Horticulture Research
The Department of Horticulture has 25 tenure track faculty members, three Research Associates, and an Extension Associate working on various aspects of horticultural crops and environmental issues. Our horticulture research is centered on five general areas: genetics and breeding, the adaptation of new technologies for the efficient production of horticultural crops, the physiology of horticultural plants, the post-production handling and marketing of horticultural plants, and the effects of root zone ecology on horticultural plants.
Research in genetics and breeding involves the genetics, biochemistry and molecular biology of biotic and abiotic stress tolerance on horticultural plants to develop and improve horticultural plants.
Our research on the adaptation of new technologies for the efficient production of horticultural crops centers on crops ranging from tree fruits to Christmas trees and flowering greenhouse crops. The technologies studied include efficient water and fertilizer application, modification and computer control of crop environments, crop modeling, and the integrated use of biological and chemical strategies for pest and weed control and growth regulation of crop plants. The program focuses on water quality, the transformation and regeneration protocols of horticulture crops, and the marketing and consumer acceptance of horticultural products and production practices.
The physiology of horticultural plants program studies hormone physiology and action along with the genetic engineering of plants by incorporating specific growth-regulating genes. Research is also being performed on genetic regulation of assimilate biosynthesis and transfer in maize, the molecular biology of ethylene responses, and secondary metabolite production.
In our post-production handling and marketing of horticultural plants program, emphases include the post-harvest handling and CA storage of fruits, vegetables and flowers; the post-production longevity of containerized flower crops; and studies of consumer behavior toward floral products.
In the department's study of the effects of root zone ecology on horticultural plants, focus is placed on root architecture and distribution, below-ground carbon allocation plant nutritional responses, and mycorrhizal symbiosis. Research also includues the genetic control of root architecture and its role in phosphorous uptake for increasing yield in crops.
