Welcome to the Department of Horticulture. The Department's mission is to prepare our students for horticulture-related careers in science and business. This includes making new discoveries in the plant sciences; promoting the use of plants and food for improved human health and a safe environment; improving the characteristics, quality and availability of horticultural products; and strengthening the competitive position of the world's horticultural industries. Faculty members possess a diverse array of expertise - both interdisciplinary (e.g., breeding, genomics, development, physiology, metabolism, molecular biology, and sustainable production), and commodity based (e.g., fruits/pomology, vegetables, viticulture, floriculture, nursery crops, postharvest, design and landscape ecology, and marketing) - which they utilize in their research, teaching and outreach programs, at both the national and international levels.
Featured Students
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Congratulations to our recent horticulture undergraduate scholarship recipients!
Published on February 17, 2026
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Kaz Christian presents some of her Master’s research at 4th edition of “Ignite Talks MSU”
Published on February 26, 2025
Featured Alumni
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Horticulture alum is now the director of the Alaska Botanical Garden
Published on January 5, 2022
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During his horticulture career, Ren developed people, management, and business skills that could be used anywhere
Published on November 23, 2021
Featured Faculty
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Marcus Duck Awarded 2024 Institute of Agriculture Technology Outstanding Faculty Award
Published on April 1, 2024
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Dr. Bridget Behe Named USDA-ARS 2024 Morrison Memorial Award Winner
Published on March 4, 2024
News
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While MSU greenhouse updates spark innovative research, needs remain
Published on July 14, 2026
After the most recent phase of the project, 60% of the MSU Plant Science Research Greenhouse Complex has been renovated. Funding is needed to address the remaining 40% and provide all greenhouse users access to the latest tools and environmental controls. -
Dirt to Glass 2026: Re-centering Michigan wine on quality, farming and a shared future
Published on June 29, 2026
Dirt to Glass 2026 brings growers, winemakers, researchers and industry leaders together to define quality from the soil to the glass. -
MSU AgBioResearch Director George Smith stepping down in August to become dean at University of Arizona
Published on June 1, 2026
Smith has been the AgBioResearch director since 2021. -
MSU AgBioResearch, MSU Extension announce 2026 field days across Michigan
Published on May 20, 2026
Statewide events will showcase MSU research and connect producers, landowners and industry professionals throughout the year. -
MSU opens newly renovated $35-million Plant Science Greenhouses
Published on May 19, 2026
Michigan State University partners gathered May 14 on the East Lansing campus for a ribbon-cutting to celebrate transformative renovations
Faculty Publications
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The Effect of Hedonic Presentation on Consumers’ Willingness to Pay and Purchase Intention for Minimally Branded Products Online
Published on April 4, 2022 by Journal of Promotion Management
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Carbon-sensitive pedotransfer functions for plant available water
Published on February 28, 2022 by Soil Science Society of America Journal
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Display Complexity Affects Visual Processing of Horticultural Plant Retail Displays
Published on February 28, 2022 by Journal of Environmental Horticulture
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Gardening Motivations of U.S. Plant Purchasers During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Published on February 28, 2022 by Journal of Environmental Horticulture
Featured in the News
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Horticulture professor earns early-career research award from American Ornithological Society
Published on May 19, 2026 by American Ornithological Society
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Faces of the Industry: Josh Nieuwsma
Published on March 14, 2026 by The Edge Magazine
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Meet the Next Gen: Charlie Smith is researching supplemental lighting at MSU
Published on January 28, 2026 by Greenhouse Management
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MSU opens renovated greenhouse facility to public, aims to benefit MI agriculture
Published on November 3, 2025 by Michigan Farm News
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In Memoriam: Frank Dennis
Published on June 17, 2025
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Two Horticulture students receive Board of Trustees’ Award for academic excellence
Published on April 11, 2025 by MSU Today
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Conserving the last remaining wild apple trees in Michigan
Published on January 21, 2025 by MSU Today
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A key to protecting apples from climate change might be hiding in Michigan’s forests
Published on January 20, 2025 by Associated Press
Events
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Sep 11
2026 OCAB Fall Welcome Reception
September 11, 2026 12:00PM – 2:00PM Michigan State University- Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, Lincoln Room
Join us for the OCAB Fall Welcome Reception with the CANR Office of Culture, Access and Belonging
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Sep 25
2026 CANR Graduate Student Panel
September 25, 2026 11:00AM – 1:00PM MSU Main Library- Green Room 4th floor West Side
Join us for the 2026 Graduate Student Panel with the CANR Office of Culture, Access and Belonging
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Sep 29
MSU 2026 Agriculture & Food Industry Fair
September 29, 2026 3:00PM – 6:00PM Munn Ice Arena
MSU will host the 2026 Agriculture & Food Industry Fair on September 29, 2026, at the Munn Ice Arena.
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Oct 21
2026 CANR Canvas Painting Social
October 21, 2026 11:30AM – 2:00PM MSU Agriculture Hall, Room 75
Join us for the 2026 Canvas Painting Social with the CANR Office of Culture, Access and Belonging
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