fame. Dr. Nell was awarded this accolade at SAF’s 2023 Annual Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Floriculture Hall of Fame is the American industry’s highest honour. It is designed to recognise and encourage the highest standards of service and professional responsibility in members of the floral industry. The goals of this award are to: provide appropriate recognition honoring those men and women of sound moral character and high integrity who have made outstanding and lasting contributions to the advancement of floriculture as an integral part of the American way of life; and to ensure the perpetuation of the memories of such men and women by enshrining their good works in a manner befitting their contributions.

Dr. Nell has spent his entire career working for the benefit of the floral industry. He retired as Professor Emeritus of Floriculture after a 35-year tenure at the University of Florida, where he served as Chair of the Environmental Horticulture Department from 1991–2012.

His research program focused on the production and postharvest handling of flowering potted plants and fresh-cut flowers. He developed the University of Florida flower postharvest program in 1983, concentrating on developing protocols to improve potted plant and cut flower performance for growers, shippers, wholesale and retail florists, and interior plantscapers.

His research has led to the development of best practices and advances within the floral industry leading to improved flower and plant longevity. He has consulted for growers, wholesalers, and retailers nationally and internationally for over 40 years. A highly respected care and handling expert, Dr. Nell co-authored the Flower and Plant Care Manual produced by the Society of American Florists and Flowering Potted Plants: Prolonging Freshness by Ball Publishing.