• Position: Senior Biological Scientist
• Education:
  • B.S. Biology, Merrimack College, North Andover, MA
• M.S. Forest Biology, State University of New York, Syracuse, N.Y.
• Activities: Manage postharvest research program.
• Research Projects:
  • Cultural, genetic and environmental factors on postharvest quality and longevity of flowering potted plants.
  • Evaluate postharvest handling techniques of cut flowers.
  • Evaluation of 1-MCP and ethylene sensitivity of flowering potted plants.

Recent Publications:

• Leonard, R, T. Nell and A. Suzuki, 2000. Evaluation of long-term transport of Colombian grown cut flowers. Acta Horticulturae. 543: 293-297.
• Nell, T. and R. Leonard. 1999. Growing longer lasting bedding plants. GrowerTalks, August 1999. p. 104-118.
• Leonard, R., and T. Nell. 1998. Kalanchoes: Grow and ship right for long life. GrowerTalks. Dec. 1998. p. 78-84.
• Leonard, R., T. Nell, A. DeHertogh, and L. Gallitano. Lilies your customers will love. GrowerTalks. May 1998. p. 80-89.
• Nell, T., J. Barrett and R. Leonard. 1997. Production factors affecting the postproduction quality of flowering potted plants. HortScience: 32(5): 817-817.

Recent Presentations:

• A website for evaluating postproduction quality of Parade roses. 2000 American Society of Horticultural Science Annual International Conference and Exposition, Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
• Postharvest care and handling practices for cut poinsettia cv. 'Winter Rose Dark Red'. 2000 American Society of Horticultural Science Annual International Conference and Exposition, Lake Buena Vista, Florida.