Progress 03/01/24 to 02/28/25
Outputs
Target Audience:The project's target audience was the ten undergraduate students participating in the summer program from May thorough July 2024. Among this audience, 50% were from underrepresentative ethnic groups and 60% were female. Efforts to reach the target audience included half-day workshops on subjects ranging from hydroponics to statistics to composting, brown-bag lunch discussion sessions, and two field trips across the state. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Ten undergraduate students from three institutions were recruited to participate in a ten-week immersive program during summer 2024. Students were trained on various research methods in horticultural science, food science, and natural resources management including cover cropping, digital extension module development, pecan production physiology, native plant ecology, hydroponics production physiology, food safety, and extraction science. Students were also trained in extension activities including field days, workshops, and camps. Students were trained on growing vegetables in a small-scale agriculture system and then assigned their own plots to maintain and eventually harvest. Students received professional development through weekly public speaking activities culminating in oral presentations at a research symposium. In addition, the project provided mentorship training for four MS and two PhD graduate students who worked closely with undergraduates on research projects or in coordinating group activities. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been disseminated to the general public through the OSU Dept of H/LA website and Oklahoma Gardening television show. Results of theresearch conducted within the program were disseminated through a symposium held at OSU in the final week of the programand a university-wide summer research expo. Several students worked with mentors through the fall to develop abstracts forand present at the Southern Region ASHS meetings in Irving, TX. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The program was deemed successful in 2024, and therefore we anticipate following a similar model of mentoring, training,and research. The involvement ofnew faculty in urban horticulture and small farms production was impactful and we hope to continue inclusion of diversedisciplines that expose students to the wide array of activities in horticulture and relevant disciplines.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Student enrollment in agricultural sciences is declining in the US in part because of a rural to urban migration. Horticulture and related sub-disciplines may be more attractive to young persons - particularly those who lack a background in agriculture. The project achieved its primary objective of recruiting and training ten students within a ten-week horticulture research and extension experience for undergraduates. Each student conducted research or participated in extension activities throughout the summer program culminating in a symposium in the final week. Goal 1: recruit 40 undergraduate students over four years to participate in a summer horticulture research and extension program 1) Major activities completed: Applications and marketing materials were disseminated to student recruiting pools such as the Langston University, the OK LSAMP program, five junior colleges within Oklahoma, and OSU student organizations. We received 35 applications representing 6 four-year institutions. The top ten applicants were chosen by a committee of the CoPD's based on student research interests and qualifications. 2) Data collected: Data pertaining to number of applicants, number of fellows, and number of fellows from underrepresented groups were collected. 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results: Fifty percent of the student participants were from underrepresented ethnic groups. Sixty percent of participants were female. 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized: Recruitment success was deemed acceptable and establishes a benchmark for future years of the project. Development of new networks and renewing old networks shows promise for future recruiting efforts. Goal 2: expose students to diverse plant, food, soil, and environmental science sub-disciplines 1) Major activities completed: Students were trained using hands-on learning activities within the Student Garden and Greenhouse Learning Center. After conducting field safety training, students were taught about proper seed storage and cultivar selection, common vegetables produced in the state, cover cropping, drip irrigation systems, and weed management. Students were assigned their own plots of ground in the Student Garden to plant various crops of their choice and were subsequently required to maintain those plots through the remainder of the program . CoPD Dunn led efforts to train students in hands-on learning actives within the OSU Greenhouse Learning Center. Students also attended a full-day certification program on produce safety. A field trip was coordinated to highlight examples of small-scale agriculture in the region. 2) Data collected: Pre- and post-exams were conducted to evaluate student gain in knowledge. 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results: Students demonstrated an increase in horticultural knowledge over the course of the program. Student confidence conducting experiments and presenting results increased. Several students indicated the program either confirmed interest in graduate school or caused them to begin considering it. 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized: Students increased their awareness of horticulture in society and became more confident they could enter a similar career.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Davis, T., Fontanier, C., McGlynn, W., and Jadeja, R. 2025. Drying Danger: Evaluating Microbial Safety of Freeze-Dried vs. Conventionally Dried Strawberries (Fragaria ananassa). ASHS-SR Conference. Irving, TX. Feb 1-2.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2025
Citation:
Shepard, A., and Bachelot, B. 2025. Effects of Fungicide on Mycorrhizal Root Colonization and Soil Health. ASHS-SR Conference. Irving, TX. Feb 1-2.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2025
Citation:
Mosby, M., Kathi, S., Mason, T., and Fontanier, C. 2025. Impact of Different Soilless Media on Kale Microgreens Growth and Quality. ASHS-SR Conference. Irving, TX. Feb 1-2.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2025
Citation:
McNew, J., Kathi, S., and Fontanier, C. 2025. The Influence of Commercial Mycorrhizae Products on Basil Growth in Controlled Environments. ASHS-SR Conference. Irving, TX. Feb 1-2.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2025
Citation:
Mosby, M., Kathi, S., Mason, T., and Fontanier, C. 2025. Assessing Kale Microgreens Yield and Quality Grown Using Different Soilless Media. ASHS-SR Conference. Irving, TX. Feb 1-2.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2025
Citation:
McNew, J., Kathi, S., and Fontanier, C. 2025. Exploring Mycorrhizal Fungi Benefits for Soilless Basil Production. ASHS-SR Conference. Irving, TX. Feb 1-2.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2025
Citation:
Harmon, R., Dunn, B., and Fontanier, C. 2025. Examining Various Eastern Red Cedar Biochar Particle Sizes and Incorporation Rates to Produce Potted Begonias. ASHS-SR Conference. Irving, TX. Feb 1-2.
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Progress 03/01/23 to 02/29/24
Outputs
Target Audience:The project's target audience was the ten undergraduate students participating in the summer program from May thorough July 2023. Among this audience, 20% were from underrepresentative ethnicgroups and 90% were female. Efforts to reach the target audience included half-day workshops on subjets ranging from hydroponics to statistics to composting, brown-bag lunch discussion sessions, and two field trips across the state. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Ten undergraduate students from 6 institutions were recruited to participate in a ten-week immersive program during summer 2023. Students were trained on various research methods in horticultural science, food science, and natural resources management including cover cropping, digital extension module development, pecan production physiology, native plant ecology, hydroponics production physiology, food safety, and extraction science. Students were also trained in extension activities including field days, workshops, and camps. Students were trained on growing vegetables in a small-scale agriculture system and then assigned their own plots to maintain and eventually harvest. Students received professional development through weekly public speaking activities culminating in oral presentations at a research symposium. In addition, the project provided mentorship training for four MS and two PhD graduate students who worked closely with undergraduates on research projects or in coordinating group activities. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been disseminated to the general public through Facebook and the OSU Dept of H/LA website. Results of the research conducted within the program was disseminated through a symposium held at OSU in the final week of the program and a university-wide summer research expo. Several students worked with mentors through the fall to develop abstracts for and present at the Southern Region ASHS meetings in Atlanta, GA. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The program was deemed successful in 2023, and therefore we anticipate following a similar model of mentoring, training, and research. The Dept of H/LA has hired new faculty in urban horticulture and small farms production. We have included them in the 2024 program as mentors and support for enrichment activities. We have also further increased interdisciplinary efforts through inclusion of faculty from integrative biology departments in support of reaching new student demographics.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Student enrollment in agricultural sciences is declining in the US in part because of a rural to urban migration. Horticulture and related sub-disciplinesmay be more attractive to young persons - particularly those who lack a background in agriculture. The project achieved its primary objective of recruiting and training ten students within a ten-week horticulture research and extension experience for undergraduates. Each student conducted research or participated in extension activities throughout the summer program culminating in a symposium in the final week. Student assessment demonstrated significant increases in knowledge and 70% of students expressing an increased desire to attend graduate studies in their field. Goal 1: recruit 40 undergraduate students over four years to participate in a summer horticulture research and extension program 1) Major activities completed: Applications and marketing materials were disseminated to student recruiting pools such as the Langston University, the OK LSAMP program, five junior colleges within Oklahoma, and OSU student organizations. We received 19 applications representing 2 two-year and 7 four-year institutions. The top ten applicants were chosen by a committee of the CoPD's based on student research interests and qualifications. 2) Data collected: Data pertaining to number of applicants, number of fellows, and number of fellows from underrepresented groups were collected. 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results: Twenty percent of the student participants were from underrepresented ethnic groups. Ninety percent of participants were female. 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized: Recruitment success was deemed acceptable and establishes a benchmark for future years of the project. Development of new networks and renewing old networks shows promise for future recruiting efforts. Goal 2: expose students to diverse plant, food, soil, and environmental science sub-disciplines 1) Major activities completed: Students were trained using hands-on learning activities within the Student Garden and Greenhouse Learning Center. After conducting field safety training, students were taught about proper seed storage and cultivar selection, common vegetables produced in the state, cover cropping, drip irrigation systems, and weed management. Students were assigned their own plots of ground in the Student Garden to plant various crops of their choice and were subsequently required to maintain those plots through the remainder of the program . CoPD Dunn led efforts to train students in hands-on learning actives within the OSU Greenhouse Learning Center. Students also attended a full-day certification program on produce safety. A field trip was coordinated to highlight examples of small-scale agriculture in the region. 2) Data collected: Pre- and post-exams were conducted to evaluate student gain in knowledge. 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results: Students demonstrated an increase in horticultural knowledge over the course of the program. Student confidence conducting experiments and presenting results increased. Several students indicated the program either confirmed interest in graduate school or caused them to begin considering it. 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized: Students increased their awareness of horticulture in society and became more confident they could enter a similar career.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Moccio, M., Dunn, B. L., Kaur, A., Fontanier, C., & Zhang, L. (2024). Effects of Root Zone Temperature of Hydroponic Lettuce Affects Plant Growth, Nutrient Uptake, and Vitamin A Content. HORTSCIENCE, 59(2), 255-257.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Love, S., C. Fontanier, C. Popovici, R. Jadeja. 2024. Is Watermelon Jerky Safe to Consume? SRASHS Conference. Atlanta, GA. Feb 2-4.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Casey, K., and L. Anella. 2024. Photographing and Identifying Herbaceous Plants for Pl@ntNet at The Botanical Garden at Oklahoma State University. SRASHS Conference. Atlanta, GA. Feb 2-4.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Mocio, M., B.L. Dunn, A. Kaur, C. Fontanier, and L. Zhang. 2024. Plant Growth, Nutrient Uptake, and Vitamin A Content of Hydroponic Spinach and Mustard Greens with Supplemental Seaweed Extract. SRASHS Conference. Atlanta, GA. Feb 2-4.
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Progress 03/01/22 to 02/28/23
Outputs
Target Audience:The project's target audience was the ten undergraduate student fellows participating in the summer program from Maythrough July 2022. Among this audience, 30% of the participants were from underrepresented ethnic groups (Native American or African American) and 70% were women. Efforts to reach the target audience included half-day workshops on subjects ranging from hydroponics to statistics to small fruit production, brown-baglunch discussion sessions, and a field tripto witness horticulture in the state. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Ten undergraduate students from 4 institutions were recruited to participate in a ten-week immersive program during summer 2022. Students were trained on various research methods in horticultural science, food science, and natural resources managementincluding vegetable production physiology,drought stress physiology, hydroponics production physiology, food safety, and extraction science. Students were also trained inextension activities including field days,workshops, and camps. Students were trained on growing vegetables in a small-scale agriculture system and then assigned their own plots tomaintain and eventually harvest. Students received profoessional development through weekly public speaking activities culiminating in oral presentations at a reserachsymposium. In addition, the project provided mentorship training for five MS and one PhD graduate students whoworked closely with undergraduates on research projects or in coordinating group activities. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been disseminated to the general public through the project Facebook page, the OSU Dept of H/LA website, Results of the research conducted within the program was disseminated through a symposium held at OSU in the final week of the program and a university-wide summer reserach expo. Six abstracts from 2022 program activitieshave been to submitted to the Southern Region ASHS meetings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We will bring three students from the 2022 REEU program to the Southern Region ASHS meetings in Oklahoma City, OK. These students received the highest score from an independent panel of judges at the special symposium held in the final week of the 10-week program. Students will present their research at the undergraduate oral presentation competition. We also plan to begin recruiting an additional ten students to the 2023 summer REEU program. The program was deemed successful in 2022, and therefore we anticipate following a similar model of mentoring, training, and research. TheDept of H/LA is in the process of hiring two new faculty in urban horticulture and small farms production. We anticipate including them on thisproject as a CoPD and faculty mentor for at least one student fellow. Additional faculty will be added on a case by case basis to ensure quality projects and mentorship can be provided to a diverse set of students.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Impact Statement: Student enrollment in agricultural sciences is declining in the United States in part because of a rural to urban migration. Horticulture and relatedsub-disciplinesthat may be more attractive to young persons - particularly thosewho lack a background in agriculture. This project achieved its primary objective of recruiting and training ten students withina ten-week horticulture research and extension experience undergraduates (REEU). Nearly one thirdof the student participants werefrom underrepresented groups. Each student conducted research or participated inextension activities throughout the summer program culminating in a symposium in the final week. Students demonstrated a 65% increase inhorticultural knowledge over the course of the program. Students indicated the program increased their confidence and interest in attending graduate studies. Goal 1: recruit 40 undergraduate students over four years to participate in a summer horticulture research and extension program 1) Major activities completed: Applications and marketing materials were disseminated to student recruiting pools such as the Langston University, the OK LSAMP program, five junior colleges within Oklahoma, and OSU student organizations. Wereceived 33 applications representing 3 two-year and 3 four-year institutions. The top ten applicants were chosen by acommittee of the CoPD's based on student research interests and qualifications. 2) Data collected: Data pertaining to number of applicants, number of fellows, and number offellowsfromunderrepresentedgroups were collected. 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results: Thirty percent of the student participants were from underrepresented ethnic groups.Seventy percent of all students were female. 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized: Recruitment success was deemed acceptable and establishes a benchmark for futureyears of the project. Development of new networks and renewing old networks shows promise for future recruiting efforts. Goal 2: expose students to diverse plant, food, soil, and environmental science sub-disciplines 1) Major activities completed: Students were trained usinghands-on learning activities within the Student Farm. After conducting field safety training, students were taught about proper seed storage and cultivar selection, common vegetables produced in the state, cover cropping, drip irrigation systems, and weed management. Students were assigned their own plots of ground in the Student Farm to plant various crops of their choice and were subsequently required to maintain those plots through the remainder of the program. CoPD Dunn led efforts to train students in hands-on learningactives within the OSU Greenhouse Learning Center. Students also attended a full-daycertification program on food safety. A field tripwas coordinated to highlight examples of small-scale agriculture in the region. 2) Data collected: Pre- and post-exams were conducted to evaluate student gain in knowledge. 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results: Students demonstrated a 65% increase in horticultural knowledge overthe course of the program. Student confidence conducting experiments and presenting results increased. Sevearl students indicated the program either confirmed interest in graduate school or caused them to begin considering it. 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized: Students increased their awareness of horticulture in society andbecame more confident they could enter a similar career. Goal 3: train students in horticultural research methods 1) Major activities completed: Students met weekly with faculty mentors to discuss research methodology and proposaldevelopment. Research topics varied with each student depending on their particular interests. Topics included the effect ofPGRs on hop production, effect of tillage on soil chemical properties, use of antibiotics for control of food-borne pathogens, quality traits of bean and broccoli, and effects of media-type on tomato yield. Students were guided through the collection andanalysis of data and the interpretation of results. Students were then required to present findings in a symposium and oralcompetition. Students were also provided hands-on workshops and guided tours of various plant and science laboratories on OSU's campus. 2) Data collected: Data collection varied with project and included a variety of key methods common to horticultural research.Data related to student knowledge were collected in the form of an indirect assessment of their confidence level (1 to 5) in variousareas of horticulture and research. 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results: Student knowledge increased by 50% for knowledge pertaining to research protocols. 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized: Students increased their understanding of the scientific process as itpertains to horticultural sciences. Three students were selected to attend a regional scientific meeting. Goal 4: enhance leadership skills of students 1) Major activities completed: Students were required to present weekly updates to their peers. 2) Data collected: Data were collected in the form of an indirect assessment of student confidence level in variouscompetencies including developing research proposals, public speaking, and working independently or with others. 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results: On average, student knowledge increased by 34% across all research topics including delivering research presentations(55%), research careers (59%), and conference preparation (127%). 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized: Students demonstrated enhanced leadership skills and are more prepared to enter industry or graduate school with confidence.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Rainey, W., K. Stenmark, C. Fontanier, N. Maness, B. Dunn. 2022. Evaluation of two plant growth regulators on Humulus lupus for greenhouse production in Oklahoma. OSU Undergraduate Summer Research Expo. July 25, 2022. Stillwater, OK.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Readnour, M., L. Zhang. 2022. Seasonal carbohydrate distribution in Pecan wood and bark. OSU Undergraduate Summer Research Expo. July 25, 2022. Stillwater, OK.
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