Faculty
Donald J. Merhaut
Associate Extension Specialist for Ornamental and Floriculture Crops (Ph.D., 1993, University of Florida)
Office: 4118 Batchelor Hall
Phone: (951) 827-7003
Fax: (951) 827-4437
Email: donald.merhaut@ucr.edu
Our Research Program focuses on whole plant growth and development with special emphasis on the spatial and temporal aspects of nitrogen cycling in containerized ornamental crops. Presently, we are characterizing the dynamics of nitrogen cycling in containerized ornamentals, through monthly measurements of nitrogen cycling in the media and nitrogen uptake into plants, weekly measurements of nitrogen leaching and continual monitoring of media and air temperatures. The fate of different fertilizer types as affected by temperature and media type (physical and chemical) is also being investigated.
The long-term objectives of our research program are to elucidate the mechanisms that regulate nutrient uptake and metabolism in plants and to determine how environmental and cultural conditions, plant genetics, and fertilizer technology may be influenced and/or developed to improve nutrient use efficiency in crops and reduce fertilizer runoff and leaching. Through this research, plant production programs will be developed to improve water and nutrient use efficiency in plants, increase crop productivity, and minimize the impact of agricultural practices on the environment.
Relevant Links:
Relevant Publications:
Merhaut, D. J. 2004. Effects of Magnesium-sulfate on plant growth and nutrient uptake and partitioning in Camellia sasanqua ‘Shishi Gashira’ J. Environ. Hort. 22(3):161-164.
Merhaut, D.J. 2004. Marketing trends and Business Management Practices for the wholesale nursery industry in California. HortTechnology (Accepted-revision stage).
Corkidi, L., E. B. Allen, D. Merhaut, M. F. Allen, J. Downer, J. Bohn, M. Evans. 2004. Effectiveness of Commercial Mycorrhizal Inoculants on the Growth of Liquidambar styraciflua in Plant Nursery Conditions. J. Environ. Hort. (submitted 09-04).
Grusak, M. A., B. W. Stephens and D. J. Merhaut. 1996. Influence of whole-plant net calcium influx and partitioning on calcium concentration in snap bean pods. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 121(4): 656-659.
Merhaut, D. J. and R. L. Darnell. 1996. Vegetative growth and nitrogen/carbon partitioning in blueberry as influenced by nitrogen fertilization. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 121(5): 875-879.
Merhaut, D. J. and R. L. Darnell. 1995. Ammonium and nitrate accumulation in containerized southern highbush blueberries. HortScience. 30: 1378-1381.