A study by HLA graduate student Jeanine Arana and faculty Stephen Meyers and Wenjing Guan has been published in HortTechnology. The article evaluates 15 June-bearing strawberry cultivars grown in a two-year plasticulture system using black and white mulch in Indiana. Findings highlight how mulch color and cultivar choice influence yield, runner growth, and winter survival,[Read More…]
Dr. Kranthi Varala gave a seminar at Purdue’s Department of Botany & Plant Pathology earlier this week. His talk, “A brief history of CBFS and evidence for a role in reglation of photosynthetic Machinery,” highlighted how CBF transcription factors, long known for cold stress response, also play a role in regulating photosynthesis—explaining their strong conservation[Read More…]
Dr Avtar K Handa was a Keynote speaker at the Indian Horticulture Congress-2025 and International Meet on Horticulture for Inclusive, equitable and sustainable Growth. This conference was organized by Indian Academy of Horticultural Sciences and was held at University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK Campus, Bengaluru, India from November 06-09, 2025. The topic for Professor Handa[Read More…]
This week, students in HORT 10100 enjoyed a field trip to Bennett’s Greenhouse and Garden Center, a family-owned retail horticultural operation in Lafayette. The visit offered a unique behind-the-scenes look at how a local business manages its greenhouse and garden center, providing valuable insights into retail horticulture practices. Students toured the facilities, learned about day-to-day[Read More…]
The evolution of seeds transformed life on earth and is responsible for our most important food crops. Gymnosperms, the oldest living seed plants, are an untapped genomic reservoir for genes involved in seed evolution. Our gymnosperm data identifies unreported candidate ovule regulated genes in Arabidopsis. Our work provides a resource for seed gene discovery, conservation,[Read More…]
This week, the Hoagland Lab attended the CANVAS conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. Cristian Salinas presented on the role of vertically transmitted microbiome in induced systemic resistance in tomato. Miné van der Berg presented on microbial modulation of toxic element uptake in edible greens. Kayla Quintero presented a poster on the relationship between a[Read More…]
Purdue Administrative Operations spotlighted an exciting collaboration between the Grounds Department and HORT 317 students. This year’s project transformed the area around the newly renovated University Hall, giving students hands-on experience in plant selection, installation, and maintenance. The effort not only enhanced campus beauty but also bridged classroom learning with real-world practice. Read more: Grounds[Read More…]
The Horticulture Crops Weed Science Lab published pumpkin research in the December issue of HortTechnology, available online now. The research investigated the potential of currently unregistered herbicides to control marestail in no-till jack o’lantern pumpkin production. The findings will be used to support expanded herbicide registrations to help pumpkin farmers better manage this glyphosate-resistant weed.[Read More…]
Students in HORT 370: Professional Floral Arranging have taken on a creative challenge: design a beautiful flower arrangement using just $20. The results are stunning — and now it’s time to vote for your favorite! Each arrangement showcases the students’ design skills, resourcefulness, and eye for beauty. The student whose arrangement receives the most votes[Read More…]