Honeycrisp's Heritage

Since its release in 1991, Honeycrisp has been harboring a secret: its parents are a mystery. Originally billed as the child of Macoun and Honeygold, researchers quickly discovered that neither of these varieties were the parents of Minnesota’s favorite apple. Now, 26 years after its introduction, graduate student Nick Howard (Applied Plant Sciences, Ph.D.) has finally uncovered Honeycrisp’s true lineage.

Research

Our renowned faculty direct research in a wide range of areas including: fruit crop breeding, plant genetics and biology, plant growth and development, turfgrass science, post-harvest physiology, horticultural marketing, agroecology, and more.

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Education

Students can concentrate their coursework in horticultural science while completing an interdisciplinary major in Plant Science or Food Systems. Applied skills are gained through hands-on laboratories, field activities, and active lectures.

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Outreach

Faculty with Extension appointments work with farmer cooperators, industry leaders, and consumer groups to complete integrated research projects that directly benefit the greater community.

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Alumni

Alumni of the Department of Horticultural Science move on to a variety of exciting careers in research, education, greenhouse and garden management, farm management, and more.

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Events

Announcements

Outstanding Alumnus Award

Nominations are now open for the Department of Horticultural Science Distinguished Alumnus Award. This award will honor an alumnus/alumna who has attained professional distinction in horticultural science as evidenced by outstanding professional achievement on a state, national, or international level. Nominations can be made online and are due by June 30 (deadline extended). View the eligibility and criteria.

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Garden Questions?

In the Media

Ask Extension

Extension can provide answers to your questions by email, classes and events, publications and diagnostic tools, and local county Master

Gardener programs. For other resources on soil testing, tree questions, or insect questions, see our Contact Us page.

Spotlight

Stefanie Dukowic-Schulze, right

Staff Spotlight on Stefanie Dukowic-Schulze

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