Product History

MicroKote® was introduced to the USA Horticultural market in 2007 by research and nursery professional Mark Crawford of NIPAN LLC. Mark has an extensive knowledge and love of plants. He holds a Masters degree in Plant Pathology from the University of Arkansas and has considerable experience in agricultural research positions. He spent 8 years working on staff at the Auburn University Agricultural research department, and over 16 years as the Manager of R&D Services for Griffin Corporation, an agricultural chemical company. Mark is the founder and owner of NIPAN LLC and Loch Laurel Nursery both based in South Georgia. NIPAN develops and sells specialty products for agricultural and ornamental markets, and Loch Laurel Nursery grows premier, hard to find Camellia selections not available at other nurseries. Mark is also a key and active member of the American Camellia Society and the International Plant Propagators Society.

NIPAN has teamed with Michigan based Horticulture Specialties Inc., which is a wholesale supplier of specialty products to the green industry. The company is owned by Georgia native and Michigan transplant Jay Adcock, who has lifetime exposure to agriculture. Jay grew up farming with his father and grandfather in rural south Georgia, while working summers at the University of Georgia Agricultural research station in Tifton. He graduated from Abraham Baldwin College and Valdosta State University with a degree in Agricultural Business, and met Mark Crawford while also working at Griffin Corporation. During his time at Griffin, he began work in R&D as a Field Biologist and eventually became the USA Ornamental Sales Manager. Additionally, Jay is currently President of the Southeast Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association and sits on the board. Jay and Mark have been friends since their R&D days at Griffin and share a love of plants and a better way of growing them.

Hort Specialties Inc. and NIPAN LLC have partnered with Kecoat LLC of Garrettsville, Ohio for custom application of MicroKote® on Nursery Containers and Propagation Trays. If interested in custom applications, please contact us for more information.