OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
ORNAMENTAL PLANT BREEDING
Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
WELCOME TO THE LAB
The Nguyen Lab integrates plant breeding, propagation, biotechnology, and field evaluation to develop woody and herbaceous ornamentals with improved regional performance, production reliability, and landscape value.
Built for Oklahoma
Designed for the Green Industry
Oklahoma’s heat, drought, variable winters, and demanding production conditions create a challenging environment for ornamental plants. Our program develops and evaluates woody and herbaceous ornamentals that can perform reliably under these conditions while meeting the needs of growers, landscapers, and consumers.
We focus on regional adaptation, efficient propagation, low-input performance, and improved flowering and foliage traits. By connecting plant breeding with nursery production, field testing, and industry feedback, we aim to develop plants with lasting value for landscapes and the ornamental horticulture industry.
Hybridization and
Mutation
We create new ornamental variation through controlled hybridization, seedling selection, and mutation breeding, with an emphasis on distinctive traits and improved regional performance.
Biotechnology and Propagation
We develop tissue culture, molecular, and propagation tools that support efficient plant multiplication, trait discovery, and future cultivar development.
Field and Nursery Evaluation
Plants are evaluated under greenhouse, nursery, and field conditions for survival, growth, flowering, foliage quality, stress tolerance, propagation performance, and long-term landscape value.
Our Partners and Supporters
Our work is strengthened by growers, nurseries, industry organizations, university partners, and public germplasm programs that support plant evaluation, propagation research, field trials, and industry-informed breeding priorities. We appreciate the partners who contribute plant materials, technical insight, trial opportunities, and support for ornamental and nursery crop improvement.
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