University of Georgia

Dr. Marc van Iersel is Professor and Graduate Coordinator in the Department of Horticulture at the University of Georgia. Marc is the lead investigator of the University of Georgia group on the project. Apart from his teaching responsibilities, Marc has a very active research program investigating the physiological responses of greenhouse and nursery crops to water and nutrient management practices.

Dr. Paul Thomas is Professor and Floriculture Extension Specialist in the Department of Horticulture. Paul's research is focused on bedding plant and perennial production, growth control of container-grown perennials, and the efficient use of fertilizers. Paul's outreach responsibilities include planning and implementing regional and state programs involving the greenhouse industry.

Dr. John Ruter is Professor in the Department of Horticulture, based at the Coastal Plains Research station in Tifton. John's research and extension activities are focused on nursery crop production and plant breeding and selection for the southeastern United States. Production research is currently being conducted on reducing phosphorus losses and water use in container nurseries, micronutrient nutrition , controlled release fertilizers, plant growth regulation and heat stress physiology. 

Dr. Matthew Chappell is Assistant Professor in the Department of Horticulture and serves as an Extension Specialist for the nursery industry. Matthew conducts applied research in a wide variety of topics applicable to nursery operations in Georgia. Research topics include (but are not limited to) water quality and use/conservation, production systems, pest/disease/weed control, and business and marketing strategies.

Mandy Bayer is a PhD graduate student researching crop responses to different substrate water contents in field and greenhouse operations.

Alem Peter is a PhD graduate student researching the interactive effects of substrate water content and fertilizer on growth and flowering of petunia.

Lucas O’Meara is a MS graduate student researching the daily water use of hydrangea as a function of environmental conditions in container-nurseries.

Rhuanito Soranz Ferrarezi is a visiting scholar from Brazil, researching sensor-controlled subirrigation in greenhouse environments.