Research

Research in the Department of Horticulture is very comprehensive, spanning the entire continuum from basic to applied research to address the long-term and immediate needs of Pennsylvania’s diverse horticultural industries. Horticultural research is often interdisciplinary and international, encompassing disciplines such as genetics and molecular biology, plant breeding, ecology, plant physiology, crop production, green roof technology, organic practices, post-harvest physiology and marketing of horticultural products.  Research addresses all horticultural commodities, such as vegetables, tree fruits, berry crops, greenhouse crops, woody ornamentals and herbaceous ornamentals.

Areas of Research

• Ornamental Horticulture
• Vegetable and Fruit Crop Production
• Genetics and Breeding
• Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology
• Root Biology
• Plant Ecophysiology
  

Faculty Research

Many of our faculty maintain research lab Web sites highlighting their research programs and facilities. Our well-equipped laboratories and state-of-the-art equipment support a broad range of study.

• Dr. Berghage - Green Roof Research
• Dr. Koide - Horticultural Ecology
• Dr. Eissenstat - Root Ecology
• Drs. Lynch and Brown - Roots
• Dr. Guiltinan - Agricultural Biotechnology
• Vegetative Management