Horticulture faculty members explore the frontiers of molecular biology, genomics, and fundamental plant processes in the laboratory and field, and plant function in large-scale landscapes and watersheds. Advances in genomics, robotics, and nanotechnology increase both the challenges and the rewards of scientific achievement. Our blend of scientific breakthroughs and horticultural research create new applications that move science and industry to greater productivity and sustainability while contributing to our teaching and Extension programs.
Research emphases in horticulture involve:
- plant genes, genetics, and genomics to improve horticultural crops
- plant product quality, disease resistance, and post-harvest improvement
- seed physiology
- soil and environmental health
- ecology of managed ecosystems
Teaching
Students seeking advanced degrees in horticulture or related sciences take graduate courses and conduct thesis research in collaboration with faculty both on and off campus. Professional activities include seminars, presentations at professional meetings, grant writing, and writing peer-refereed publications. Our graduates become professional faculty members and educators at universities in the United States as well as researchers and leaders in their respective countries or private industry.
Research accomplishments
Some of the research projects conducted by horticulture faculty include:
Human nutrition and health
- determination of the antioxidant potential of carotenoid and anthocyanin mutants of tomato
Stress and disease resistance
- creation of freeze-tolerant potatoes with C-repeat binding factor gene regulation
- development of cold- and salt-resistant tomato lines
- identification of DNA markers for eastern filbert blight resistance in hazelnuts
- discovery of a plant toxin that kills plant cells from white mold fungus, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
- mapping of the tomato genome for resistance against Botrytis cinerea
Genetic and Genomics of Grape Berry
- regulations of polyphenol and flavor compounds
- understanding of hormone pathways between rootstocks and scions
- identification of biomarkers assoiciated with berry quality
Signal transduction mechanisms in plants
- identification of molecular determinants of Sporophytic incompatibility in hazelnut
- selections of compatibe strains of broccoil for hybrid seed production
- understand role of plant receptor-like Kinase (RLK) family in plant growth, development, and reproduction using model and crop plants
- characterization of seed development, dormancy and germination in tomato and carrot
Tillage and soil management systems
- an “ecosystem services calculator” that values horticultural green space or environmental function for trading or investment purposes
- managing invasive species and beetle banks to improve ecological studies at a landscape or watershed scale
- discovery that hairy nightshade seeds are more dormant and less vigorous when buried near the surface during winter, thus reducing their emergence in no-till systems
- verification that reduced tillage increases seed predation of wild proso millet
- changing soil community structure and nitrogen cycling with alternative orchard floor management systems
New directions
- Study regulation or genetic enhancement of secondary metabolites such as antioxidants
- Determine genetic control mechanisms for disease resistance, product quality and nutritional attributes in vegetables and hazelnuts
- Investigate seed and bud dormancy or germination to improve plant performance
- Explore reproductive biology involving flowering, pollination, and seed or fruit development
- Investigate soil health and biology in various cropping systems, i.e., vegetables and tree fruits
Benefits
- Currently, 18 graduate students from six countries are enrolled in horticulture.
- Research faculty leverage state commodities and commission funds into an additional $3 million per year from external grants.
- Fundamental research creates ideas and applications that improve horticultural enterprises.
- Oregon industries and OSU research are known nationally and internationally.
- Faculty members integrate and apply knowledge to a thriving horticultural industry.
Faculty Dennis Albert | Courtesy faculty Gary Banowetz |