Jennifer Boldt
Assistant Professor

USDA Agricultural Research Service
419-530-2225
jennifer.boldt@usda.gov

My research seeks to improve crop production in controlled environments through environmental and cultural management.  Main focus areas include modeling photosynthetic responses to light, temperature, and CO2; silicon application to enhance abiotic and biotic stress tolerance; and development of Virtual Grower, a decision-support tool to model greenhouse heating and supplemental lighting costs.

Erik Runkle
Professor

Michigan State University
517-353-0350
runkleer@msu.edu

My primary research activities advance understanding of temperature effects on flowering and photosynthesis to increase high and/or low temperature tolerance. My research also focuses on how to increase natural plant defenses to decrease pesticide use. Short term efforts focus on controlling plants flowering, identifying ways to reduce inputs or energy, and identifying new heat or drought tolerant ornamental plants. Taken together, my research aims to enhance temperature tolerance, reduce chemical and pesticide application, identify new floriculture products, and reduce production inputs to allow local growers to compete effectively in a worldwide market.

Roberto Lopez
Associate Professor

Department of Horticulture
Michigan State University
1066 Bogue St., Room A230, East Lansing, MI 48824
517-353-0342
rglopez@msu.edu

Our research focuses on propagation and production of young and finish plants (floriculture, leafy green and herbs) in greenhouses, growth rooms/containers, warehouse-based plant factories, and vertical farms. Our primary emphasis is on how light (quantity, quality, and duration), substrate and air temperature, and carbon dioxide in controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) production influences crop timing, rooting, yield, quality, flavor, nutrition, and subsequent performance.

James Altland

USDA Agricultural Research Service
330-263-3870
james.altland@usda.gov

My research addresses how management and amendments affect container substrate chemical and physical properties and weed management in container systems.  Current work is evaluating the utility of biochar on substrate properties and plant growth and developing tools for weed control in herbicide-sensitive crops or sites where herbicides are not registered (in greenhouses, for example).