Ryan Contreras,
Associate Professor at Oregon State University
Dr. Ryan Contreras is an Associate Professor of Ornamental Plant Breeding in the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University where he teaches spring and fall woody landscape plant identification, plant growth & development, and plant propagation courses. He established and directs the Ornamental Plant Breeding Program, which focuses on developing new cultivars of woody shrubs and trees with improved traits such as disease resistance, habit, fragrance, reduced fertility, and much more. In attempting to support the nursery industry he has developed a diverse program that seeks to improve 33 genera – a number that continues to grow. Recently his program released ‘Emerald Sprite’ and ‘Emerald Beauty’ cotoneasters, which are compact and fire blight resistant selections. His program’s development of large populations of triploid maples that have potential to be sterile promises to make a big impact on the long-term sustainability of the genus. Regardless of the taxon, Ryan’s goal is for the breeding to directly support and enhance the success of growers, landscapers, and consumers.
Oregon State University Department of Horticulture.
Grow healthy food and essential plants, design and create sustainable landscapes, and discover how plants improve people’s lives and livelihoods in the Department of Horticulture.
