Floriculture Research Alliance: Who we are

Our team includes researchers from several land grant universities, in collaboration with leading companies

Professor John Erwin
Plant Science & Landscape Architecture
University of Maryland
p: 612.624.9703
e: jerwin@umd.edu
My research looks at how temperature affects plant growth and flowering to help plants better tolerate heat and cold. I also explore ways to strengthen natural plant defences so growers can rely less on pesticides. In the short term, I’m focused on managing flowering, cutting energy use, and finding ornamental plants that thrive in challenging conditions. Overall, my work supports more resilient, efficient, and sustainable production for local growers.

Professor James Faust
Department of Horticulture
Clemson University
E-143 Poole Agricultural Center
Clemson, SC 29631
p: 864-656-4966
e: jfaust@clemson.edu
My research focuses on developing solutions for floriculture crop production problems. Current areas of research projects include: Stock plant and cutting production, postharvest physiology of unrooted cuttings, propagation physiology, and mist control strategies; Poinsettia growth and flowering; Environmental physiology of flowering plants, including the effects of temperature and light on crop growth and development; Programming the growth and development of herbaceous flowering plants.

Assistant Professor Jeb Fields
UF IFAS
University of Florida
Fifield Hall, PO Box 110670
Gainesville
e: jsfields@ufl.edu
My research focus is on soilless substrate science. This includes evaluating new materials and processing methods to improve handling, application, and longevity; stratification and management techniques to improve productivity and resource efficiency; substrate physics and hydraulics; root zone temperature management; and irrigation scheduling and water efficiency. I also focus on other aspects of nursery crop production and propagation

Professor Paul Fisher
UF IFAS
University of Florida
Fifield Hall, PO Box 110670
Gainesville FL 32611-0670
e: pfisher@ufl.edu
My research focuses on water, fertilizer, propagation and modeling for the commercial greenhouse industry. We also work on grower training (https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/training) and decision-support tools (https://backpocketgrower.org).

Professor Charlie Hall
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX 77843-2133
Office: 202 Horticulture/Forest Science Building
p: (979) 458-3277
e: charliehall@tamu.edu
My major research, teaching, & extension areas of specialization include strategic management, market situation/outlook, cost accounting, and financial analysis for Green Industry firms.

Associate Professor Roberto Lopez
Department of Horticulture
Michigan State University
1066 Bogue St., Room A230, East Lansing, MI 48824
p: 517-353-0342
e: 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.

Professor Erik Runkle
Michigan State University
p: 517-353-0350
e: runkleer@msu.edu
We are focusing on improving the energy efficiency of greenhouse crop production by determining how temperature and light can be manipulated to produce flowering crops in a consistent, predictive manner. We are also experimenting with several currently labeled and experimental plant growth regulators to improve floriculture plant quality and post-harvest longevity.