Leveraging landscape architecture for conservation
Alumna Juliahna Mistretta pursues international master’s degree
Digital agriculture
Yin Bao focuses his research on creating novel technologies that make people's lives easier
Problems with rocket salad
UD research finds plants more susceptible to bacterial infections in space
DEPARTMENT OF PLANT AND SOIL SCIENCES
We have excellent teaching, research, and outreach programs in the areas of plant biology (cellular, genetics, genomics, microbial, molecular and physiology), agronomy (including pathology, soil management and weed science), horticulture (sustainable landscapes, fruits and vegetables), landscape architecture and environmental soil sciences (biogeochemistry, hydrology and plant-soil interactions). We have a distinguished faculty, known nationally and internationally for their research and outreach, and within UD for their excellence in teaching, advising and mentoring students.
Our Undergraduate Programs
Our graduate programs
What's New?
Featured video
University of Delaware Ph.D. candidate shares her plant science knowledge with Delaware youth: youtube.com/watch?v=IR4xf18Oz0U
Description for featured video
On top of her busy schedule as a University of Delaware Ph.D. candidate, Elizabeth Smith dedicates time to underserved students alongside Wilmington-based organization Four Youth. As part of a science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) educational program, she gives Delaware elementary school kids hands-on exposure to the natural world. Smith encourages other UD students to get out into the local community to share knowledge and inspire the next generation. Learn more about the UD Department of Plant and Soil Sciences.
Latest news
-
Meet our new faculty: Christian Dewey
March 25, 2025 | Story and photo by Katie PeikesNew UD Department of Plant and Soil Sciences faculty member Christian Dewey studies trace elements in the soil, including contaminants such as lead and uranium, and nutrients such as nitrogen. Dewey also studies carbon in soils and how soils work to control the rate flux of various elements into water bodies and ecosystems. -
Advancing agriculture in the first state
March 05, 2025 | Article by Molly SchaferMark Isaacs has devoted himself to advancing agriculture in the First State. After 38 years, he retires from his dual roles with the Carvel Research and Education Center and the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences. Isaacs is equally known for his ability to create partnerships with county, state, industry and partner organizations and for his role as a career coach for UD students. -
Plant pathology students organize UD’s first Carroll Symposium
February 11, 2025 | Written by Molly SchaferGraduate students Lauren Irwin, Shiv Singla and Adelaide Mullin planned and organized the University of Delaware’s first Carroll Symposium. The student-led event was possible thanks to a generous donation made in honor of UD’s Bob Carroll, emeritus professor. The event, which included a research presentation competition, also served as a reunion for UD’s Bob Carroll and the plant pathology community.
Upcoming events