Krishna Nemali, Sangrak Son, Jin Wei-Kocsis, Amanda Deering, and Lori Hoagland published their research article, “Smart Fertigation: Automated Fertilizer Application Based on Plant Growth Using Digital Sensors with IoT Capability,” in the journal PLOS ONE. The study evaluated a smart fertigation system that uses digital sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) technology to automatically regulate…Read more about Nemali Lab and Colleagues Published Smart Fertigation Study in PLOS ONE[Read More]
Dr. Celina Gómez‘s former visiting scholar, Siria Cárdenas, and current PhD student, Sungeun Lim, published their research in the Journal of Plant Growth Regulation. Their article,“A Comparison of Indoor and Greenhouse Acclimation of Lavender Cuttings: Effects of Monochromatic Blue Light and Daminozide Sprays,” examines how light quality and plant growth regulator treatments influence the acclimation…Read more about Gómez Lab Researchers Publish Study in Journal of Plant Growth Regulation[Read More]
Anna Paltseva and Shams Rahmani published a new paper introducing the Urban Soil Health Index, a 0–1 scoring framework that evaluates urban soils based on human health risks, environmental functions, and climate resilience. The tool can help planners and residents compare sites and make more informed decisions about gardens, parks, and climate adaptation projects. Read…Read more about New Publication from Anna Paltseva and Shams Rahmani[Read More]
Freddie Mildenhall (graduate student in the Varala Lab) completed an internship in the Regulatory and Stewardship Department at Corteva Agriscience’s Indianapolis headquarters. Freddie has returned to Purdue to finish his doctoral degree with a new perspective on the differences between plant biology in academia and industry. Graduate students interested in learning more about industry careers…Read more about Freddie Mildenhall Returns from Corteva Internship with New Insights into Industry Research[Read More]
As part of the International PhD Internship, PhD student Oshin Huamani Huaranca, together with her advisor, Dr. Lori Hoagland of Purdue’s Horticulture and Landscape Architecture Department, presented the results of their research into the role of Agricultural Innovation Systems in fostering innovation and technology among small farms in the United States at the Annual Conference…Read more about Oshin Huamani Huaranca and Dr. Lori Hoagland Share Small Farm Innovation Research at ASHS[Read More]
Miné van der Berg (graduate student in the Hoagland Lab) received a NC-SARE graduate student grant for her proposal titled “BIONIC Carrots: Biological Interactions of Native and Introduced Consortia in Carrots”. This project is investigating the potential for biochar and mycorrhizal inoculants to support the needs of vegetable farmers. The long-term goal is to determine…Read more about Miné van der Berg Receives NC-SARE Graduate Student Grant for BIONIC Carrots Research[Read More]
Dr. Lori Hoagland recently shared results from the Organic Farming Systems Project during the event, Science with a Social Purpose: Results and Opportunities of the UNSA–Purdue University Partnership, held July 30 at the Universidad Nacional de San Agustín (UNSA) in Arequipa, Peru. The project supports smallholder farmers in the Colca Valley by addressing challenges such…Read more about Dr. Hoagland Shares Organic Farming Research Impact in Peru[Read More]
Mario Muñoz and Maria Celeste Ortez of Purdue’s Horticulture Business Lab presented at the Agricultural & Applied Economics Association (AAEA) Annual Conference in Kansas City, July 26–28. Their presentation showcased how the Purdue HortCalculator can be used as a climate-adaptive financial decision tool to support decision-making in high-tunnel cut flower production.
Karen Sullivan (head gardener), MJ Smith and Isaac Thompson (student gardeners) and visited Ball Seed in West Chicago, Ill. on Friday, July 31st. they viewed acres of gardens and containers displaying current annuals and perennials produced by Ball Seed and their affiliates. They also toured their scientific research and plant diagnostic labs, propagation, seed processing, and…Read more about Student Gardeners Explore Ball Seed[Read More]
Sungeun Lim and Dr. Celina Gómez published a paper in HortScience: Species-Specific Responses of Ornamental Cuttings to Light Quality During Indoor Acclimation. The study is part of Sungeun’s doctoral research.





