Environmental Horticulture

Environmental Horticulture promotes personal and professional development through horticulture research and education.  Our work fosters environmental stewardship while improving human health, quality of life and economic well being.  Faculty expertise includes plant physiology, genetics, plant breeding, pest management, fruit and vegetable crops, arboriculture, floriculture and turfgrass management.

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Faculty Spotlight:  Dr. Desmond Layne

Dr. Desmond R. Layne, State Peach Specialist and Associate Professor of Pomology, will be the invited guest of Dr. Zhiqiang Wang, Professor and Deputy Director, Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute in China during April 18–May 1, 2010.  While in China, the focus of Dr. Layne’s trip will be to study protected cultivation of nectarines and peaches, an industry that comprises more than 30,000 acres!  There is a growing interest in the U.S. for organic production of fruits and vegetables in protected cultivation (i.e., high tunnels).  Production of high quality, organically produced fruits that may be available 4-8 weeks earlier than those grown out-of-doors, might provide a significant niche market opportunity for SC farmers.  Layne will visit colleagues at several research institutes and universities in four provinces and tour commercial production operations.  Dr. Layne will also deliver invited lectures about his peach research and extension programs at Clemson University.  While on his trip, he will update a daily blog with comments and photos.