Kentucky State University

Plant & Soil Science

Mission: To conduct basic and applied research in developing alternative crops, sustainable methods for growing and storing crops, and improving the economic condition of small, limited resource farm families. The program provides research training opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students, and to interested high school students. Program staff members serve as a resource for plant and soil science issues to the surrounding community. The program supports the University and Land-Grant Program mission through public service and by obtaining grants.

Research Areas

Apiculture

Control of varroa mites in honey bee colonies

Entomology

Pest management in sweet corn and stored grain
Beetle biodiversity

Horticulture

Pawpaw research
Gooseberry and currant research
Molecular genetics
Tissue culture
Viticulture (grapes)

Organic Production

Weed Management
Biofumigation
High Tunnels

Water Quality

Pesticide residue analysis
Alternative insecticides from wild tomato
Constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment

Staff

George F. Antonious

Principal Investigator

george.antonious@kysu.edu

Robert J. Barney

Co-Investigator

robert.barney@kysu.edu

Michael K. Bomford Principal Investigator

michael.bomford@kysu.edu

Sheri Crabtree

Research Assistant

sheri.crabtree@kysu.edu

Karen Friley Co-Investigator karen.friley@kysu.edu
Brian Geier Research Assistant

brian.geier@kysu.edu

Sanjun Gu Co-Investigator

sanjun.gu@kysu.edu

Sarah Hall

Co-Investigator

sarah.hall@kysu.edu

Kirk W. Pomper

Principal Investigator

kirk.pomper@kysu.edu

Zachary Ray

Research Assistant

zachary.ray@kysu.edu

Jami Rogers

Research Assistant

jami.rogers@kysu.edu

John D. Sedlacek

Principal Investigator

john.sedlacek@kysu.edu

Anthony F. Silvernail

Co-Investigator

anthony.silvernail@kysu.edu

Etta M. Thacker

Research Assistant

etta.thacker@kysu.edu

Eric Todd Turley Co-Investigator eric.turley@kysu.edu

Thomas C. Webster

Principal Investigator

thomas.webster@kysu.edu