Terril A. Nell
Professor & Chairman
Floriculture

Phone: (352) 392-1831 x 377
FAX: (352) 392-3870
E-Mail: tnell@mail.ifas.ufl.edu

Ph.D. Horticulture, Michigan State Univ. 1977
M.S. Horticultural Sciences, North Carolina State University 1973
B.S. Ornamental Horticulture, Auburn University 1971

Terril A. Nell provides guidance and focus for faculty teaching, research and extension programs and vision for the future development of Environmental Horticulture programs in Florida. Program development involves interaction with research and education center directors for implementation of program goals. His research program in postproduction longevity of floriculture crops addresses production, transport and retail/consumer conditions affecting flowering potted plant quality.

Current Research Interests: Senescence of flowering potted plants has become an important scientific issue and industry priority over the last 10 - 15 years. The factors involved in the enhancement of the postproduction performance of flowering potted plants is of primary concern since plants must last 2 - 4 weeks under interior conditions following several days of transport. The University of Florida has built the best interior plant evaluation facilities in the U.S. for potted plant postproduction research. Research specialty includes production,transport, retail and consumer factors affecting the postproduction longevity and performance of flowering potted plants. This research program is designed to identify commercial practices and physiological factors which will optimize the performance of flowering potted plants for consumers. Specific studies vary with plant genera/species including the effects of factors such as production fertilizer, light and temperature,transport temperature and duration and retail temperature, light and exposure to ethylene on longevity. Previous research has demonstrated that longevity can be extended by modifications in fertilization programs, cultivar selection, transport and retail conditions. Light compensation point has not been associated with postproduction performance but carbohydrates appear to be related to delayed senescence under certain conditions.Relationship of physiological changes, i.e. carbohydrates,hormones, and respiration rate to longevity and senescence, are incorporated into the evaluations. Current studies involve modification of cultural practices and use of proteins as an indicator of flowering potted plant senescence.

Selected Publications:

Nell, TA 1991. Floriculture worldwide - Issues for the 1990's.Floriculture International 1 (1):26-27.

Nell, TA, Barrett, JE, and Leonard, RT 1989. Fertilization termination influences postharvest performance of pot chrysanthemum. HortScience 24: 996-998.

Nell, TA, Leonard, RT, and Barrett, JE 1990. Production and Postproduction Irradiance Affects Acclimatization and Longevity of Potted Chrysanthemum and Poinsettia. J. Amer.Soc. Hort. Sci. 115(2): 262-265.

Nell, TA and Noordegraaf, CV 1991. Simulated Transport,Postproduction Irradiance Influence Postproduction Performance of Potted Roses. HortScience 26(11): 1401-1404

Nell, TA and Noordegraaf, CV 1992. Postproduction performance of potted rose under simulated transport and low irradiance levels. HortScience 27(3): 239-241.