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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Rooted in agriculture
December 19, 2025 | Written by Molly Schafer | Photos courtesy of The Morton Arboretum and New England Botanic Garden at Tower HillUniversity of Delaware plant and soil sciences alumnus Mark Richardson is the new vice president of collections and horticulture at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois, a world-renowned center for scientific research that studies trees and how to sustain them. With an eye on global plant conservation, Richardson encourages the horticulture field to fully integrate science and conservation efforts into public gardens and plant collections. -
Showcasing research across the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the 2025 student symposium
December 03, 2025 | Written by Katie Peikes | Photos by Katie YoungThe University of Delaware College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Fall 2025 Student Research Symposium, in its ninth year, showcased 50 research projects, covering a variety of interests and topics across the college. The annual symposium brings faculty, students and staff together to celebrate the diverse research interests of the college. -
Outdoor classroom
November 17, 2025 | Written by Katie Peikes | Photos by Evan KrapeRetired Extension specialist Gordon Johnson teaches the UD course, Vegetables, Herbs and Natural Plant Products (PLSC 302). It’s one of three courses where Students get hands-on experience growing various crops outside at UD's working farm and greenhouse on campus. The courses solidify what it takes to grow fresh vegetables and where food comes from.
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