29 July 1994 Lincoln Enhances Commitment to Horticulture

Horticultural teaching and research at Lincoln University has been strengthened by integrating specialist staff from that area into the wider grouping of the Plant Science Department.

"It is a logical move given that essentially all horticultural work involves an understanding of plant science at some stage or another," says the University's Professor of Horticulture, Richard Rowe.

"Just as no plant can exist in isolation from its species, so too do scientific disciplines carry affiliations to various parent fields. In horticulture, because the starting point is so often an understanding of crop physiological structures and processes, it's natural for us to work closely with plant scientists and for plant scientists to be involved in horticultural matters.

"This criss-crossing of interests has long been a feature of the Lincoln situation. Now, by having its horticultural staff formally integrated with the Plant Science Department, the University is acknowledging the 'shared' nature of our areas of interest. We are looking forward to the enhanced opportunities for fundamental research which will open up as we work more closely with agronomists, plant physiologists, plant pathologists, geneticists and molecular biologists."

Although the University's Department of Horticulture now becomes part of a wider grouping under the Plant Science umbrella, Richard Rowe remains Professor of Horticulture and all staff continue with their teaching and research specialisations.

While most staff will come under the Plant Science Department, several are going to other groupings with which they are more closely allied, for example to management orientated departments.

"Obvious working synergies have existed for some time between the Horticulture Department and other departments within the institution," says Lincoln's Vice-Chancellor Professor Bruce Ross.

"The Horticulture Department's activities in the areas of fruit production, vegetables, ornamentals, cut flowers and the newly created viticulture and wine science activities, reach across many disciplines including microbiology, biochemistry, entomology, economics, business management and labour relations.

"Creating the opportunity for all Horticulture Department staff to pursue their interests and careers in closer association with groups to which they are already allied will enhance the overall performance and support for horticultural science within the University."

"We see the new arrangement as sharpening Lincoln's capacity to service the broadening needs of the horticultural industry and equally importantly it will provide a more integrated programme for students. Indeed it will help 'future-proof' us as the research and educational requirements of the sector evolve."

The Head of Lincoln's Plant Science Department, George Hill, also sees positive value in the integration.

"There will be greater opportunities for co-operative work in such fields as biotechnology, plant physiology, crop physiology and plant nutrition," he says.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand.