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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Michigan fruit industry depends on MSU research, outreach: ‘We can’t do it on our own’
Published on April 2, 2026
MSU partners with the Michigan State Horticultural Society to advance Michigan's fruit industry. -
MSU research bolsters Michigan blueberry industry
Published on February 10, 2026
Michigan State University and the Michigan blueberry industry partner to advance one of the nation's leading blueberry growing states. -
Now Hiring Students for 2026 Summer Jobs
Published on January 22, 2026
The MSU Horticulture Gardens are seeking hardworking student employees to assist this summer! -
VINES of change: 25 years of Michigan wine grape evolution
Published on January 6, 2026
From experimentation to precision, how Michigan’s wine industry matured through varietal focus, science-driven viticulture and collaborative strategy. -
Michigan vegetable growers rely on MSU partnership, research
Published on October 29, 2025
MSU research helps advance Michigan's vibrant vegetable industry.
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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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
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Michigan hort society honors Vance Baird
Published on December 11, 2024 by Good Fruit Grower
Events
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Apr 12
Out of the Darkness Walk
April 12, 2026 12:00PM – 2:00PM Hubbard/Akers Courtyard in East Lansing
Join us for the MSU Campus Walk for Out of the Darkness
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Apr 16
2026 CANR Digital Accessibility Sessions
April 16, 2026 – April 22, 2026 Zoom
Join us for the CANR Digital Accessibility Session
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