Applied Plant Sciences Ph.D.

Students conduct research to increase their knowledge of cropping systems and weed science, including alternative approaches and management strategies. Emphasis is on improving production efficiency and profitability in an environmentally sound approach that benefits society. Mechanisms of crop physiology and ecology underlying plant responses to the environment are a particular emphasis of this track.

Courses listed within agroecology/agronomy, plant biology, and ecology/plant pathology/soil science groups are provided as a guide for students and faculty. Other specialization courses can be substituted with agreement of the advisor, the advisory committee, and director of graduate studies.

Coursework should total at least 30 credits.

Students conduct research related to fruits, vegetables, potatoes, flowers, ornamental trees and shrubs, or turf; and on the physiology, production, environmental impact of cropping systems, and use of horticultural crops. Research areas include the effect of horticultural commodities on human health, hormonal, and stress physiology; flower development and flowering physiology; integrated pest management; post harvest physiology; and cropping system strategies. Students get a broad range of experiences in the field, greenhouse, and/or laboratory using genetic, molecular, biochemical, and ecological tools to answer research questions.

Courses listed within Cross Commodity Horticulture and Commodity-based Horticulture groups are provided as a guide for students and faculty. Other specialization courses can be substituted with agreement of the advisor, the advisory committee, and director of graduate studies.

Coursework should total at least 30 credits.

This track allows students to select from genetic research projects ranging from applied plant breeding projects emphasizing breeding procedures and methodologies to molecular genetic projects doing biotechnology, genetic engineering, and genomic research in agronomic and horticultural crops. These research projects give students the opportunity to integrate the latest developments in the laboratory with applied applications in the field to reach the overarching goal of developing new germplasm that will improve the sustainability of our food/feed/fiber/fuel systems.

Courses listed within Plant Breeding and Genetics & Genomics groups are provided as a guide for students and faculty. Other specialization courses can be substituted with agreement of the advisor, the advisory committee, and director of graduate studies.

Coursework should total at least 30 credits.

Students who choose to pursue the PhD without a specialization track must complete the APS required core curriculum and at least one course from these three areas: genetics and plant breeding; organismal biology; and cropping systems, communities, and commodities.

Courses listed within each of the areas are provided as a guide for students and faculty. Other specialization courses can be substituted with agreement of the advisor, the advisory committee, and director of graduate studies.

Coursework should total at least 30 credits.