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Research Concentrations at the
Otis L. Floyd Nursery Research Center
Currently, there are four research concentrations at the Nursery
Research Center: entomology (TSU), plant pathology (TSU), plant breeding
(USDA/ARS), and horticulture (USDA/ARS). A number of ad hoc
grant-funded programs exist also.
Entomology
Principal Investigator: Dr. Jason
Oliver
TSU Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Research
Research Associate: Mr. Nadeer Youssef
TSU Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Research
The goal of this research is to identify and address the major insect
problems of field production nurseries in the southeastern United
States. Currently, problems associated with Japanese beetle, fire ant,
Asian ambrosia beetle, flatheaded appletree borer, clearwing borer, and
European hornet are being investigated. This research stresses the
development of methods to reduce insect populations to a point where
they are no longer an economic threat to the nursery industry. Research
is being conducted to determine the best chemical, biological and
cultural controls to be incorporated into management programs.
Plant
Pathology
Principal Investigator: Dr.
Margaret Mmbaga
TSU Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Research
Plant pathology research at the NRC is focused on integrated disease
management of powdery mildew in nursery crops. Objectives of this
research include understanding the epidemiology of the disease,
examining alternatives to traditional fungicides for powdery mildew
control, identifying sources of powdery mildew resistance, and
developing an integrated powdery mildew management system that is
applicable to other nursery crops.
Plant
Breeding
Project Leader: Dr.
Sandra Reed
USDA/ARS National Arboretum
Technical Support: Ms.
Suzanne Overbey
USDA/ARS National Arboretum
The breeding and genetics project is focused on the development of new
cultivars that will benefit commercial growers and consumers. Genera
being emphasized in this project are Cornus, Hydrangea,
Clethra, and Styrax. Breeding goals include disease
resistance, insect resistance, tolerance to environmental stress, and
improved horticultural characteristics. The improved cultivars will be
of economic benefit to growers through increased sales and reduced
production costs, plus their use will reduce the need for pesticides in
the environment. The new cultivars will also satisfy consumer demand for
new and different types of plants.
Horticulture
Project Leader: Dr. Donna
Fare
USDA/ARS National Arboretum
Technical Support: Ms.
Sue Scholl
USDA/ARS National Arboretum
The horticulture project at the TSU Nursery Crop Research Station
addresses production and propagation issues of importance to the nursery
industry. Emphasis is focused in addressing culture practices with field
and container production, including propagation techniques and
production systems with environmentally friendly processes, investigate
the impact of environmental stress on growth and development of
ornamental crops, and evaluate traditional and new nursery crops for
production and landscape potential. This research project will provide
nursery producers with information to maximize productivity in an
environmentally friendly and efficient manner.
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Research Concentrations