Behind the greens
Plant and Soil Sciences’ alumni, faculty and students get to work on the golf course
Protecting turfgrass from fungal foes
UD researchers report new understandings in how microbes protect plants
Community conservation
Alumnus Brian Griffiths supports Indigenous Peruvian Amazon community goals
Helping gardens and interns grow
UD Botanic Gardens' Andrew Adams: Curator of plants and students
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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UD landscape architecture students install pollinator garden at Gauger-Cobbs Middle School
May 15, 2026 | Written by Josh Shannon | Newark PostA new pollinator garden at Gauger-Cobbs Middle School aims to bring more nature to the virtually windowless building. University of Delaware landscape architecture students helped design and install the 6,000 square foot garden consisting of 1,050 native plants across 15 species, which will beautify the school’s campus. -
Lewes living shoreline aims to combat rising seas and coastal storms
May 06, 2026 | Article by Emma Aken and Matt Hipsman | WDELResearchers and engineers installed a “hybrid” living shoreline in Lewes on Tuesday, aiming to protect Delaware’s coast from erosion, flooding and stronger storms. The project, led by UD in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, combines engineered structures with natural materials, including reef balls, shellfish mattresses, biodegradable mats and native marsh grasses to stabilize the shoreline while supporting marine habitat. -
From the rainforest to Rio
April 14, 2026 | Written by Molly Schafer | Photos by Olivia Frear, Emily Focht, Jackson Whitcomb and courtesy of Zach HammakerThirteen University of Delaware students had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn hands-on in the Amazon Rainforest during a UD study abroad course titled Landscape Exploration of Brazil. Zach Hammaker, assistant professor of landscape architecture, teaches the course. Hammaker says that slowing down, observing nature, and reflecting through daily journal prompts helps students connect with themselves and the world around them. Students enjoyed sharpening their observation skills while sketching in situ in the rainforest and in public gardens throughout Rio de Janeiro.
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