Research project SIER+: multipurpose ornamental plants with added value as source of food and ecosystem services

General introduction

Which ornamental plants can contribute to which ecosystem services (e.g. pollen and/or nectar supply for pollinating insects) and possess which nutritional potential (edible berries, flowers, leaves)? For the assortment of woody garden plants (= shrubs and bushes) the scientifically based knowledge on this appears to be largely lacking so far. Ornamental tree growers, garden designers, and landscapers feel the demand for ornamental plants with added functional value is increasing, driven by climate change, concern for biodiversity in urban and rural areas, and attention to it in a growing number of local sustainable food production systems. ILVO researchers address this useful knowledge question. The goal of the SIER+ project is to evaluate, quantify and economically valorize the functional added value of woody ornamental plants.

Research approach

The researchers are creating a publicly accessible plant database with informative plant sheets on the functional added value of different species and their cultivars. A standardized methodology will be developed to determine the ecosystem services of ornamental shrubs for pollinating insects. Ditto for determining the nutritional potential of ornamental shrubs for humans. An important work package will be the dissemination of knowledge. This is done through the plant database, study days, trial field visits, lectures, videos, and demo gardens, among other things.

Relevance/Valorization

This project provides ornamental tree growers and the broader green space industry with objective and reliable information regarding the functional added value of their ornamental plant assortment. It enables companies to credibly and reliably promote and market products on their multifunctional added value. Through a partnership with VLAM, the plant database will be publicly accessible to tree growers, landscapers and end consumers alike. Breeders will be able to further use this information to develop new cultivars that combine high ornamental value with significant functional added value towards biodiversity or nutrition.

Financing

VLAIO