Qingwu (William) Meng
Qingwu (William) Meng
Office location:
160 Townsend Hall
Newark, DE 19716
Resources and links
Education
- Ph.D. – Horticulture – Michigan State University
- M.S. – Horticulture – Michigan State University
- B.E. – Agricultural Structural Environmental and Energy Engineering & B.A. – English (double major) – China Agricultural University
Current courses
- PLSC267 – Introduction to Hydroponics
Research
In the Delaware Indoor Ag Lab (DIAL) we work on a wide range of specialty food crops suitable in soilless culture, including leafy greens, culinary herbs, microgreens, edible flowers, and fruiting crops. Our research aims to understand plant physiological responses to changes in the environment. This allows us to regulate growth and quality traits of crops grown in controlled environments (e.g., indoor vertical farms and greenhouses) by adjusting environmental variables (e.g., light, temperature, and nutrients). Environmentally enabled improvements in crop yield, appearance, taste, and nutrition shorten production cycles and add value to produce. Another research emphasis is on sustainable crop production in urban food systems. Strategic delivery of energy, water, and nutrients based on plant responses, timing, and doses can increase resource use efficiency.
Professional activities
- Member, American Society for Horticultural Science
- Member, Committee on Controlled Environment Technology and Use (NCERA-101)
- Member, International Society for Horticultural Science
- Member, AmericanHort