Department of Horticultural Science

Mar 2, 2022

“Sweet” Research at National Sweetpotato Collaborators Group Meeting

North Carolina’s sweetpotato production has surpassed every other state in the United States for the past 50 years despite increasing challenges like weather events, herbicide-resistant weeds and labor shortages. 

Feb 18, 2022

Stephen Ippolito: Organic Weed Management Research with Stevia

Stephen Ippolito, an organic weed management graduate student, has focused much of his efforts on improving stevia crops from the effects of the highly competitive Palmer amaranth pigweed. 

Jan 25, 2022

James Duduit: Transforming Tomatoes with Molecular Biotechnology

James Duduit, a horticultural science doctoral student, utilizes molecular biotechnology to transform tomatoes and improve the crop’s resistance to bacterial wilt and other common pathogens. 

Dec 20, 2021

The Horticultural Hats of Brandon Huber

Brandon Huber, now the lead scientist with Ag Eye Technologies, wore many hats during his time as a graduate student with the Department of Horticultural Science, including growing and sharing Lupin the corpse flower. 

Dec 9, 2021

Amanda Lay-Walters: Sustainability in Small Fruit Production

After being named a Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) Fellow, Amanda Lay-Walters is seeking to improve farming systems and make them more sustainable. 

Oct 29, 2021

Protecting Our State’s New Rural Cash Crop

The true profit potential of sweetpotatoes has been held back by an aggressive and invasive pest. NC State’s Craig Yencho will lead a $5 million grant-funded project to fight it. 

Oct 29, 2021

‘A Kaleidoscope of Colors’: NC State Breeder Creates Winning Flame Thrower™ Redbud

NC State breeder Dennis Werner wins Plant of the Year for vibrant redbud at a prestigious international flower show. 

Oct 28, 2021

Soilless Substrates Grow Plants and Global Influence

There is an unprecedented growing global demand for soilless substrates in horticulture due to the increased production of ornamental, vegetable, soft fruit and Cannabis crops in soilless growing systems. 

Oct 20, 2021

The Anatomy of a Giant Pumpkin

Brandon Huber, NC State alumnus, and Ricardo Hernandez, associate professor, share some of the science behind growing giant pumpkins that are displayed each year at the North Carolina State Fair. 

Oct 20, 2021

A Passion for Plants and a Desire to Help Farmers

An early passion for plants set the stage for Andrew Scruggs' career. The CALS alumnus and Bayer Crop Science employee works to test crop varieties and bring the best to farmers across the Carolinas and Tennessee.