Alan G. Taylor
Professor and Chair
Department of Horticultural Sciences

Address, Phone, Fax

E-Mail: agt1@cornell.edu

Ph.D. Oklahoma State University, Crop Science, 1981
M.S. Michigan State University, Horticulture, 1977
B.S. Heidelberg College, Biology, 1975

Professional Responsibilities and Projects
Administration 50%, Research 40% and Teaching 10%

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Seed Science and Technology: seed coating and treatment technologies, stand establishment, enhancements, seed conditioning, water relations in storage and germination; the development of physiological, methods to assess and enhance seed quality and performance.

Research ranges from applied aspects of seed technology to more fundamental aspects of seed biology. Approximately 75% of this effort is devoted to vegetable seeds while the remainder includes warm season grasses for biofuels and other species.

Research is focused on post-harvest aspects of seeds with emphasis on coating technologies, and seed treatments. Seed treatments include chemical and biological methods to protect seeds and seedlings from insects and diseases. Laboratory-scale coating equipment is used in this program including film coating, rotary pan technology and low volume application. Additional projects include the study of seed coat permeability in relation to systemic seed treatments and development controlled release seed treatments. Seed investigations on biofuel crop seeds, in particular C4 grasses.

Teaching consists of a one semester course on Seed Science and Technology taught in the fall terms of odd numbered years on the Ithaca campus. This 3 credit hour course has two lectures and one laboratory per week. The course description is as follows: study of the principles and practices involved with aspects of seed production, conditioning, storage, stand establishment, testing and vigor. Information provided will be applicable to various kinds of agricultural and horticultural seeds.

Professional Societies
American Society of Horticultural Science
Crop Science Society of America
American Society of Agronomy
International Seed Science Society