Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Extension

Florida’s environmental horticulture industry is an important contributor to the state’s economy, employment, and rural development. Growers face challenges including devastating diseases, temperature stresses, and biological invasiveness. Dr. Chen's program focuses on integrated water and nutrient management for foliage plant production, as well as plant quality improvement during propagation, production, and interiorscape; Dr. Clark’s program focuses on breeding new Coleus and basil cultivars; Dr. Deng's program focuses on breeding new cultivars of Caladium, gerbera, and lantana; and Dr. Freyre’s program focuses on breeding of new Ruellia cultivars that are not invasive by seed dispersal.

Faculty