Phone: (352) 392-1831 x 370
FAX: (352) 392-3870
E-Mail: dclark@mail.ifas.ufl.edu

Ph.D. Horticulture, The Pennsylvania State University 1994
M.S. Horticulture, Clemson University 1990
B.S. Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Design, The University of Tennessee 1988

The research in our laboratory is directed toward genetic engineering of floriculture crops for improved horticultural performance during production and postharvest handling. Our specific interests are in the areas of postharvest physiology, and molecular biology of ethylene biosynthesis and sensitivity in flowers. The main goal of our laboratory is to utilize information gained from molecular and physiological experiments to help solve real-life problems in greenhouse grown floriculture crops – ie. we want to be the link between basic and applied science. In reaching our goals, we hope to determine the commercial viability of genetically engineered floriculture crops by assessing the attributes and limitations of genetically engineered floriculture crops in commercial scale greenhouse experiments.