University of Florida


Environmental Horticultural at UF

This research program focuses on the development of new cultivars for the Florida environmental horticulture industry and to satisfy the need of plant materials for Florida-friendly landscaping.  Florida’s environmental horticulture industry is a very important contributor to the state’s economy, employment, and rural development.  Florida growers in this dynamic industry and Florida consumers face severe challenges including devastating diseases, temperature stresses, and biological invasiveness.  For example, Fusarium tuber rot and Pythium root rot have caused a drastic tuber yield decline in caladium; powdery mildew disease has made it difficult for Florida growers and customers to produce or use gerbera.  High temperatures make it difficult for lisianthus to flower in Florida; low temperatures cause cold injury to caladium.  Invasive species negatively impact the Florida ecosystems and put Florida native species or ecotypes in danger.   

 For more on Dr. Deng's Current Research

Caladium Breeding Website


 Environmental Horticulture
Gulf Coast REC
14625 CR 672
Wimauma, FL  33598
(813) 633-4134
FAX (813) 634-0001
zdeng@ufl.edu

Curriculum Vitae

Last edited on Friday, August 07, 2009 04:10:07 PM