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
Innovation at UD: Harsh Bais: youtube.com/watch?v=ZMsIF6rPcek
University of Delaware inventor Harsh Bais is a plant biologist, known for his research developing a beneficial bacterium that can help boost plant defenses, water retention and more. Here, Bais—who was named an Innovation Ambassador at UD earlier this year—shares some of what he’s learned about invention along the way.
Read the UDaily feature.
Latest news
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Fall harvest
October 20, 2025 | Written by Molly Schafer | Photos by courtesy of Tim FilaskyMeet the Blue Hen alumni behind Filasky's Produce and Farm Market. Investing in agritourism, especially autumn events including pumpkin patches, hayrides and inflatables, helped this small family farm succeed. -
A friendly microbial hitchhiker
October 13, 2025 | Written by Katie PeikesIn plants, a healthy bacteria produces an amino acid called ergothioneine that can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. This bacteria could boost crops’ nutritional value. University of Delaware researchers studied how well Streptomyces coelicolor M145 could enhance ergothioneine levels in spring wheat. The findings suggest there are natural ways to enrich crops’ protein, to help feed the world. -
Cultivating versatility
October 10, 2025 | Written by Molly Schafer | Photos by Michele WalfredAt the University of Delaware Carvel Research and Education Center, Borel Global Fellow Mary Starford Matovolwa studies amaranth’s tolerance to drought and cold in an effort to improve global food security.
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