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.
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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
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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. -
Deb Jaisi’s phosphorus research earns national award from the Soil Science Society of America
January 31, 2025 | Written by Dante LaPentaDeb Jaisi has received the 2024 Jackson Soil Chemistry and Mineralogy Award from the Soil Science Society of America, which honors advanced soil chemistry and minerals research. In the Environmental Biogeochemistry Lab, Jaisi investigates phosphorus, a critical element for plant fertilizers and a notoriously scarce nutrient. -
Greener turf
January 24, 2025 | Article by Nya WynnCharanpreet Kaur, who completed her doctoral degree in plant and soil sciences, conducted research of beneficial bacteria in turfgrass systems. Her research has awarded her the 2024-25 Encompass Fellowship.
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