Research: Contact persons: James Locke or Jonathan Frantz   Evaluating the role of substrate amendments for improving growth quality.   Demonstration of silica uptake in bedding plant species and determination of its role as a nutrient and potential benefit for horticultural quality enhancement, disease and insect resistance, and moderation of micronutrient toxicities   Fertility Management of Greenhouse Crops   Study the role of boron in bedding plant growth and development and identify molecular signals which can be utilized to monitor boron induced stress due to toxicity of deficiency levels in the plant   Determine the interaction of greenhouse cultural practices; nutrition, media composition, abiotic stresses, etc. on disease expression in bedding plant production Acclimation of Plant Populations to Shade: Photosynthesis, Respiration, and Carbon Use Efficiency Applied Nitrogen Concentration Affects Growth of Elatior Begonia and New Guinea Impatiens, and Susceptibility of Begonia to Grey Mold   Virtual Grower

Our laboratories are on the University of Toledo's main campus.  We work closely with the Plant Science Research Center,the Department of Biological Sciences, and Department of Environmental Sciencesin the Bowman Oddy/ Wolfe Hall complex.  We also work with the College of Engineering. Cooperating with stake holders has been extensive.  The group works with the Maumee Growers Association, Ohio State Extension, Michigan State Extension, Purdue University Extension, and the Center for Innovative Food Technology.