Department of Horticulture

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

Kaz Christian presents some of her Master’s research at 4th edition of “Ignite Talks MSU”

Published on February 26, 2025
Congratulations 2023 Horticulture Undergraduate Scholarship Recipients

Published on January 30, 2024

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Featured Alumni

Horticulture alum is now the director of the Alaska Botanical Garden

Published on January 5, 2022
During his horticulture career, Ren developed people, management, and business skills that could be used anywhere

Published on November 23, 2021

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Featured Faculty

Marcus Duck Awarded 2024 Institute of Agriculture Technology Outstanding Faculty Award

Published on April 1, 2024
Dr. Bridget Behe Named USDA-ARS 2024 Morrison Memorial Award Winner

Published on March 4, 2024

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News

MSU Extension welcomes new specialty crops weed scientist

Published on August 26, 2025
Josh Miranda, PhD, joins Michigan State University in August 2025 as the new assistant professor of weed science.
Michigan State University's Bert Cregg named to Christmas Tree Growers Hall of Fame

Published on August 7, 2025
Bert Cregg has been inducted into the Michigan Christmas Tree Association's Hall of Fame for his outstanding service, research and dedication to advancing Michigan’s Christmas tree industry.
Leadership transition announced for Project GREEEN

Published on June 23, 2025
Cornelius Barry will be the next coordinator of Project GREEEN, effective July 1, 2025.
MSU researcher contributes to internationally awarded study on benefits of farm diversification

Published on June 19, 2025
Olivia Smith, professor in the MSU Department of Horticulture and the Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior (EEB) Program, examined the social and environmental impact of integrated crop-livestock systems as part of global study
MSU AgBioResearch, MSU Extension announce 2025 field days

Published on May 8, 2025
The events will take place across Michigan from May through September.