Labs and Programs

The Chavez Lab’s main area of interest is peach research and extension with a focus on orchard management, tree longevity, irrigation practices, root interaction with tree health, production, and plant breeding and genetics.

The ultimate goal of our breeding program is to develop pecan cultivars adapted for use in the humid southeastern U.S.

The Ferrarezi Lab of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) works in the production of specialty crops, edible, medicinal, and ornamental, in indoor systems – frequently in soil-free systems – with the technology to control the environment such as greenhouses and vertical farms/plant factories.

The research in the Horticultural Physiology Lab focuses on optimizing the cost-effectiveness of lighting in controlled environment agriculture and canopy imaging to monitor plant growth and stress.

The McGregor Lab focuses on developing molecular tools for watermelon and squash and integrating these tools into their breeding program.

The Muscadine Grape Breeding program researches the development of new cultivars that combine large berry size with perfect flowers, earlier and later harvest dates, berries with dry stem scars and edible skins, and increased cold hardiness.

Dr. Conner’s lab develops new pecan tree and muscadine cultivars and works to increase our understanding of the genetic control of key traits in each of these crops.

The Gardens at UGA serves research and teaching functions and is an important resource for breeders, retailers, growers, landscapers, and consumers.

UGA Woody Plant Laboratory focuses on the selection and breeding of new woody ornamental plants for Georgia and the Eastern US landscapes.

The Nambeesan Lab is interested in understanding processes that influence fruit ripening and postharvest shelf-life attributes.