DEPARTMENT OF PLANT AND SOIL SCIENCES


We have excellent teaching, research, and outreach programs in the areas of plant biology (cellular, genetics, genomics, microbial, molecular and physiology), agronomy (including pathology, soil management and weed science), horticulture (sustainable landscapes, fruits and vegetables), landscape architecture and environmental soil sciences (biogeochemistry, hydrology and plant-soil interactions). We have a distinguished faculty, known nationally and internationally for their research and outreach, and within UD for their excellence in teaching, advising and mentoring students.

Our Undergraduate Programs

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What's New?

Featured video
 

University of Delaware Ph.D. candidate shares her plant science knowledge with Delaware youth: youtube.com/watch?v=IR4xf18Oz0U

Description for featured video

On top of her busy schedule as a University of Delaware Ph.D. candidate, Elizabeth Smith dedicates time to underserved students alongside Wilmington-based organization Four Youth. As part of a science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) educational program, she gives Delaware elementary school kids hands-on exposure to the natural world. Smith encourages other UD students to get out into the local community to share knowledge and inspire the next generation. Learn more about the UD Department of Plant and Soil Sciences.

Faculty spotlight

Harsh Bais
Plant Biology
 

Bais' research takes a multidisciplinary approach by interfacing plant biology and chemistry to unravel the underground communication process.

Latest news

  • Larry Armstrong speaks at the podium

    Celebrating excellence in agriculture and natural resources

    May 16, 2024 | Written by Dante LaPenta
    As the spring semester headed into its final stretch run, the University of Delaware College of Agriculture and Natural Resources gathered together to honor a few deserving faculty and staff. At the college’s Celebrating Excellence event, the 2024 stars of the show were Sue Barton, Larry Armstrong, and Kent Messer.
  • Honorary degrees to be awarded

    May 09, 2024 | Written by UDaily Staff | Photo illustration by Christian Derr
    Don Sparks, the Unidel S. Hallock du Pont Chair in Plant and Soil Sciences and director of the Delaware Environmental Institute, is among those being awarded honorary degrees at the University of Delaware Commencement ceremony on May 25.
  • Faculty members elected American Association for the Advancement of Science fellows

    April 29, 2024 | Written by Tracey Bryant
    Two University of Delaware professors, Rodrigo Vargas and Deborah Allen, have been elected fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) — one of the largest scientific societies in the world and publisher of the Science family of journals. The 2023 class includes 502 scientists, engineers and innovators across 24 disciplines, who are being honored for their scientifically and socially distinguished achievements.

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