Phytoremediation and bioremediation for greenhouse waste and irrigation water: Greenhouses throughout the United States have come under increased pressure to reduce waste water production and discharge. One response has been to develop recirculating irrigation systems where waste water is captured, stored and reused. These systems have the potential to become contaminated through routine greenhouse chemical use. We have demonstrated the potential for contamination with the fungicide metalaxyl through normal use. This low level contamination may result in development of resistance, as has been reported in several greenhouses. We are investigating the use of bioremediation including phytoremediation to remove low level fungicide contamination from recirculating irrigation systems. Other potential contaminants we are investigating include plant growth regulators, where contamination could result in residual carryover from one crop to the next. Investigations include fundamental research directed at uncovering the basis for the often observed improved bioremediation in constructed wetland biofilters containing higher plants, and the basic mechanisms of phytoremediation of hydrocarbons.
Flowering herbaceous plant landscape establishment, field performance, and consumer preferences: Commercial growers and home gardeners face a bewildering number of cultivars from which to choose. This ongoing research program is aimed at providing non-baised comparative evaluations of many of these cultivars. The program includes annual evaluation of 600-1000 cultivars of annual and perennial plants in the field. Trials are conducted in two locations (University Park, PA and Landisville, PA). Evaluations of many cultivars also include greenhouse performance and or consumer preference polling.
Greenhouse crop production and management systems: Controlled and modified environments offer many opportunities for optimizing crop production. To optimize greenhouse crop production it is necessary to understand basic responses of plants to the greenhouse environment. Research in this area includes basic plant water use and management studies, plant growth and development patterns, responses to light, and structure and chemical treatments for paper and plastic pots including copper and fungicides.
