The Corliss Knapp Engle Scholarship in Horticulture
School: PhD candidate in Horticultural Substrates, North Carolina State University

Investigating the Phytotoxic Potential of Engineered Wood Substrates

By identifying toxic chemicals in growing mediums containing engineered wood, Bobo aims to provide practical solutions to growers and substrate manufacturers to enable the immediate use of treated fresh wood fiber in growing regimes.

The Corliss Knapp Engle Scholarship in Horticulture
School: master’s student, Plant Sciences, South Dakota State University

Integration of Summer Cover Crops and Grafting into Cucumber and Tomato Production Systems

Larsen’s three-pronged approach project includes horticulture, entomology, and plant pathology. Data collected on cover crop establishment, fruit yield, insect pest pressure, and disease pressure will be presented at national meetings.

The Corliss Knapp Engle Scholarship in Horticulture
School: master’s student, Horticulture, Auburn University

The Decibel Dynamics of New Technology in Landscape Maintenance

Erbrick will test decibels, runtime, and efficiency of landscaping equipment. Findings will assist landscapers in producing quality work while minimizing negative environmental effects.

The Corliss Knapp Engle Scholarship in Horticulture
School: PhD candidate in Horticulture and Agronomy, University of California, Davis

Characterizing Root System Architecture Traits for Drought Tolerance in Grapevine Rootstock

Dudley’s research will identify grapevine traits responsible for drought tolerance. Data will help predict how well plants perform in the field.

The Corliss Knapp Engle Scholarship in Horticulture
School: undergraduate, Horticulture, University of Arkansas

Exploring Genetic Diversity and Conservation Strategies for Endangered Medicinal Plants in Horticulture

Baucum aims to provide insight into the medicinal properties of endangered plant species, guiding their conservation and cultivation for pharmaceutical purposes.

The Corliss Knapp Engle Scholarship in Horticulture
School: PhD candidate in Geoscience, Stony Brook University

Insights into Boron Uptake Mechanisms and Metabolism 

Passik’s research will contribute to the understanding of boron’s role in plant health and the ability of crops to withstand a range of environmental conditions.

The Corliss Knapp Engle Scholarship in Horticulture
School: master’s student, Landscape Architecture, The University of Virginia

Forest Futures Through Interdisciplinary Strategies Integrating Landscape Architecture into Forest Conservation and Restoration with Applied Management Strategies in Virginia’s Forested Landscape 

Gibson’s project aims to develop a sustainable forest management plan by confirming the effectiveness of proposed strategies.

The Corliss Knapp Engle Scholarship in Horticulture
School: undergraduate, Horticulture, University of Wisconsin-River Falls

Development of Red Fleshed Apple Breeding Lines for a Farm Market Breeding Program

Olson-Jensen will use plant science and molecular biology to screen populations of red- fleshed apples to develop breeding lines for a farm market fruit breeding program. Texture, post-harvest disorders, and disease resistance will be considered to bring novel fruit cultivars to market to benefit small growers.

The Corliss Knapp Engle Scholarship in Horticulture
School: Master’s student, Agricultural Sciences, University of New Hampshire

The Role of the Microbiome in Natural Suppression of Pythium-Root Rot in Wood-Fiber Substrates

Borrero’s project will characterize wood-fiber based substrates for suppression of pythium in greenhouse production of chrysanthemums. In addition, characterization of diversity levels between fungal and bacterial populations present in grower-standard and wood-fiber based medias will be researched. To understand the role the microbial community function of the rhizosphere plays in producing disease-suppressive environments, Borrero will identify the genera of bacteria and fungi present in both pathogen-infested and noninfested wood-fiber and peat substrates.

The Corliss Knapp Engle Scholarship in Horticulture
School: PhD candidate in Horticulture and Agronomy, University of California, Davis

Investigating Interactions in Drought and Grapevine Trunk Disease Resistance in Grapevine

Sinclair will conduct research in Bordeaux, France, to better understand the physiological traits that enhance drought tolerance and fungal pathogen (Esca) resistance in grapevine. Facing environmental and pathogenic stressors, including complications due to drought, France’s vineyards provide ideal fieldwork locations. Sinclair’s findings will be beneficial in California, the leading US wine producing region. Cross comparison of projects conducted in each location will support a diverse, global profile and provide a framework for innovative viticultural solutions.