The Next Generation of Resilient Horticulturalists

In the dynamic world of horticulture, it’s essential that young professionals entering the workforce are equipped with the right skills and cutting-edge tools to prepare them for a variety of exciting careers in plant science.

From microscopic soil allies to high-tech plant propagation, the newest cohort of horticulture graduates from NC State University is prepared to face some of the most urgent challenges to global food systems. Their work, focusing on resilience, cost-saving farm management and advanced crop technology, demonstrates a hands-on approach to fortifying agriculture for the future.

Among them, Brooke Matusko, Alisha Ray and Ingrid Tuyuc have each carved distinct paths, overcoming obstacles and envisioning impactful solutions for the horticultural landscape. Their stories reflect a deep passion for sustainable practices and an unwavering dedication to advancing the plant sciences.

Fungi as a Failsafe Against Drought

Brooke Matusko, who earned her Master of Science degree this fall, focused her thesis on integrating a natural soil defense system into vegetable production, advised by Emmanuel Torres, assistant professor in the Department of Horticultural Science. Matusko studied arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, or AMF, a beneficial microorganism that acts as an extension of a plant’s root system.

“These fungi have been shown to assist plants with water and nutrient acquisition and stress tolerance. Specifically, we examined the effects of AMF on both water and nutrient stress mitigation in bell peppers under greenhouse conditions,” Matusko says.

As climate events increase with the frequency of droughts and heatwaves, Matusko sees AMF as a powerful tool when combined with other sustainable initiatives.

“Integrating these fungi into agricultural production systems could provide a natural solution to fortify plants against common stressors such as droughts, heatwaves, pest and disease pressure, and nutrient-poor soils,” she says.

Matusko plans to promote sustainable agriculture and food system initiatives and looks forward to collaborating with growers and researchers to implement these biological solutions.

Clearing the Water for Commercial Nurseries

For commercial nurseries, fighting weeds is a costly and labor-intensive battle. Alisha Ray, a recent graduate of the horticultural science master’s program and department research operations manager, tackled this economic challenge by investigating an unexpected source of infestation, irrigation ponds.

“The purpose of my research was to determine if nursery irrigation ponds were a source of weed seed infestation and, if so, ways to manage this source to ultimately lower control costs,” Ray says.

With the guidance of Joe Neal, professor of weed science, her findings confirmed that weed seeds are indeed present in irrigation pond water. More critically, Ray found that some weed seeds are buoyant and can remain viable in the water for up to one year. The solution is straightforward: prevention.

Ray determined that the best management practice is ensuring that irrigation pond surroundings and runoff paths are kept free of weeds. This simple step prevents seeds from being deposited into the ponds, particularly those species whose seeds maintain viability while submerged.

As a nontraditional student, Ray says her experience prepared her to be a better teacher and liaison for the industry. “I learned to take what I was learning from my research and translate it into steps growers could directly apply,” she notes. 

Ray plans to continue guiding the next generation of horticulturists and hopes to transition into outreach, equipping the industry with the practical knowledge and tools it needs.

Propagating Stevia, Improving Life in Guatemala

The push for natural sweeteners has made Stevia rebaudiana a crop of growing interest. However, efficient, large-scale production requires advanced biotechnology. Recent horticultural science master’s graduate Ingrid Tuyuc focused her research on streamlining the micropropagation of this crop under the guidance of Carlos Iglesias, professor of horticultural science and director of the university’s Plant Breeding Consortium.

Tuyuc addressed the challenge of inconsistent shoot multiplication and developed a more efficient rooting method. She optimized the culture media for proliferation and, most significantly, developed an ex vitro rooting approach using K-IBA, an auxin commonly used to promote rooting in plant propagation.

“This significantly improved root development without the need for in vitro rooting. This reduces production costs and simplifies commercial propagation, which is especially valuable for growers,” Tuyuc says.

Tuyuc is continuing her academic journey, pursuing a doctoral degree with a dual-major, one in forestry, as well as genetics and genomics. She’s working in the Whitehill Christmas Tree Genetics Lab, leveraging her strengthened technical skills in tissue culture and statistical analysis. 

Her ultimate goal extends beyond the lab.”I hope to take everything I’ve learned here and bring it back to Guatemala,” she says. 

Tuyuc aspires to work with producers to improve technology, strengthen plant breeding programs, and create more efficient and sustainable production systems.

“I want my work to directly support farmers and rural communities,” she says, adding that in the long term, she hopes to contribute at a national level, one day serving as Minister of Agriculture to help shape policies that promote food security and opportunities for the next generation.