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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Delaware's climate plan has strong UD connections
August 14, 2026 | Written by Molly Schafer | Photos courtesy of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental ControlEarlier this year, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) released the 2025 Delaware Climate Action Plan, a sweeping plan to protect the state’s homes, infrastructure and economy. The plan also addresses public health concerns and the conservation of Delaware’s unique natural environment. More than 20 UD alumni — including hydrologists, engineers, environmental scientists, transportation policy specialists and state planners — played active roles in its development and implementation. -
In our backyard
August 07, 2026 | Written by Molly Schafer | Photos courtesy of Madeline Brown, Alex McBreen, Catherine Morrissey, Scarlet Shifflett, J.D. Zimmerman and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Division of Parks and RecreationThis year marks the 75th anniversary of Delaware State Parks, and for faculty and students at the University of Delaware, there is much to celebrate. For Delawareans, the state parks are a source of peace, but at UD, they’re also a source of purpose. The parks provide a living laboratory for research, opportunities for experiential learning and a space for community service. -
Global crops and drought
July 30, 2026 | Written by Adam Thomas | Illustration by Jeffrey C. ChaseA new study from the University of Delaware’s Kyle Davis examined production losses for 17 major crops accounting for three-quarters of the world’s food production and found that portions of the Midwestern United States, eastern Brazil, eastern Spain, and central and northern India were among the areas most sensitive to droughts.
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