Hayk Khachatryan

0000-0003-2387-3624

Homeowners' Preferences for Smart Irrigation Systems and Features

Hayk Khachatryan, Alicia Rihn, Dong Hee Suh, and Michael Dukes

Drought conditions make landscape irrigation and reducing water use top-of-mind for many Floridians. Encouraging wise water use is of particular importance to the smart irrigation industry and water policy makers. This 5-page fact sheet pinpoints key attributes and barriers affecting consumers' irrigation purchases and their adoption of smart irrigation technologies.

Florida Consumer Preferences for Indoor Foliage Plant Attributes

Hayk Khachatryan and Alicia Rihn

Import Growth and the Impact on the Florida Strawberry Industry

Zhengfei Guan, Dong Hee Suh, Hayk Khachatryan, and Feng Wu

Household Water Usage and Irrigation Practices

Hayk Khachatryan, Alicia Rihn, and Michael Dukes

Does Eco-label Format Influence Consumers' Valuation of Fruit-Producing Plants?

Hayk Khachatryan, Alicia Rihn, and Xuan Wei

Consumer demand for environmentally friendly products has increased, and consumers are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly fruit-producing plants. With the increased demand, however, the number and variety of eco-labels describing the environmentally friendly qualities of plants has also increased, which could confuse consumers and decrease label effectiveness. Previous studies found that well-designed eco-labels improve consumer understanding, clarity, and choice. This article summarizes a study that addressed how different eco-label formats (text vs. logo) impact consumer visual attention, preferences, and valuations of fruit-producing plants.

Factors Affecting Consumer Preferences and Demand for Ornamental Plants

Hayk Khachatryan and Hee Jung Choi

Florida Consumer Preferences for Ornamental Landscape Plants

Hayk Khachatryan and Alicia Rihn

Are consumers interested in ornamental plants that benefit pollinator insects?

Hayk Khachatryan and Alicia Rihn

Toward Sustainable Urban Landscape Management: Floridians' Perceptions of Residential Landscapes and Their Maintenance Requirements

Hayk Khachatryan, Alicia Rihn, Xumin Zhang, and Michael Dukes

This 5-page fact sheet written by Hayk Khachatryan, Alicia Rihn, Xumin Zhang, and Michael Dukes and published by the UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department is the first in a series from the Sustainable Residential Landscape Project, a study conducted in 2016 to address perceptions of landscapes in Florida, different factors that could influence the adoption of more sustainable landscape options, and ways to promote sustainable landscaping options.

Eye-Tracking Methodology and Applications in Consumer Research

Hayk Khachatryan and Alicia L. Rihn

The Other Side of the Story: Greenhouse and Nursery Producers' Perceptions about Neonicotinoid Insecticides and Pollinator Friendly Labeling

Hayk Khachatryan, Xuan Wei, and Alicia Rihn

This article summarizes producers’ perceptions about neonicotinoid insecticide labeling required for ornamental plants, as well as the potential changes in production practices due to the new labeling policy requirement.

Effectiveness of Retail Promotions in the Green Industry by Age Group: A Case Study

Hayk Khachatryan and Alicia Rihn

In the horticulture industry, age has frequently been used to divide and quantify gardeners.  Consequently, identifying how different age groups respond to in-store marketing efforts could aid in capturing additional market share and ultimately improve green industry performance and profitability. In this report, results from a study investigating in-store signage and plant tag information are shared.  Specifically, similarities and differences between younger and older consumers and their visual attention to point-of-sale (POS) information is explored.  Results provide a deeper understanding of how end consumers use POS information while determining their purchases in the retail center. Overall, this EDIS publication is intended to aid green industry growers, marketing intermediaries, and retailers as they design their in-store marketing materials. 

Are consumers knowledgeable about neonicotinoid insecticides and pollinator-friendly plants?

Hayk Khachatryan, Xuan Wei, and Alicia Rihn

Who Is Interested in Purchasing Smart Irrigation Systems?

Hayk Khachatryan, Alicia Rihn, Caroline R. Warwick, and Michael Dukes

US Consumer Preferences for Home Lawn Fertilizers

Hayk Khachatryan, Alicia Rihn, and Michael Dukes

Floridian Consumer Perceptions of Local Versus Organic Ornamental Plants

Hayk Khachatryan and Alicia Rihn

Consumer and Producer Perceptions and Preferences for Pollinator-Friendly Labeling Practices in the US Green Industry

Hayk Khachatryan, Xuan Wei, and Alicia Rihn

Floridian Households’ Perceptions of Florida-Friendly Landscapes

Hayk Khachatryan, Alicia Rihn, Xumin Zhang, and Michael Dukes

This report summarizes Floridian homeowners’ perceptions of Florida-Friendly Landscapes, which aim to reduce inputs and costs while improving environmental health. Written by Hayk Khachatryan, Alicia Rihn, Xumin Zhang, and Michael Dukes, and published by the UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department, May 2021.

Florida Pest Management Industry Economic Contributions Report

Hayk Khachatryan, Xuan Wei, and Christa D. Court

Florida's pest management industry is one of the nation’s leaders, accounting for more than 14 percent of pest management establishments in 2021. Among other services, this industry provides insect extermination and control, bedbug extermination, mosquito control, termite extermination and control, and rodent control and extermination. The market share concentration of the Florida pest management industry has increased due to consolidation during the past decade, but the general concentration within the industry has remained relatively low. Most operators are midsize or small and strategically located near densely populated areas. To estimate economic contributions of the Florida pest management industry for the most recent fiscal year, we sent survey questionnaires to more than 3,500 pest control firms and received responses from 764 of them. We then conducted an economic contribution analysis using the IMPLAN© regional economic modeling system and associated databases.

Florida Nursery and Landscape Industry Economic Contributions Report

Hayk Khachatryan, Melinda Knuth, Alan Hodges, and Charlie Hall

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.

Profitability of Citrus Tree Greenhouse Production Systems in Florida

Carlos Solis, Hayk Khachatryan, and Richard Beeson

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Farm Economics, entrepreneurship, and management

Pest Management Practices in the US Ornamental Horticulture Industry: Use of Neonicotinoid and Non-Neonicotinoid Insecticides

Hayk Khachatryan, Xuan Wei, and Alicia Rihn

This article summarizes ornamental plant producers’ current production practices with a specific emphasis on their use of neonicotinoid and non-neonicotinoid insecticides. Written by Hayk Khachatryan, Xuan Wei, and Alicia Rihn, and published by the UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department, July 2021.

Plant Selection Behavior and Promotion Use by Garden Center Customers

Hayk Khachatryan, Alicia Rihn, and Xuan Wei

This study explores the relationship between consumers’ plant selection behavior (i.e., shopping behavior) and ways that promotions affect subsequent activities. Written by Hayk Khachatryan, Alicia Rihn, and Xuan Wei, and published by the UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department, May 2021.

Making Action Easier: Behavioral Economics and Nudges for Extension Professionals

Laura A. Warner, Kathryn A. Stofer, and Hayk Khachatryan

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: ==Special Handling==

Consumer Preferences for Florida-Grown Blueberries Part 1: Florida Fresh Blueberry Consumer Behavior—Insights on Shopping Locations, Frequency, and Spending

Younghyeon Jeon, Hayk Khachatryan, Xuan Wei, and Doug Phillips

Fresh blueberries have become one of Florida’s fastest-growing agricultural products. This growth aligns with growing consumer interest in local foods. Florida blueberry producers are capitalizing on demand by marketing their products with distinctive branding, particularly the Fresh From Florida logo. State production has met demand, but the Florida blueberry market faces challenges from imports from Mexico and Peru and from other US states. This publication is the first in a series designed to help local growers differentiate Florida-grown fresh blueberries in an increasingly competitive marketplace. It describes research into consumers’ purchasing preferences and awareness of locally grown fresh blueberries and identifies additional labels that can add value to existing ones to strengthen the competitive advantage of Florida-grown blueberries and attract more consumers.

Estimating Return on Investment (ROI) for a Behavior Change: An Evaluation Tool for Extension Programs

Amanda D. Ali, Laura A. Warner, and Hayk Khachatryan

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: ==Special Handling==

Florida Nursery and Landscape Industry Characteristics Report

Hayk Khachatryan, Melinda Knuth, Alan Hodges, Charlie Hall

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.

Advertising and Promotions in the US Green Industry

Hayk Khachatryan, Alicia Rihn, Marco A. Palma, and Charles R. Hall

US firms that sell nursery and garden products have become more interested in effective advertising and promotion strategies. A major question for these green industry firms is how to stimulate additional sales. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Hayk Khachatryan, Alicia Rihn, Marco A. Palma, and Charles R. Hall, and published by the UF Department of Food and Resource Economics, August 2014.

Floriculture Crops Economic Outlook for 2014

Hayk Khachatryan, Alan W. Hodges, and Shawn Steed

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Farm Economics, entrepreneurship, and management

Production Costs and Profitability for Select Greenhouse Grown Annual Bedding Plants: Partial Enterprise Budgeting and Sensitivity Analysis

Hayk Khachatryan and Xuan Wei

The objective of the research described in this publication was to estimate the cost of greenhouse production for selected annual bedding plants and help growers to determine how the particular crop they are growing influences profitability.

An Introduction to Florida Commodity Enterprise Budgets: A Tool to Improve Farm Business Planning

Kimberly L. Morgan, Tara Wade, Kevin Athearn, Chris Prevatt, Ariel Singerman, Edward “Gilly” Evans, Trent Blare, Hayk Khachatryan, and Zhengfei Guan

Enterprise budgets help farmers and ranchers estimate expenses, potential revenue, and profit. UF/IFAS provides enterprise budgets for a variety of Florida-grown commodities. These are typically built collaboratively by economists, horticulturists and agronomists, ranchers, and growers. This publication highlights key aspects of the enterprise budget as a planning tool for farm businesses. Includes links to UF/IFAS enterprise budgets and related documents specific to several Florida commodities.

Economic Impacts of Highway Beautification in Florida

Hayk Khachatryan, Alan W. Hodges, Mohammad Rahmani, and Thomas J. Stevens

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Citizen awareness of food systems and the environment

Does consumers' awareness impact their purchase likelihood of neonic-free plants?

Hayk Khachatryan and Alicia Rihn

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Farm Economics, entrepreneurship, and management

H-2A Workers in Demand in the Ornamental Horticulture Industry

Xuan Wei, Benjamin L. Campbell, Hayk Khachatryan, and Robin G. Brumfield

The US agricultural industry depends on immigrant farm labor, particularly in the specialty crop sector where tasks like harvesting require a lot of labor. Most US farmworkers are from other countries, and almost half are not authorized to work in the United States.  The importance of immigrant labor in meeting the demand for workers in the nursery and floriculture production sector has been further highlighted with this industry's recent growth. This publication offers an overview of the increasing demand for H-2A workers in the ornamental horticulture industry, examines growers' challenges, and explores the underlying factors affecting workers’ participation in the H-2A program. It guides industry stakeholders to monitor changes in immigration policies and labor regulations, including the H-2A program and to adjust labor management practices accordingly. It includes strategies to address  labor challenges and remain competitive in the marketplace.

Marketing Florida-Friendly Landscapes to Florida Homeowners

Hayk Khachatryan, Alicia Rihn, and Caroline R. Warwick

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet for Homeowner audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Urban Water

Using Economic Incentives to Encourage Sustainable Alternative Residential Landscaping Practices in Florida

Hayk Khachatryan, Alicia Rihn, Xumin Zhang, and Michael Dukes

This report is the third in a series from the Sustainable Residential Landscape Project. This report summarizes Floridian homeowners’ interest in and response to economic incentives to encourage the installation of more sustainable alternative residential landscapes based on a survey. Written by Hayk Khachatryan, Alicia Rihn, Xumin Zhang, and Michael Dukes, and published by the UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department, July 2022.

Florida Consumer Perception of the Fresh from Florida Campaign on Horticulture Plants

Hayk Khachatryan and Alicia Rihn

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Citizen awareness of food systems and the environment

Production Costs and Profitability for Selected Greenhouse-Grown Perennial Plants: Partial Enterprise Budgeting and Sensitivity Analysis

Hayk Khachatryan and Xuan Wei

The purpose of this study is to present practical enterprise budgets and help growers to determine how the particular crop they are growing influences profitability. Written by Hayk Khachatryan and Xuan Wei, and published by the UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department, July 2022.