SAES-422 Multistate Research Activity Accomplishments Report

Sections

Status: Approved

Basic Information

Participants

Tom Fernandez, Michigan State University Henry Gonzalez , Michigan State University Amy Fulcher, University of Tennessee Raul Cabrera, Rutgers University Kris Criscione, Virginia Tech Gerry Spinelli, University of California Sarah White, Clemson University Jeb Fields, University of Florida Jake Shreckhise, USDA-ARS, U.S. National Arboretum Lloyd Nackley, Oregon State University James Altland, USDA-ARS, Application Technology Research Unit Xi Xiong, University of Missouri Ping Yu, University of Georgia Jeanette Thurston, Kansas State University

NC1186-2025-Meeting-Minutes-TN.docx

Accomplishments

Accomplishments Organized by Objective

1) Water Quality of Irrigation Sources

Short-term Outcomes: Growers in California, Georgia, Maryland, and South Carolina adopted improved water quality monitoring and management practices, which reduced nutrient runoff, enhanced fertilizer use efficiency, and improved crop health. Nurseries in California reported more uniform and healthier crops due to customized irrigation and fertilizer programs. A 45-hectare nursery in Maryland expanded its use of wireless sensor networks, which improved water use efficiency from finite runoff basins. Multi-state surveys conducted by researchers from Clemson University, Louisiana State University (LSU), NC State University (NCSU), and USDA-Agricultural Research Service (ARS) identified contaminants such as PFAS, metals, and microplastics, which informed future risk mitigation strategies for growers. University of Florida researchers determined that an oxidation-reduction potential of around 700 mV provided effective sanitation against biofilm organisms in surface irrigation water sources, enabling growers to reduce microbial contamination and improve water safety for crop production.

Outputs: Researchers at the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR) produced 17 YouTube videos and four webinars to educate growers on water quality and conducted numerous on-site nursery visits to provide tailored solutions. A multi-state team from Clemson University, LSU, NCSU, and USDA-ARS developed a survey sampling framework to collect consistent water quality data across ecoregions. USDA-ARS in Ohio, in collaboration with NCSU, Clemson University, and the University of Toledo, established analytical protocols for sampling and detecting contaminants, including organic solubles and fluorinated molecules, in operational water from nurseries.

Activities: Farm advisors at UCANR conducted irrigation efficiency training through on-site nursery visits and delivered webinars to educate the industry on water quality and its impact on fertilizer use efficiency. Researchers from Clemson University, LSU, NCSU, and USDA-ARS in Ohio collaborated to develop and implement a survey sampling framework, analyzed samples for emerging contaminants, and held grower listening sessions in Ohio and California. USDA-ARS in Ohio, working with NCSU and Clemson University, monitored operational water quality, characterized contaminants from plastic-based materials, and developed new analytical methods for detecting organic solubles, fluorinated molecules, and metal ions. University of Florida researchers evaluated cold plasma and ozone for controlling biofilm organisms from a surface (lake) irrigation water source.

2) Irrigation Management

Short-term Outcomes: Growers in Maryland, Oregon, Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia adopted precision irrigation technologies, which reduced water use, labor, and production costs. Nurseries in Maryland improved irrigation efficiency in soil and container systems by using wireless sensor networks. Growers in Oregon gained access to actionable data on drought-tolerant species and sensor-based irrigation strategies, which enhanced water scheduling. A nursery in Tennessee reduced manual irrigation time by 25% (from 10 hours per week) through automated systems and decreased nitrogen application by approximately 30,000 grams across 10,000 plants. Operations in Virginia and Georgia integrated new irrigation and integrated pest management tactics, which reduced resource use and production costs. University of Florida researchers delivered online professional development courses in English and Spanish through the Greenhouse Training Online program, including a new Advanced Irrigation Management course in collaboration with the University of Maryland that trained 74 participants, and a Professional Irrigator Train the Trainer program that equipped 100 grower participants to train their staff on effective watering practices.

Outputs: Researchers at the University of Maryland conducted field tours to showcase wireless sensor networks for irrigation control in vegetable and ornamental crop production. The team at Oregon State University generated new datasets on evapotranspiration rates for containerized red maples and drought tolerance profiles for ornamental shrubs and shade tree species. Researchers at University of Tennessee re-established four instrumented irrigation zones at a commercial nursery, incorporating flow meters, leachate gauges, and substrate moisture sensors to compare manual and automated systems. Extension programs, videos, newsletters, and presentations delivered by researchers at the University of Maryland, Virginia Tech, and University of Georgia disseminated information on irrigation and nutrient management to growers and industry stakeholders. University of Florida researchers submitted an article on the use of infrared thermal sensors to monitor leaf temperature for more accurate evapotranspiration prediction and developed draft models to predict evapotranspiration in response to greenhouse climate using traditional regression and artificial intelligence approaches.

Activities: Researchers at University of Maryland studied precision irrigation systems, including wireless sensor networks, to determine the functionality of automatic, plant-driven irrigation timing in soil and container substrates. The team at Oregon State University quantified hydraulic traits and drought responses in shade trees and ornamental shrubs, and measured evapotranspiration rates in high-demand container production environments. Researchers at University of Tennessee re-established irrigation zones at a commercial nursery to test wireless controllers and leaching fraction-based systems and collaborated with growers to optimize nitrogen application rates. The team in Virginia conducted on-farm trials to optimize irrigation in large tree container operations and delivered presentations at conferences and field days in collaboration with University of Florida and USDA-ARS. Researchers at the University of Georgia conducted trials to improve greenhouse and nursery management practices, focusing on reducing resource use under various stress conditions. University of Florida researchers completed two series of experiments with an MS student to fine-tune mist irrigation scheduling for plant cutting propagation. The team placed climate sensors at seven commercial operations across four states and ran onsite trials to validate evapotranspiration models. Researchers developed and delivered online courses on irrigation management and presented at conferences and workshops to disseminate findings to growers.

3) Crop Production Runoff Management

Short-term Outcomes: Woodchip bioreactors implemented by Michigan State University, in collaboration with Oregon State University and USDA-ARS, recycled over 90% of valuable fertilizer nutrients in irrigation water while removing the majority of pesticides, addressing grower concerns about costs and plant damage. Experiments at Clemson University demonstrated that iron oxide filters enhanced phosphorus removal over winter, supplementing the efficacy of floating treatment wetlands and bioreactors. Growers in South Carolina gained insights into factors influencing the adoption of floating wetlands, such as maintenance requirements, cost, and aesthetics, which supported informed decisions about return on investment. A modeling approach for nutrient balance, tested across varying irrigation water quality and replenishment strategies, greatly improved nutrient stability over time compared to standard practices, reducing the need for nutrient solution discharge, lowering fertilizer costs, and minimizing environmental contamination.

Outputs: Researchers at Michigan State University generated datasets on woodchip bioreactor performance for nutrient recycling and pesticide remediation, examining variables such as hydraulic retention time, aeration, and seeding. The team at Clemson University published research on treatment trains combining floating wetlands, bioreactors, and iron oxide filters for agrochemical removal. Clemson University researchers also produced four years of data on salinity tolerance for 12 plant species used in floating wetlands, along with results from a national survey and three round-table discussions on stakeholder preferences.

Activities: The team at Michigan State University conducted experiments on woodchip bioreactors to remediate pesticides and nutrients from irrigation runoff, testing hydraulic retention time, aeration, and seeding at commercial grower facilities in collaboration with Oregon State University and USDA-ARS. Researchers at Clemson University continued experiments with floating treatment wetlands, bioreactors, and iron oxide filters to remove agrochemicals, and conducted field- and lab-based studies to screen salinity tolerance in 12 plant species. Oregon State University researchers advanced a multistate project evaluating heat stress responses in container-grown plants to inform runoff management strategies. University of Florida researchers co-advised two MS students at the University of Georgia and University of Arkansas on modeling nutrient balance, with two experiments conducted at the University of Florida varying irrigation water quality and nutrient replenishment strategies.

 

4) Urban Stormwater

Short-term Outcomes: Researchers at Clemson University identified that stormwater ponds older than 10 years released more nitrogen and phosphorus to the water column compared to younger ponds, providing insights to guide management strategies for preventing algal blooms. Characterization of emerging contaminants, such as herbicides and pesticides, in agricultural and stormwater ponds helped growers protect irrigation reservoirs.

Outputs: The team at Clemson University generated data on phosphorus dynamics in coastal stormwater ponds and a Piedmont ecoregion reservoir through sediment core sampling.

Activities: Researchers at Clemson University investigated the effects of pond age on nutrient dynamics by conducting sediment core sampling in summer 2023 and winter 2024, and monitored inflow points for legacy phosphorus release in a Piedmont ecoregion reservoir.

5) Substrates and Nutrients

Short-term Outcomes: Laboratory experiments at University of Missouri demonstrated that soil surfactants increased water retention in hydrophobic soils from 6% to 20% volumetric water content, which reduced chemical leaching and improved water use efficiency. Research at Michigan State University showed that root-shaving techniques improved root development and transplant survival in container-grown urban trees, minimizing plant stress. Studies in Virginia, in collaboration with University of Florida, optimized substrate packing and root morphology in stratified systems, which led to improved plant development and reduced water and fertilizer applications. Experiments at University of Tennessee generated detailed information on substrate-water dynamics, which informed producers’ substrate selection and irrigation practices. Research at the University of Florida provided growers with strategies to reduce heavy metal contamination in edible and medicinal products and improve plant health and manage substrate acidity more effectively.

Outputs: Researchers at University of Missouri produced laboratory results demonstrating the efficacy of soil surfactants for improving water retention in hydrophobic soils. The team at Michigan State University generated data on the effects of root modifications, such as shaving and washing, on container-grown urban trees. Researchers at Virginia Tech published manuscripts, extension publications, and videos, and delivered presentations on substrate optimization for nursery production. The University of Tennessee team, in collaboration with USDA-ARS, conducted experiments to measure leachate volume, nitrogen concentration, and hydraulic conductivity metrics in various substrates, including coir, peat, wood fiber, and pine bark blends. USDA-ARS researchers in Tennessee and Ohio, in collaboration with The Ohio State University, Oregon State University, and the University of Florida, published models that were able to capture >80% of the variability in root zone temperature using readily accessible meteorological variables. At University of Florida, researchers published a peer-reviewed article on the effects of pH on macronutrients in soilless substrates and submitted a companion paper on the micronutrients which is currently under review.

Activities: Researchers at University of Missouri conducted laboratory experiments to test soil surfactants for enhancing water retention in hydrophobic soils, using a leaching system with alcohol ethoxylates and alkoxylated polyols. The team at Michigan State University investigated root system modifications, including root-shaving, root-washing, and root-slicing, to improve transplant survival in container-grown urban trees. Researchers at Virginia Tech, in collaboration with University of Florida, USDA-ARS, and The Ohio State University, led national efforts to optimize container root systems through studies on substrate hydraulics, cyclical irrigation, and stratified systems, and conducted on-farm trials with nurseries to enhance substrate and irrigation management. The team at University of Tennessee, working with USDA-ARS, used custom-made counterbalanced scales to study substrate-water interactions in various substrate blends to inform irrigation and substrate selection practices. At the University of Florida, researchers completed micronutrient experiments and computer simulations of chemical equilibria to assess pH impacts on nutrient availability in hydroponic nutrient solutions and soilless substrates. The team also ran a series of experiments with two MS students on heavy metal uptake into hemp and brassicas.

Impacts

  1. Nursery growers struggle with optimizing irrigation and fertilizer management to minimize nutrient runoff, which harms water quality and increases production costs for the industry and environment. University of California Cooperative Extension advisors conducted onsite consultations, created 17 YouTube videos and four webinars, and performed numerous on-site visits to educate and assist nurseries. These efforts established strong relationships with growers, improving communication and accelerating the adoption of innovative technologies for monitoring irrigation and fertilizer efficiency. As a result, nurseries achieved better water use, reduced runoff, and produced more uniform, healthier crops. This work advances academic knowledge in efficiency technologies and delivers public value by protecting waterways from nutrient pollution, benefiting ecosystems and communities statewide.
  2. Greenhouse and nursery growers face challenges in managing nutrient discharge, substrate pH, irrigation scheduling, and water sanitation, leading to environmental contamination, crop losses, higher costs, and reduced product quality for edibles and medicinals. University of Florida researchers, in multi-state collaboration with the University of Georgia, University of Arkansas, and University of Maryland, co-advised MS students on nutrient balance modeling, conducted experiments on pH effects and heavy metal uptake, tested cold plasma and ozone for water sanitation, and developed evapotranspiration models validated at seven growers across four states. They also delivered online Greenhouse Training Online courses in English and Spanish, training 174 participants, and presented at the ISHS Greensys Conference and Cultivate trade show. These efforts reduced nutrient discharge needs, improved plant health and product safety, conserved water, and shortened production times, while training eight students. This work provides public value by minimizing runoff and contamination into waterways, enhancing the quality of edible and medicinal plants, and promoting sustainable practices that benefit ecosystems and communities.
  3. Commercial greenhouse growers lack precise data on production timelines for container crops, where mean daily temperature affects development rates, crop time, and quality—especially for emerging edible varieties, leading to inefficient scheduling, missed market opportunities, and suboptimal yields. University of Arkansas researchers grew compact pepper varieties ‘Fresh Bites Yellow’ and ‘Hot Burrito’ in greenhouses at 18-26 °C (Experiment 1) and 20-30 °C (Experiment 2) under supplemental high-pressure sodium lighting and a 16-hour photoperiod, measuring days to first open flower, first ripe fruit, and from flower to ripe fruit to calculate development rates. They fitted nonlinear exponential functions incorporating base temperature (Tmin) and maximum developmental rate (Rmax) parameters, and assessed plant quality in Experiment 2. Results showed that higher temperatures accelerated flowering and fruiting, with Tmin at 13.3 °C for ‘Fresh Bites Yellow’ and 9.3 °C for ‘Hot Burrito,’ and similar Rmax values (average 0.0488 at flower, 0.0190 at fruit, 0.0252 from flower to fruit); at ≈25 °C, both varieties achieved short crop times, compact canopies, large fruit, and high fruit counts. This research equips growers with tools to schedule crops for key markets and adjust temperatures for optimal timing and quality in ornamental-edible peppers. By enhancing production efficiency, it provides public value through more sustainable greenhouse practices that reduce energy use and waste, supporting affordable, nutritious edibles for consumers and bolstering the floriculture industry's economic and environmental health.
  4. Emerging contaminants like herbicides, pesticides, and cyanotoxins in agricultural ponds and reservoirs pose risks to water quality, but their fate and the triggers for harmful algal blooms remain poorly understood, threatening growers, farmers, and public health. Clemson University researchers monitored phosphorus dynamics in coastal stormwater ponds and a Piedmont reservoir, revealing that ponds over 10 years old release more nutrients, and assessed ecosystem services from full-size floating wetlands in three coastal ponds. Since 2015, they have evaluated over 24 plant species for nutrient removal under varying conditions, involving 17 undergraduates and six graduates. These findings guide investments in technologies like riparian buffers, floating wetlands, and iron oxide filters to manage nutrients and prevent blooms. This research safeguards source water for agriculture while providing public value through improved water clarity, reduced toxins, and enhanced habitats for pollinators and wildlife, benefiting communities and ecosystems.
  5. Amid labor shortages, nursery growers need efficient irrigation and fertilizer practices to cut costs and reduce environmental impact without excess resource use. Dr. Fulcher's program at the University of Tennessee supported a grower in shifting to best management practices for nitrogen rates, tested leaching fraction and wireless irrigation systems for labor savings, and used a custom counterbalanced scale to analyze substrate-water interactions. The program co-organized the NC1186 annual meeting with nursery tours and a grower workshop, contributed to two New Zealand workshops, and led a field day on irrigation and substrates attended by 130 participants who reported average savings of $6,453 each. These activities reduced fertilizer overuse, saved irrigation labor by 25% weekly, and disseminated knowledge to enhance efficiency. This work delivers public value by promoting sustainable nursery operations that conserve water, minimize runoff, and boost economic viability for the industry and broader environment.
  6. The U.S. nursery industry relies heavily on container-based production methods, as it enables more efficient use of space, supports year-round cultivation and marketing, and offers flexibility in plant handling and transport. In black plastic pots—the prevailing standard in nursery production—high root-zone temperatures (RZTs), often exceeding 50° C in the summer, are common throughout the U.S., resulting in severely damaged root systems and accelerated nutrient release from controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs). ARS scientists in Tennessee and Ohio, in collaboration with University of Florida and Oregon State University, led a two-year investigation of the effect of container color and irrigation schedule on RZT, plant growth, nutrient uptake, and CRF release rate in disparate climates. They demonstrated that in Tennessee, panicle hydrangeas, red osier dogwoods, and shrub roses produced in white containers had lower RZTs, up to 130% more root and shoot biomass, superior quality, and absorbed a greater percentage of the applied fertilizer compared to those grown in conventional black containers. In Ohio, the benefits of growing in white containers were less pronounced, and often, plants in white or black containers performed similarly. This research has led to the adoption of non-branded white containers by nurseries throughout the eastern U.S. One early adopter (a ~1,000-acre wholesale nursery) found that switching to white containers saved 40% on container costs and reduced production time by 30%, equating to an estimated cost savings of $5,100 to $7,300 per acre per year.
  7. Warren County, Tennessee ranks among the top nursery crop-producing regions in the United States, where many operations are transitioning from field-grown to container-based production systems. In July 2025, NC1186 Extension specialists and researchers hosted a targeted workshop in McMinnville, TN focused on cost-effective irrigation and fertilization strategies for container-grown nursery crops. The event drew 22 nursery producers from across Middle Tennessee. Participants rated their knowledge gain on a 1–5 scale across nine core topics. On average, growers reported a 1.5-point increase in understanding. Following the workshop, 93% of attendees indicated plans to improve substrate, irrigation, and fertilization management practices. More than half committed to specific changes, including monitoring salt levels; selecting light-colored containers to manage rootzone temperature; measuring pH, electrical conductivity, and alkalinity; calculating lime application rates; and evaluating irrigation distribution uniformity and leaching fraction. Based on self-reported estimates, growers anticipate saving an average of $42,923 per nursery by implementing workshop-informed practices—yielding a projected total economic impact of $944,308 across participating operations.

Grants, Contracts & Other Resources Obtained

Publications

Published Peer Reviewed Journal Articles

  • Abdi DE, Tabares MD, Redekar NR, Parke JL, Reguera G, Fernandez RT. 2025. Control of microbiome composition and agrichemical remediation in woodchip bioreactors by hydraulic retention time. Environmental Science & Technology Water. doi:10.1021/acsestwater.4c01114.
  • Abdi DE, Owen JS Jr, Brindley JC, Birnbaum AC, Cregg BM, Fernandez RT. 2025. Reducing water use, irrigation return flow, and nutrient movement through improved irrigation methods. Water. doi:10.3390/w17070953.
  • Amiri Z, Merhaut D, Verdi A. 2025. Evaluating the impact of deficit irrigation on growth and cooling effects of four landscape groundcovers: integrating field measurements and numerical modeling. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening.
  • Awad J, Walker C, Page D, Arslan M, White SA, Lucke T, Beecham S, Strosnider WHJ, Nicodemus P, Streb C, van Leeuwen J. 2025. Assessing the costs of Constructed Floating Wetlands (CFWs) for the treatment of surface waters and wastewater. ACS ES&T Water. 5(8):4737-4747. doi:10.1021/acsestwater.5c00439.
  • Bell NL, Redekar NR, Jeffers SN, Hitchcock DR, Parke JL, White SA. 2024. A model system to evaluate the potential of floating treatment wetlands to manage Phytophthora species in recycled irrigation water. Journal of Natural Resources and Agricultural Ecosystems. 2(3):103-118. doi:10.13031/jnrae.15949.
  • Busari I, Sahoo D, Sudheer KP, Harmel RD, Privette C, Schlautman M, Sawyer C. 2024. Investigating the influence of measurement uncertainty on chlorophyll-a predictions as an indicator of harmful algal bloom in machine learning models. Ecological Informatics. 82:102735. doi:10.1016/j.ecoinf.2024.102735.
  • Busari I, Sahoo D, Das N, Privette C, Schlautman M, Sawyer C. 2025. Advancing harmful algal bloom predictions using chlorophyll-a as an indicator: combining deep learning and EnKF data assimilation method. Journal of Environmental Management. 382:125441. doi:10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.125441.
  • Chen L, Rycyna J, Yu P. 2024. Investigating the effect of hydrafiber and biochar as a substitute for peat-based substrate for zinnia (Zinnia elegans) and snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) production. Horticulturae 10, no. 6: 589. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10060589
  • Cregg B, Johnson R. 2025. Physiology and root development of container-grown urban trees in response to root-shaving, root-washing, and root-slicing at planting. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. 128925. doi:10.1016/j.ufug.2025.128925.
  • Criscione KS, Owen JS, Fields JS. 2025. Stratified soilless substrates decrease the vertical gravitational water gradient altering Helianthus root morphology. Plant Soil. doi:10.1007/s11104-025-07385-8.
  • Cross JF, Owen JS, Shreckhise JH, Fields JS, Nackley L, Altland JE, Drewry DT. 2025. Parsimonious models of root zone temperature in soilless substrates through ensemble machine learning. Smart Agricultural Technology. 101289.
  • Dekle J, Strosnider WHJ, White SA. 2024. Removal of phosphorus from irrigation return flow using an iron oxide filter and denitrifying pine bark bioreactor treatment train. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 31:66435-66444. doi:10.1007/s11356-024-35641-4.
  • Escamilla C, Scaroni AE, Wallover CG, White SA. 2025. Understanding resident design preferences and priorities for floating wetlands in coastal stormwater ponds. Urban Ecosystems. 28(1):12 pp. doi:10.1007/s11252-024-01668-1.
  • Escamilla C, Tyrpak DR, Strosnider WHJ, White SA. 2025. Basil and Swiss chard: edible crops for use in floating treatment wetlands improving agricultural runoff. Ecological Engineering. 213:107546. doi:10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107546.
  • Fessler Mathews L, Hanson Z, Lockwood D, Lopez EP, Sun X, Wright WC, Zhu H, McKim K, Fulcher A. 2025. Using laser-guided variable-rate spray technology with reduced rates to control pests and decrease off-target movement in a tall spindle-trained apple orchard. HortScience. 60(6):852-860.
  • Fields JS, Criscione KS. 2025. Increasing substrate packing density can improve Petunia root development. HortTechnology. 35:636-638. doi:10.21273/HORTTECH05660-25.
  • Fisher PR, Gomez C, Gomez S. 2024. Potential to improve current mist irrigation control practices by young plant operations in the U.S. Acta Horticulturae. 1409:275-279. doi:10.17660/ActaHortic.2024.1409.36.
  • Gordy E, Lin CY, Nackley L, Long F, Liu H, Jung J, Zhao Y. 2024. Development and validation of hydrophobic molded pulp nursery pots made of hemp hurd. Sustainable Materials and Technologies. 42:e01180.
  • Hill R, Nackley L, Moretti M. 2025. Mustard seed meal and mulches for weed control in greenhouses. Journal of Environmental Horticulture. 43(1):41-48.
  • Hopkins AP, Harmel RD, Kleinman PJA, Sahoo D, Ippolito JA. 2025. Nutrient runoff from agricultural lands in North American ecoregions. Journal of the American Water Resources Association. doi:10.1111/1752-1688.70004.
  • Huang J, Fisher PR, Argo WR, Jeong KY, Altland J. 2025. Macronutrient solubility in response to the pH of soilless container substrates. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition. 1-17.
  • Jeffers A, Behe BK, Vassalos M, Bridges WC, White SA. 2025. Estimating consumer integrated pest management (IPM) knowledge. HortTechnology. 35(2):160-165. doi:10.21273/HORTTECH05586-24.
  • Jordan EN, Sahoo D, Sawyer CB, Pike JW, Park DM, White SA, Haggard BE. 2025. Nutrient dynamics in restored and unrestored urban streams: a study in the piedmont ecoregion of South Carolina. Frontiers in Environmental Science. 13:1549218. doi:10.3389/fenvs.2025.1549218.
  • Lamm AJ, Owen JS Jr, Altland JE, White SA. 2025. A survey analysis comparing perceptions of plastic use in nurseries and greenhouses in the United States. Land. 14(7):1383. doi:10.3390/land14071383.
  • Lay-Walters AM, Dickson RW, McWhirt AL. 2025. Temperature effects on plant development rate and quality of compact container-grown cucumber and hot pepper. HortTechnology. 35(5):671-673.
  • Machesney LM, Dickson RW, McWhirt AL, Worthington ML, Burnett SE. 2025. Blackberry long-cane cold storage and forcing strategy effects on flower and fruit development. HortTechnology. 35(4):617-626.
  • Mandal D, Bovender T, Geil RD, Sahoo D, Banerjee S. 2025. Surface acoustic waves (SAW) sensor for the active detection of cyanobacterial microcystin-LR. Sensing and Bio-Sensing Research. 47:100724. doi:10.1016/j.sbsr.2024.100724.
  • Meekins HA, Fisher PR, Judy JD, Folta KM. 2025. Plant uptake of arsenic, cadmium, and lead by hemp, mustard, and kale grown in coconut coir substrate. HortScience. 60(5):750-756. doi:10.21273/HORTSCI18496-25.
  • Oksel, C., Subedi, P., Avin, F. A., Shreckhise, J. H., Simmons, T., & Baysal-Gurel, F. (2025). First Report of Phytopythium vexans Causing Root Rot of Incense Cedar in Tennessee and the United States. Plant Disease, 109(3), 724.https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-11-24-2342-PDN.
  • Pamuru ST, Morash J, Lea-Cox JD, Ristvey AG, Davis AP, Aydilek AH. 2024. Nutrient transport, shear strength and hydraulic characteristics of topsoils amended with mulch, compost and biosolids. Science of The Total Environment. 918:170649.
  • Patrick C, Liu H, White SA, Luo H, Taylor JW. 2025. Nickel tolerance in cool-season grasses. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal. 1-14. doi:10.1002/its2.185.
  • Phiri TM, Xiong H, Pan YB, Dickson RW, Joshi N, Rojas A, Shi A. 2025. Genomic association and prediction study for yield traits in a sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids) mapping population ‘LCP 85-384’. Plant Breeding. 144(1):56-69.
  • Ramírez, H., J.C. González-Escobar, R.I. Cabrera, D. Jasso-Cantú, A. Zermeño-González, A. Hernández-Pérez and M. Espinosa-Vázquez. 2025. Gibberellins A4/7, 6-benzylaminopurine and prohexadione calcium modify growth, development and quality of raspberry. Int. J. Plant & Soil Sci. 37 (1):178-193. https://doi.org/10.9734/ijpss/2025/v37i15264.
  • Subedi, P., Rouhani, S. M., Shreckhise, J., Oksel, C., Avin, F.A., & Baysal-Gurel, F. (2025). First Report of Botryosphaeria dothidea Causing Canker of Calocedrus decurrens in Tennessee. Plant Disease, 109(5), 1177.
  • Strickland G, Sahoo D, Vassalos M, Nix H, White SA. 2025. Evaluation of South Carolina’s extension and outreach agents’ knowledge of harmful algal bloom management and the impacts of one-day training. Journal of Extension. 63(3):article 16. https://open.clemson.edu/joe/vol63/iss3/16.
  • Taylor J, Liu H, White SA, Luo H. 2025. Iron fertilization and shade impacts on two warm-season turfgrasses under greenhouse conditions. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal. 1-25. doi:10.1002/its2.192.
  • Taylor JW, Liu H, White SA, Luo H. 2025. Effect of iron fertilization on the growth of bermudagrass and zoysiagrass under shade and full sun. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal. 1-9. doi:10.1002/its2.181.
  • Thakulla D, Fisher PR. 2025. Microbial quantification using ATP and Petri films for irrigation water treated with cold plasma or ozone. Water. 17:1856. doi:10.3390/w17131856.
  • Thiessen, M.T. and J.S. Fields. 2025. Substrate stratification can reduce peat requirement and costs associated with young plant production. HortTechnology 35:233-240. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH05570-24
  • Yang T, Samarakoon UC, Altland J. 2025. Modified nutrient management protocol for optimum biomass production, nutritional quality, and flavor-related phytochemical properties of hydroponic-grown kale (Brassica oleracea). Frontiers in Plant Science. 16:1629432.
  • Yu P, Qin K. 2025. Exploring a cost-effective way for nutrient management with machine learning for container plants. Technology in Horticulture 5: e012 doi: 10.48130/tihort-0025-0007 

Peer Reviewed Journal Articles (In Press)

  • Brennan MJ, Criscione KS, Olichney JA, Ding J, Fang Y, McDowell N, Wolfe BT. 2025. Hydraulic constraints to stomatal conductance in flooded trees. Oecologia (accepted).
  • Criscione KS, Fields JS, Stewart R. 2025. Stratified substrates generate faster oxygen supply to the rhizosphere than traditional substrates when moisture is present. Soil Science Society of America Journal (accepted).
  • Fatunmbi M, Sahoo D, Scaroni AE, White SA, Sawyer C, Smith E. 2025. Pond age and cycling of phosphorus within water and sediment of coastal stormwater ponds. Journal of Ecological Engineering Design (accepted).
  • Fields JS, Criscione KS. 2025. Exploring sub-strata flexibility and peat reduction in stratified substrates using wood fiber. HortScience (in press).
  • Fulcher A, Rihn A, Velandia M, Warner LA, LeBude AV, Altland J, Owen JS. 2025. Automated irrigation: exploring the paradox of plateauing adoption levels and high perceived benefits amid a labor shortage in US nurseries. HortTechnology (accepted with revisions).
  • Jeffers AH, Vassalos M, Behe BK, Bridges WC, Jiang Q, White SA. 2025. Estimating consumer willingness to pay for scouting and integrated pest management-related services offered by landscape service providers. Agricultural and Resource Economics (revise and resubmit).
  • McKim K, Fessler Mathews L, Wright W, Sun X, Zhu H, Fulcher A. 2025. Evaluating the use of an air-blast sprayer with variable-rate technology for high coverage trunk applications in multi-row blocks of field and pot-in-pot nursery production. Journal of Environmental Horticulture (in press).

Trade Journal and Popular Press Articles

  • Owen, J.S. and J.H. Shreckhise. 2024. Tinkering for profit: It’s getting hot in here! Nursery Management 41(1):16-20.
  • Shreckhise, J.H. and J.S. Owen. 2024. Container color: Benefits beyond branding. Digger Magazine 68(12):41-45.
  • Yu, P. 2025. How to fine-tune fertilizer use in containers with AI and RGB imaging. Greenhouse Grower. Available from: https://www.greenhousegrower.com/technology/how-to-fine-tune-fertilizer-use-in-containers-with-ai-and-rgb-imaging/

Books

  • Patrick A, White SA, editors. 2024. Certified horticulture professional. 4th ed. South Carolina: SC Green Industry Association.

Dissertations and Theses

  • Escamilla C. 2026. Developing guidance for the use of floating treatment wetlands in brackish stormwater ponds [dissertation]. Clemson (SC): Clemson University.
  • Fatunmbi M. 2024. Influence of pond age on phosphorus water column-sediment interactions in coastal stormwater ponds [thesis]. Clemson (SC): Clemson University.

Grants

  • Fields J (PD), Altland J (co-PI). 2024-2028. Beyond peat: substrate security for a changing climate. USDA NIFA SCRI. Award no. 2024-51181-43290, $3,996,384.
  • Jones M (PD), Altland J (co-PI). 2020-2024. Evaluating the influence of beneficial microbes on crop quality in the nursery and greenhouse industry. USDA-ARS. $321,078.
  • Kubota C (PI), Kroggel M (co-PI), Altland J, Canas L, Sivakoff F. 2023-2024. Advancing greenhouse strawberry production – developing a collaborative team and platform for benchmarking and R&D in a controlled environment. OHCEAC Research Consortium. $50,000.
  • Samarakoon U (PD), Altland J (co-PI). 2019-2024. Optimum nutrient management for leafy green production in hydroponic systems. USDA-ARS. $524,791.
  • Samarakoon U (PD), Altland J (co-PI), Kleinhenz M (co-PI), Testen A (co-PI). 2023-2026. Sustainable root-zone management for organic vegetable production in containers. North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR-SARE). $249,953.
  • Samarakoon U (PI), Altland J (co-PI). 2023-2025. Optimizing production protocols for ginger and other high value crops in controlled environment agriculture. USDA-ARS. $67,535.
  • Sidiqui R (PI), Volkis VV, Ristvey AG. 2024. The nutritional profile of ginger grown in Eastern USA for promoting its cultivation and consumption for preventing obesity. USDA NIFA CBG. $50,782.
  • Simon JE (PI), Wyenandt CA, Govindasamy R, Juliani R, Cabrera RI, Wu Q-L, Lewin N. 2025. U.S. Department of Agriculture Food for Progress Jamaica Spices Project (JaSPICE). Agricultural Cooperative Development International/Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance (ACDI/VOCA); Washington (DC). $138,243.
Back
Log Out ?

Are you sure you want to log out?

Press No if you want to continue work. Press Yes to logout current user.

Yes
Report a Bug
Report a Bug

Describe your bug clearly, including the steps you used to create it.