Dr. Brian Whipker, Professor of Floriculture at NC State University
Dr. Brian E. Whipker earned the B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Horticulture and Agricultural Education, Agricultural Economics, and Horticulture, respectively. All four degrees were from Purdue University. Brian Whipker has been a Professor at NC State University for over 25 years specializing in plant nutrition, plant growth regulators, and disorder diagnostics. He has published >120 scientific papers and >300 grower articles during his career. He co-created an online grower resource fertdirtandsquirt.com which focuses on nutrient monitoring and nutrient standards. He also co-authored the book Nutrient Deficiencies in Bedding Plants: A Pictorial Guide for Identification and Correction. The culmination of his plant growth regulator research is emphasized in the Plant Growth Regulator Guide for Annuals published by Fine America/GrowerTalks. His current focus is to provide scientifically-based grower information about plant leaf tissue analysis standards and plant nutrition.
Horticultural Science Department
Since 1901, the faculty, staff and students of the Department of Horticultural Science have been providing innovative teaching, research and outreach to the citizens of North Carolina, the nation, and the world. Our research and extension programs are recognized worldwide for their contributions to applied horticultural production and to discovery science. We generate and extend knowledge about fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants, and landscape design for the purpose of increasing food security and food safety, sustaining the environment, enhancing economic vitality, and improving the quality of life for individuals and their communities.