About The Program: Why Study Plant Medicine at UF?
Florida’s mild climate and agricultural diversity provide an ideal setting for the study of plant medicine. Valued in excess of $7 billion dollars annually, Florida’s agriculture occurs on small to large acreages and includes temperate, subtropical and tropical plants and crops. The state’s agricultural industry includes agronomic crops, vegetables, fruits, ornamentals, turf grass, and hard and pine forests. This diversity allows students to develop expertise in many crops.
Florida’s warm and moist climate also favors the survival, development and spread of plant pathogens and arthropod pests. The state’s soil types and high rainfall are also conducive to the occurrence of nutrient deficiencies. Under the guidance of their Supervisory Committee, students may adapt their course of study to meet individual interests and career goals.
Program History
The Doctor of Plant Medicine (DPM) Program was established in 1999 by the University of Florida, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (UF, CALS). The discipline departments of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Nematology, and Agronomy provided key leadership for DPM Program establishment. UF, CALS departments currently involved in the DPM Program include:
- Agronomy Department
- Department of Plant Pathology
- Entomology and Nematology Department
- Environmental Horticulture Department
- Horticultural Sciences Department
- School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences
- Soil and Water Science Department
DPM Directors
- Dr. George Agrios, Department of Plant Pathology, 1999-2002
- Dr. Robert McGovern, Department of Plant Pathology, 2002-2011
- Dr. Gary Leibee, Mid-Florida Research and Education Center, 2011-12
- Dr. Amanda Hodges, Entomology and Nematology Department, 2012-current
Dr. George Agrios, Former Chair of the UF Department of Plant Pathology was the first UF DPM Program Director. Learn more about the life contributions of Dr. Agrios to Plant Pathology and Plant Medicine.
Mission
The mission of the University of Florida, DPM Program is to provide premier professional doctoral training for plant scientists. Our graduates are important team members and leaders in industry, the private sector, government, and academia.
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