Research
Jeffery Iles
Current Research
Dr. Iles conducts a nationally recognized applied research program committed to solving problems faced by the nursery, landscape, and tree care industry in Iowa and the Midwest. Highlights of his research accomplishments include:
Landscape Plant Evaluation – Evaluating landscape plant taxa for use in Iowa and the Midwest is an important component of Dr. Iles' research effort. Shade trees, shrubs, and flowering trees are evaluated for winter and summer hardiness, disease resistance, and aesthetic utility. Toward this end, Iles participates in the National Crabapple Evaluation Program, NC-7 Regional Ornamental Plant Trials, Landscape Plant Development Center, J. Frank Schmidt Nursery Trial Pack Program, and receives plants for evaluation from the U.S. National Arboretum. Results from these trials directly benefit commercial and consumer clients alike.
Invasive Landscape Plants – The prospect of introduced plants escaping cultivation to become invasive pests has caused concern among proponents and protectors of natural ecosystems, nursery and landscape professionals, and many others with only a peripheral knowledge of the potential problem. Although only a very small proportion of exotic (introduced) species escape cultivation, efforts to control these established populations are often difficult and costly. Dr. Iles, Dr. Mark Widrlechner (Plant Introduction Station/Department of Agronomy), Dr. Jan Thompson (Natural Resource Ecology and Management), and Dr. Philip Dixon (Department of Statistics) are currently working to develop/refine predictive models that assess the risk of naturalization posed by introduced landscape plants.
Landscape Plant Usage – Dr. Iles investigates landscape plant usage (among professionals and consumers). His findings provide useful information to the green industry, helping them better serve their increasingly sophisticated clients. Two studies recently completed, focusing on shade tree use in Iowa, and crabapple use across the United States, will assist growers and retailers of landscape plants as they formulate plant inventories for the future, and in turn, provide consumers with superior landscape plants.
Selected Publications
- Widrlechner, M.P., J.R. Thompson, J.K. Iles, and P.M. Dixon. 2004. Models for predicting the risk of naturalization of non-native woody plants in Iowa. J. Environ. Hort. 22(1):23-31.
- Iles, J.K. and A.M. Vold. 2003. Landscape tree cultivar preferences in Iowa. U.S. J. Arboric. 29(6):331-336.
- Romer, J.P., J.K. Iles, and C.L. Haynes. 2003. Selection preferences for crabapple cultivars and species. HortTechnology 13(3):522-526.
- Iles, J.K. 2003. The science and practice of stress reduction in managed landscapes. ISHS Acta Horticulturae 618: XXVI International Horticultural Congress: Environmental Stress and Horticulture Crops.
- Widrlechner, M.P. and J.K. Iles. 2002. A geographic assessment of the risk of naturalization of non-native woody plants in Iowa. J. Environ. Hort. 20(1):47-56.
- Dosmann, M.S., J.K. Iles, and M.P. Widrlechner. 2000. Stratification and light improve germination of katsura tree seed. HortTechnology 10(3):571-573.
- Iles, J.K. and M.S. Dosmann. 1999. Effect of organic and mineral mulches on soil properties and growth of Fairview FlameŽ red maple trees. J. Arboric 25(3):163-167.
- Dosmann, M.S., J.K. Iles, and W.R. Graves. 1999. Drought avoidance in katsura by drought-induced leaf abscission and rapid refoliation. HortScience 34(5):871-874.
- les, J.K., W.R. Graves, A.S. Aiello, C.L. Haynes, and K.E. Stone. 1998. Midwestern retail garden centers identify satisfaction/dissatisfaction with supplying wholesale nurseries. J. Environ. Hort. 16(4):243-247.
