Get to know the horticultural researchers at OSU and USDA
Many programs focus on nursery, greenhouse, landscape and related crops at Oregon State University (OSU) and the Horticulture Crops Research Laboratory at the Agricultural Research Service (USDA ARS), the principal in-house research agency of the United States Department of Agriculture.
Here are some of the people and their programs that impact the ornamental industry of Oregon.
Oregon State University
Ryan Contreras, Ph.D. is a professor of ornamental plant breeding in the OSU Department of Horticulture, where he teaches spring and fall woody landscape plant identification, plant growth and development, and plant propagation courses. He also directs the Ornamental Plant Breeding Program, which focuses on developing new cultivars of woody shrubs and trees with improved traits such as disease resistance, habit, fragrance, reduced fertility, and much more.
He has developed a diverse program that seeks to improve a wide array of genera, from Acer to Zelkova — but not quite everything in between. Regardless of the taxon, his goal is for the breeding to directly support and enhance the success of growers.
As communications and outreach director for the Oregon Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Center, Chris Hedstrom takes a proactive stance in promoting and advancing integrated pest management practices in both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors throughout Oregon and the Northwest region. As a collaborative entity, the Oregon IPM Center brings together esteemed stakeholders, including university researchers, Extension agents, producers, and state and federal agencies, to safeguard Oregon’s precious natural resources.
At the core of the center’s mission is the establishment of a comprehensive resource hub for IPM research and Extension activities in the region. By serving as a central repository of knowledge, the center aims to facilitate effective communication, foster active participation, and encourage engagement among IPM researchers, practitioners and partners.
Through its extensive network and partnerships, the Oregon IPM Center empowers stakeholders with valuable information, innovative strategies and practical solutions. By bridging the gap between research and implementation, the center ensures that the latest advancements in IPM are readily accessible and applicable to the unique challenges faced by Oregon’s diverse industries.
With a resolute commitment to collaboration, education and outreach, the Oregon IPM Center plays a pivotal role in promoting environmentally responsible and economically viable pest management practices. By uniting experts and stakeholders, the center is a catalyst for positive change, facilitating a harmonious balance between pest control and the preservation of Oregon’s natural resources.
Alec Kowalewski, Ph.D. assists with the primary goal of the OSU Turfgrass Extension and Research Program, which is funded by the Giustina Turf Endowment. The program aims to improve the environmental and economic sustainability of turfgrass management.
Topics of interest include the use of sustainable turfgrass varieties and cultivars, improving fertility and irrigation efficiency, and the use of pesticide alternatives. The program is also heavily involved in the development and implementation of integrated pest management programs designed to reduce pesticide use.
Gail Langellotto, Ph.D., the leader of the Garden Ecology Lab, delves into the fascinating world of plants, insects, animals, people, decisions and management practices. With a focus on building sustainable communities, Dr. Langellotto recognizes gardens as important and understudied systems that hold the key to promoting environmental and human health.
The Garden Ecology Lab, comprised of a diverse group of experts in urban ecology, entomology, horticulture, landscape design and horticultural therapy, actively conducts research projects. These include studying the relationship between garden pollinators and plants, as well as investigating soil health in residential vegetable gardens. The lab is driven by a common interest in harnessing the power of gardens to improve environmental and human health.
By expanding our understanding of these dynamic ecosystems, Dr. Langellotto and her team are paving the way for more sustainable and vibrant communities. Through their dedication and innovative approaches, the Garden Ecology Lab shines a light on the potential of gardens, inspiring a greener and healthier future.
Rory McDonnell, Ph.D. is an associate professor and mollusk expert in the OSU Department of Crop and Soil Science. His program is focused on two things: Understanding the ecology of invasive slugs and snails in agriculture, horticulture, urban areas, the natural environment and at the interface of these systems; and developing and implementing novel strategies for the management of these pests.
His program is currently investigating the potential for using plant extracts as novel biorational molluscicides, assessing the potential for using natural enemies as biological control agents, and identifying novel attractants for use in both trapping and attract-and-kill strategies.
Andony Melathopoulos, Ph.D. is an associate professor in pollinator health in the Department of Horticulture. OSU’s work around pollinator health comes from mandates passed by the Oregon Legislature after the bumblebee kills associated with insecticide treatments of linden shade trees. He also sits on the steering committee of the Oregon Bee Project (www.OregonBeeProject.org), which coordinates pollinator health work across state agencies.
Marcelo Moretti, Ph.D. is an associate professor in weed science in the Department of Horticulture at OSU. Serving as statewide weed science specialist for perennial horticultural crops in Oregon, he interacts with multiple agents in the agriculture industry. Dr. Moretti’s research program is focused on applied research evaluating practical and economic solutions for weed management. The weed science program is involved with the IR-4 Environmental Horticulture Program (www.IR4Project.org/EHC/).
Lloyd Nackley, Ph.D. is an associate professor at the North Willamette Research and Extension Center (NWREC). As the nursery crops research leader for Oregon State University, he collaborates extensively with researchers in Oregon and across the nation, striving to introduce innovative solutions to enhance nursery production systems.
Dr. Nackley is a plant ecologist, and his research themes revolve around plant nutrient management and climate change mitigation in nursery production. At Oregon State University, he imparts his knowledge by teaching the Nursery Production and Greenhouse Environments course.
Additionally, he plays a vital role as a co-leader for the Intelligent Sprayer project and the Flatheaded Borer Research Project. He serves as the content curator for the Digger Growing Knowledge series and represents Oregon in the International Plant Propagators Society.
Furthermore, he contributes to the executive committee of the nursery working group for the American Society for Horticultural Science.
In addition to his achievements in the field of nursery and greenhouse plant production, it is rumored that he holds the unofficial world record for the most successful plant whispering sessions. While this talent remains unverified by the Guinness World Records, insiders affectionately refer to him as the “Green Thumb Guru.”
Through his multifaceted roles and contributions, Dr. Nackley demonstrates his dedication to advancing the nursery industry and fostering sustainable practices.
Jay Pscheidt, Ph. D. leads a statewide extension program related to the diagnosis and management of diseases of all fruit, nut and ornamental/nursery crops. Programs that directly relate to the nursery industry include co-editor of The Pacific Northwest Plant Disease Management Handbook (PNWHandbooks.org/PlantDisease) and coordinator of the Growing Knowledge series for Digger. His other duties include teaching the summer field Plant Disease Diagnosis class and OSU Master Gardener classes.
Active programs include testing the efficacy of many chemical compounds, biologicals and techniques (including smart sprayers) for control of various tree fruit, nut and ornamental diseases important to Oregon’s agricultural industries.
Melodie Putnam is the director of the OSU Plant Clinic, which provides education and outreach regarding plant problems and remedies through diagnostic services. The clinic identifies a diversity of fungi, bacteria, viruses, phytoplasmas and other organisms that cause plant diseases. A large proportion of samples are from the ornamentals and nursery industry, although they have diagnosed problems on over 500 taxa of plants, from turfgrass to medicinal plants. They also identify arthropods (insects, mites, spiders and related creatures) associated with plants.
Clients submitting material for disease diagnosis receive a formal reply which contains at least one image of the material submitted, their identification of the cause of the problem, and information on the disease cycle and management options, including chemical, non-chemical and biological control measures.
The clinic also conducts research into the transmission and management of crown gall (caused by Agrobacterium) and leafy gall (caused by Rhodococcus) diseases.
Luisa Santamaria, Ph.D. is a plant pathologist located at NWREC, specializing in supporting Oregon’s nursery and greenhouse industry. Her applied research focuses on managing plant diseases in ornamental and nursery crops, with a specific emphasis on soilborne pathogens. She has implemented a bilingual education program to promote healthy plant production and agricultural practices benefiting the nursery industry and other agricultural sectors.
Originally from Ecuador, Dr. Santamaria’s interest in agricultural microbiology led her to pursue advanced studies in the United States. She has conducted research in various areas, including nitrogen-fixing microorganisms, tissue culture in ornamentals, somaclonal variation and resistance screening for root-knot nematodes in Solanaceae.
Her work has also encompassed the epidemiology of Phytophthora phaseoli on lima beans and screening lima bean germplasm for resistance against different races of P. phaseoli.
Since joining OSU in 2009, Dr. Santamaria has developed a new bilingual plant health program for Oregon’s nursery and Christmas tree industry, along with bilingual educational materials.
Her current research focuses on soilborne pathogens such as Phytophthora, Pythium and Verticillium spp. affecting ornamental nursery crops. Additionally, she has expanded her research interests to include the isolation and characterization of cyanobacteria from agricultural waters and soils. She also offers research experiences to high school and community college students and actively engages with her audience through social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube.
USDA-ARS
Man Yeon Choi, Ph.D. is an entomologist working on insect molecular physiology in the OSU Entomology Program, which has a goal to develop new insecticides for nursery pests, including thrips, lygus and slugs.
Dr. Choi developed a new technology: a novel receptor-based insecticide discovery technology known as “receptor interference” (RECEPTORi), which rapidly screens bioactive peptides (small protein molecules).
As agonists/antagonists, specific bioactive peptides disrupt the essential physiological processes needed for insects to survive, resulting in a biologically-based control strategy. He also works on semiochemicals, including insect pheromones, to apply sustainable pest management strategies.
Jana Lee works with the foliar entomology program, which has a goal to develop sustainable controls for nursery pests, including aphids, azalea lace bugs, lygus, spider mites and thrips. One of her challenges is to incorporate biological control in outdoor nursery systems. She is exploring how augmentative releases, attractive semiochemicals and floral insectary plants can help. The program also evaluates cultivars for pest susceptibility and use of pressurized water sprays for IPM.
Niklaus Grunwald, Ph.D. focuses on comprehending the genetics, evolution and epidemiology of Phytophthora pathogens, with a particular emphasis on the P. ramorum pathogen responsible for sudden oak death.
In his laboratory (GrunwaldLab.CGRB.OregonState.edu), he is actively involved in developing innovative tools for monitoring the migration patterns and detection methods, and gaining insights into the genetic adaptation of plant pathogens. By delving into these areas, Dr. Grunwald strives to advance our understanding of the intricate mechanisms underlying the behavior and characteristics of Phytophthora pathogens, ultimately contributing to more effective management and control strategies.
Carolyn Scagel, Ph.D. dedicates her efforts to advancing our understanding of the factors that govern the quality of nursery crops. Her primary goal is to develop effective cultural practices and strategies that optimize crop productivity and quality by efficiently managing available resources.
Dr. Scagel’s research revolves around the intricate relationship between the root environment and crop outcomes. She investigates various aspects such as plant nutrition, including the timing and methods of fertilizer application and the role of mycorrhizal fungi. Furthermore, she explores how plant nutrition influences plant water utilization, irrigation management and cold tolerance. Another area of focus is the impact of the root environment, encompassing factors like nutrient availability, water availability and temperature on plant susceptibility to diseases caused by oomycete fungi.
Jerry Weiland studies plant disease control for the nursery industry. Research in the Weiland lab (www.WeilandLab.com) focuses on identifying the pathogens that cause disease, then determining how existing nursery production practices (such as irrigation, plant spacing and fertilization) and the environment interact with the pathogens to cause disease outbreaks. Research results are used to improve disease control measures and overall plant health.
Current research projects include a survey to identify Phytophthora species causing root rot in nurseries, and several studies to evaluate how plant spacing, temperature and irrigation affect the severity of boxwood blight.
From the August 2023 issue of Digger magazine | Download PDF
