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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What's New?

Featured video
 

University of Delaware Ph.D. candidate shares her plant science knowledge with Delaware youth: youtube.com/watch?v=IR4xf18Oz0U

Description for featured video

On top of her busy schedule as a University of Delaware Ph.D. candidate, Elizabeth Smith dedicates time to underserved students alongside Wilmington-based organization Four Youth. As part of a science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) educational program, she gives Delaware elementary school kids hands-on exposure to the natural world. Smith encourages other UD students to get out into the local community to share knowledge and inspire the next generation. Learn more about the UD Department of Plant and Soil Sciences.

Faculty spotlight

Harsh Bais
Plant Biology
 

Bais' research takes a multidisciplinary approach by interfacing plant biology and chemistry to unravel the underground communication process.

Latest news

  • From left to right: Ahamed Zakaria (Applied Economics and Statistics), Emily Morgese (Plant and Soil Sciences) and Srabone Saha (Applied Economics and Statistics) earned awards in the master’s student category.

    Research showcase

    November 29, 2023 | Written by Dante LaPenta
    Nearly 40 graduate students, post-doctoral researchers and undergraduate students descended upon the Townsend Hall Commons to showcase their research and internship work at the Fall 2023 College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) Student Research Symposium. The students summarized their findings to judges and curious University of Delaware faculty and staff.
  • Susan Barton: Fall lawn and leaf management

    October 30, 2023 | Written by SciLine
    Susan Barton, a professor and extension specialist in ornamental horticulture, with the department of plant and soil sciences at the University of Delaware, was recently interviewed by SciLine, a nonpartisan organization that works with journalists to include science in their stories. Barton spoke about why mulching leaves instead of removing them can help lawns and gardens; why you shouldn't bag leaves; and other advice for how to care for your lawns in the fall.
  • Unlocking the secrets of plant cell communication

    October 24, 2023 | Written by Katie Peikes
    New paper from University of Delaware researchers provides fascinating insights into the intricate world of plant cell communication.

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