Graduate Faculty

701-231-7971

James V. Anderson, Ph.D.
Virginia Polytech Institute, 1990
Research Interests:
Plant Biochemistry

James Beaver, Ph.D.
University of Illinois, 1980
Research Interests:
Dry Bean Genetics

William A. Berzonsky, Ph.D.
University of Missouri, 1988
Research Interests:
Spring Wheat Breeding

Bryan Brunner, Ph.D.
Michigan State University, 1992
Research Interests:
Breeding Tropical/subtropical Crops

Xiwen Cai, Ph.D.
Washington State University, 1998
Research Interests:
Wheat Genetics

Larry G. Campbell, Ph.D.
Kansas State University, 1974
Research Interests:
Sugarbeet Genetics

Marcelo J. Carena, Ph.D.
Iowa State University, 1999
Research Interests:
Corn Breeding

Patrick M. Carr, Ph.D.
Montana State University, 1989
Research Interests:
Sustainable Agriculture

Jack F. Carter, Ph.D.
University of Wisconsin, 1950
Research Interests:
Flax Utilization

Shiaoman Shaw Chao, Ph.D.
North Carolina State University, 1984
Research Interests:
Small Grains Genomics

Wun Shaw Chao, Ph.D.
University of California-Davis, 1996
Research Interests:
Perennial Weeds

Michael J. Christoffers, Ph.D.
University of Missouri-Columbia, 1998
Research Interests:
Weed Science/Genetics

David Wenhao Dai, Ph.D.
North Dakota State University, 2001
Research Interests:
Woody Plant Physiology, Biotechnology

Lynn S. Dahleen, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota, 1989
Research Interests:
Barley Genetics, Biotechnology

Nicholas L. David, Ph.D.
Oregon State University, 2007
Research Interests:
Extension Agronomist –Potatoe Production

Edward L. Deckard, Ph.D.
University of Illinois, 1970
Research Interests:
Crop Physiology

Douglas C. Doehlert, Ph.D.
University of Wisconsin, 1982
Research Interests:
Oat Variety Development and Quality Production

Elias M. Elias, Ph.D.
North Dakota State University, 1987
Research Interests:
Durum Wheat Breeding, Genetics

John Erpelding, Ph.D.
Montana State University, 1996
Research Interests:
Geneticist Sorghum Germplasm

Justin D. Faris, Ph.D.
Kansas State University, 1999
Research Interests:
Wheat Molecular Genetics

L. J. Shane Friesen, Ph.D.
University of Western Australia, 2007
Research Interests:
Perennial Weed Control

Michael E. Foley, Ph.D.
University of Illinois, 1982
Research Interests:
Weed Biology

Kenneth F. Grafton, Ph.D.
University of Missouri, 1980
Research Interests:
Dry Bean Breeding, Genetics

Yong Qiang Gu, Ph.D.
University of California, 1994
Research Interests:
Genetics

Elcio P. Guimaraes, Ph.D.
Iowa State University, 1985
Research Interests:
Cereal Plant Breeding

James J. Hammond, Ph.D.
University of Nebraska, 1969
Research Interests:
Flax Breeding, Biometrics, Computer Programming

Harlene Hatterman-Valenti, Ph.D.
Iowa State University, 1993
Research Interests:
High-Value Crop Production

Theodore C. Helms, Ph.D.
Iowa State University, 1986
Research Interests:
Soybean Breeding, Genetics

Dale E. Herman, Ph.D.
Purdue University, 1966
Research Interests:
Woody Plants, Propagation,
Ornamentals

Richard D. Horsley, Ph.D.
North Dakota State University, 1988
Research Interests:
Barley Breeding, Genetics

David P. Horvath, Ph.D.
Michigan State University, 1993
Research Interests:
Perennial Weed Physiology

Khwaja Hossain, Ph.D.
University of Wales, 1995
Research Interests:
Molecular Genetics and Genomics

Kirk A. Howatt, Ph.D.
Colorado State University, 1999
Research Interests:
Weed Science-Annual Weeds

Jinguo Hu, Ph.D.
University of California-Davis, 1975
Research Interests:
Sunflower Genomics

Brent S. Hulke, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota, 2007
Research Interests:
Flax and Sunflower Genetics

Chao C. Jan, Ph.D.
University of California, Davis, 1974
Research Interests:
Sunflower Cytogenetics

Prem P. Jauhar, Ph.D.
Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 1963
Research Interests:
Wheat Cytogenetics

Burton L. Johnson, Ph.D.
North Dakota State University, 1993
Research Interests:
Crop Production

Thomas J. Kalb, Ph.D.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, 1988
Research Interests:
Extention Horticulture

Herman J. Kandel, Ph.D.
North Dakota State University, 1995
Research Interests:
Crop Production

Shahryar F. Kianian, Ph.D.
University of California-Davis, 1990
Research Interests:
Wheat Germplasm Enhancement

Karen L. Klotz, Ph.D.
Ohio State University, 1995
Research Interests:
Sugarbeet Physiology

Chiwon W. Lee, Ph.D.
Purdue University, 1977
Research Interests:
Vegetables, Floriculture,
Biotechnology

Deying M. Li, Ph.D.
Iowa State University, 2001
Research Interests:
Sports Turf Management

Edward C. Lulai, Ph.D.
North Dakota State University, 1978
Research Interests:
Potato Physiology

Rodney G. Lym, Ph.D.
University of Wyoming, 1979
Research Interests:
Weed Science-Perennial Weeds

R. Macchiavelli, Ph.D.
Pennsylvania State University, 2006
Research Interests:
Statistics/Biometry

Frank A. Manthey, Ph.D.
North Dakota State University, 1985
Research Interests:
Durum and Pasta Quality

Phillip E. McClean, Ph.D.
Colorado State University, 1982
Research Interests:
Dry Bean Genetics, Biotechnology

Michael S. McMullen, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota, 1976
Research Interests:
Oat Breeding, Genetics

Mohamed Mergoum, Ph.D.
Colorado State University, 1991
Research Interests:
Hard Red Spring Wheat Breeding
 
Dwain W. Meyer, Ph.D.
Iowa State University, 1970
Research Interests:
Forage Management, Cropping Systems
 
Juan Osorno, Ph.D.
North Dakota State University, 2006
Research Interests:
Dry Edible Bean Breeding

Carlos Ortiz, Ph.D.
University of Arkansas, 1993
Research Interests:
Genetics- Starchy Crops and Turf

Timothy Porch, Ph.D.
Cornell University, 2001
Research Interests:
Dry Bean Breeding and Genetics

Joel K. Ransom, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota, 1982
Research Interests:
Small Grains

Albert A. Schneiter, Ph.D.
The University of Arizona, 1973
Research Interests:
Crop Production

Paul B. Schwarz, Ph.D.
North Dakota State University, 1987
Research Interests:
Malting Barley Quality

Gerald J. Seiler, Ph.D.
North Dakota State University, 1980
Research Interests:
Sunflower and Sugarbeet Germplasm

Senay Simsek, Ph.D.
Purdue University, 2006
Research Interests:
Hard Spring Wheat Quality

Ronald C. Smith, Ph.D.
The Ohio State University, 1973
Research Interests:
Turfgrass Management

Joseph R. Sowokinos, Ph.D.
University of North Dakota, 1969
Research Interests:
Potato Physiology

Jeff M. Stachler, Ph.D.
The Ohio State University, 2008
Research Interests:
Weed Science – Weed Control in Sugarbeet

Jeffrey C. Suttle, Ph.D.
Michigan State University, 1979
Research Interests:
Potato Physiology

Asunta L. Thompson, Ph.D.
University of Idaho, 1998
Research Interests:
Potato Breeding

Linda Wessel-Beaver, Ph.D.
University of Illinois, 1981
Research Interests:
Tropical Pumpkin and Squash Breeding

M. Dale Williams, Ph.D.
The University of Arizona, 1978
Research Interests:
Seedstocks, Crop Production

Steven S. Xu, Ph.D.
North Dakota State University, 1994
Research Interests:
HRSW Development

Joseph D. Zeleznik, Ph.D.
Michigan State University, 2001
Research Interests:
Urban/Rural Forestry

Qi Zhang, Ph.D.
Kansas State University, 2007
Research Interests:
Turfgrass Stress Physiology

Richard K. Zollinger, Ph.D.
Michigan State University, 1989
Research Interests:
Weed Science-Applied Weed Control

Program Description

The Department of Plant Sciences offers graduate studies leading to the M.S. degrees in Plant Sciences, Cereal Science, and Horticulture, and to a Ph.D. degree in Plant Sciences and Cereal Science. Specialized academic and research training in Plant Sciences is available in plant breeding and genetics, weed science, biotechnology, field and forage crop production and management, and crop physiology. Areas of specialization in Horticulture and Forestry include breeding and genetics, biotechnology, physiology, propagation, and production and management of horticultural crops such as woody plants, potatoes, vegetables, and turf and herbaceous ornamentals. Areas of specialization in cereal science may involve research in the areas of carbohydrates, enzymes, legumes, and other northern-grown crops; barley malting and brewing; wheat milling, baking, and pasta processing. Each study area is designed to provide students with a comprehension of the discipline and of relevant regional and global-community social issues.

The Department of Plant Sciences is located in Loftsgard Hall, completed in 1991, with modern and well-equipped research laboratories, offices for faculty and graduate students, and classrooms. Loftsgard Hall, which is part of the Plant Science Complex, provides a state-of-the-art facility for interdisciplinary research in plant sciences, ranging from basic studies and biotechnology to the more traditional applied areas. Facilities for cereal science research are located in Harris Hall. These facilities include analytical laboratories for grain quality research, baking, milling, malting and brewing, and pasta and noodle processing. Relatively new greenhouses and extensive growth chamber facilities are also available, as are 120 acres of field research land adjacent to the Plant Science Complex. An additional 500 acres of research land are located near the North Dakota State University campus. A horticultural farm only 35 miles west of campus has an extensive arboretum. Excellent supporting disciplines located nearby, or in the Plant Science Complex, include Soil Science, Botany, Cereal and Food Sciences, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology. The Plant Sciences Department encourages interdisciplinary research, and students frequently tailor their research program to meet their interests by working with faculty in one or more of the supporting disciplines.

The department has a policy of a limit of four graduate students assigned to each faculty adviser, so the student gets adequate personal attention and works closely with their adviser in research. Final selection of the adviser will be made on the basis of the student's interest, availability of space in the researcher's laboratory, and a common desire of the student and professor to work together. About one-third of the graduate students are Ph.D. candidates.

Admissions Requirements

The Department of Plant Sciences graduate programs are open to all qualified graduates of universities and colleges of recognized standing. To be admitted with full status to the program, the applicant must

1. Hold a baccalaureate degree from an educational institution of recognized standing.
2. Have adequate preparation in plant sciences and show potential to undertake advanced study and research as evidenced by academic performance and experience.
3. At the baccalaureate level, have earned a cumulative grade point average (GPA) in all courses of at least 3.0 (B or better) or equivalent. Students with a previous graduate degree with a GPA of 3.0 or equivalent may be admitted in full standing.

Students who do not meet all requirements for admission, but show potential for successful graduate study, may be admitted under a conditional status. Evidence must be provided, showing that the applicant's potential is not adequately reflected by his/her record.

Applications should be submitted directly to The Graduate School, and applications will be considered any time during the year. 

Official transcripts (transcripts having an appropriate seal or stamp) of all previous undergraduate and graduate records must be received by The Graduate School before the application is complete. When a transcript is submitted in advance of completion of undergraduate or graduate studies, an updated transcript showing all course credits and grades must be provided prior to initial registration at NDSU. Three letters of recommendation are required before action is taken on any application. Personal reference report forms are available from The Graduate School. All students are also required to complete the GRE General Test.

The TOEFL exam is required of international applicants. A minimum TOEFL score of 525 (paper test), 193 (computer test), or 71 (internet based) is required of all international applicants whose native language is not English.

Financial Assistance

Research assistantships (half-time) are provided on a competitive basis of scholarship and potential to undertake advanced study and research. As of the 2007-2008 academic year, the annual stipend is $15,600 for an M.S. candidate and $16,800 for a Ph.D. candidate. Graduate tuition is waived for all students with research assistantships. A limited number of graduate fellowships are available. The information provided for the application to The Graduate School is also used to assign available assistantships to applicants. The Plant Sciences Department also has numerous annual scholarships of $500 to $1000 each for outstanding Plant Sciences graduate students.

Degree Requirements

The M.S. program (Thesis Option) requires completion of at least 30 credits; this includes 10 credits of thesis research. The Ph.D. program requires completion of at least 90 credits; this includes 30 credits for an earned M.S. degree (Thesis Option) and 20 additional research credits. For each M.S. or Ph.D. candidate, a plan of study will be developed that meets the disciplinary requirements as well as the individual needs of the student. The faculty adviser and other members of the student's supervisory/advisory and examining committee assist in developing of the plan of study as well as the student's research plan. An M.S. Program (Comprehensive Study Option) is also offered in Plant Sciences. This option requires completion of at least 30 credits, including 3 credits of a Master's Paper.

Candidates for the M.S. degree normally satisfy all requirements within a two-year period, and Ph.D. candidates normally require three additional years. For M.S. candidates, an oral examination of academics related to the discipline and the research-based thesis is required. The Ph.D. candidates are required to pass a preliminary written and oral examination of academics related to the discipline and a final oral defense of a research-based dissertation. A B.S. to Ph.D. program is permitted for students who meet higher admission requirements.

 

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Courses Offered

611 Genomics 3

This course will teach the principles of genomic science such as genome sequencing, comparative genomics, the transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. Offered fall. Prereq: Biol 150, Stat 330.

 

631 Intermediate Genetics 3

Expansion of classical and molecular concepts of genetics; basic concepts of Mendelian, quantitative, population, molecular, and evolutionary genetics. 2 one-and-one-half hour lectures. Offered fall. Prereq: PlSc 315. Cross-listed with Bot and Zoo.

633 Weed Biology and Ecology 2

Principles of weed biology and ecology including reproduction, dormancy, interference, competition, allelopathy, genetics, seedbanks, and herbicide resistance in crop communites. Offered even years; fall. Prereq: PLSC 323 or instructor permission.

 

646 Genetics and Plant Improvement 3

Genetic principles and their application to plant improvement. Crop evolution, chromosome structure, and population dynamics related to crop improvement methodology. Genetically modified plants, their impact on breeding technique, and the release of improved varieties. 3 one-hour lectures. Offered fall. Prereq: PlSc 315.

653 Advanced Weed Science 2

Integrated weed control programs for crops, pastures, non-cropland, and aquatic environments. Herbicide formulation and mixtures. Herbicide absorption, translocation, and action. 2 lectures. Offered fall. Prereq: PlSc 323.

655 Cropping Systems: An Integrated Approach 3

Integrative capstone focus on the scientific, professional, and ethical issues associated with crop production and management practices using decision case studies. 3 lectures. Offered spring.

 

665 Advanced Landscape Plants 2

Nomenclature, identification, and landscape characteristics of native and introduced deciduous and evergreen woody plants grown in the Upper Midwest. Emphasis on cultivar introduction, trademarks/patents, adaptation, and diversity within species. Field trips required. 2 two-hour laboratories. Offered even years; fall. Prereq: PlSc 355.

684 Plant Tissue Culture and Micropropagation 2

Principles, techniques, and applications of plant tissue, organ, cell, protoplast, and embryo culture. Emphasis on micropropagation. 1 lecture and 1 two-hour laboratory. Offered fall. Prereq: PlSc 315.

685 Arboriculture Science 3

Tree, shrub, and vine care based on the physiology of the plant and the limitations of the environment. Includes pruning, fertilizing, bracing, planting, removal and selection of plant materials, and related subjects. 3 lectures. Offered even years; spring. Prereq: PlSc 355.

686 Eco-Physiology of Horticultural Crops 2

Influence of environmental factors, stress, and hardiness on plant growth and development, and their relationship to production practices. 2 lectures. Offered even years; fall. Prereq: PlSc 210 or 225.

710 Professional Development I (non-didactic) 1

Introduce students to professional society structure and function, manuscript review, resume preparation, lecture organization, grant writing, and research proposal preparation. Offered fall.

711 Professional Development II (non-didactic) 1

Manuscript preparation, manuscript review, and grantsmanship. Offered spring. Prereq: PLSC 724, PLSC 710, or enrolled as a Ph.D. student.

721 Genomics Techniques 2

The purpose of this is to teach the principles, techniques, and applications of the large-scale analysis of DNA organization and sequence, RNA expression, and protein sequence and structure. Offered spring. Cross-listed with BIOC. Prereq: PLSC 611.

724 Field Design I 3

Application of various field designs, factorial and split-plot arrangements, orthogonal and non-orthogonal comparisons, models, components of variance, correlation, and regression to biological problems. 3 lectures. Offered fall. Prereq: Stat 330 or 725.

727 Crop Breeding Techniques 1

Hybridization of North Dakota crops. Laboratory by arrangement. Offered odd years; summer. Prereq: PlSc 446/646.

731 Plant Molecular Genetics 3

Molecular aspects of plant genome organization and expression; basic and applied usages of molecular markers and gene transfer techniques. 3 lectures. Offered even years; spring. Prereq: PlSc 431/631.

734 Field Design II 2

Application of incomplete block designs, confounding and covariance analyses to biological problems. 2 lectures. Offered odd years; spring. Prereq: PlSc 724.

741 Cytogenetics 4

Chromosome behavior during mitosis and meiosis; chromosome structure, function, and recombination; inheritance in aneuploids and polyploids; haploid formation and utilization. 3 lectures and 1 three-hour laboratory. Offered even years; fall. Prereq: PlSc 315.

751 Advanced Genetics 3

Classical and modern genetic concepts, nature and induction of mutations linkage, and application of chi-square. 3 lectures. Offered odd years; spring. Prereq: PlSc 315, 431/631.

753 Action and Fate of Herbicides 2

Herbicide mode of action and fate of herbicides in plants and soil, physiology of herbicide resistance, and herbicide antidotes. 2 lectures. Offered even years; spring. Prereq: PlSc 453/653.

755 Advanced Crop Management Decision Making 3

Problem-based learning approach focusing on the scientific, professional, personal, and ethical issues associated with advanced crop management decision making. Offered even years, fall. Prereq: PlSc 455/655.

763 Laboratory Methods--Weed Science 2

Chemical, analytical, and physiological methods for determining pesticide residues in soil and ground water; and herbicide absorption, translocation, and metabolism in plants. 2 two-hour laboratories. Offered odd years; spring. Prereq: PlSc 453/653.

776 Advanced Plant Breeding 4

Application of genetic principles to improvement of self- and cross-pollinated crops. 4 lectures. Offered odd years; spring. Prereq: PlSc 724, 446/646.

780 Population Genetics 2

Concepts and principles related to genetic properties governing random and non random mating populations. 2 lectures. Offered odd years; fall. Prereq: PLSC 315 and Stat 330.

781 Quantitative Genetics 2

Applied quantitative genetics and implications on plant breeding. 2 lectures. Offered even years; spring. Prereq: PLSC 315 and PLSC 724 or instructor approval, PLSC 446/646 recommended.

785 Crop Breeding Programs Management 2

Development of student ability to understand, examine, and evaluate crop breeding and improvement programs. Offered even years; fall. Prereq: PLSC 724, 446/646