This is a personal website developed by John Erwin (Professor and Chair in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture at the University of Maryland - College Park) for commercial flower, nursery and greenhouse edible crops producers, home gardeners and students.  The website contains articles from the trade literature, scientific journals, as well as original articles.  It also has pages tailored specifically for University of Maryland research supporters.  Lastly, it contains research focusing on controlled environment agriculture, outdoor ornamental crop production, biotic and abiotic stress physiology, flowering physiology and photosynthesis associated with work conducted in the Erwin Lab.

Controlled
​Environment Agriculture

Controlled environment agriculture is the future of crop production in locations with adverse climates and/or with limited water resources.  Urban agriculture is expanding as consumers increasingly prefer locally produced food with increased food safety.  We conduct research and outreach around producing ornamentals and food crops in greenhouses in the north, warehouses, homes and commercial buildings and other controlled environments.

Outdoor
​Ornamental Production

 The majority of U.S. ornamental crop production is outdoors.  Our program is one of the few with expertise in this area and partner with growers in CA, FL, TX, OH, GA, NJ, CO, OR, MN and WA to research and facilitate outdoor crop production.  Our work identifies and introduces new crops, ways to ameliorate crop stress, and reducing disease susceptibility.  We focus on new heat and drought tolerant crops - especially cacti and succulents.

Research
and Teaching

  Our research focuses on the environmental physiology of flowering, root development and, photosynthesis.  We also identify practical ways to reduce inputs including labor and pesticides.  Our coursework aims to prepare students for a rapidly changing international horticulture industry including emerging crop production, urban horticulture, and controlled environment agriculture - including space.