The Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center (AREC) announced the addition of Eric Stallknecht to the  faculty as Greenhouse Production Specialist.

A recent Ph.D. graduate from Michigan State University with a degree in horticulture, Stallknecht brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his work, with a special focus on  the fascinating realm of light manipulation for optimal plant development.

Stallknecht will be responsible for developing an extension program serving the greenhouse growers of Virginia, as well as conducting his own research. He is currently seeking funding to continue his dissertation research, which centers around the concept of photoselective shade materials, the art of selecting specific proportions of light and removing particular colors to manipulate and optimize plant growth.

Stallknecht emphasizes the importance of understanding light spectrum changes. Drawing a parallel to the human responses to light perception, such as the way blue light boosts alertness in people, light across the spectrum affects plants as well.

Looking ahead, Stallknecht is eager to experiment with new lighting regimens, providing supplemental lighting guides for growers. He envisions contributing to the advancement of hydroponics and sustainable agriculture practices through his research.

Stallknecht says that one of the factors that drew him to the Hampton Roads AREC was “the appeal of the Virginia Beach area. I vividly recall my late February interview where I was welcomed by 70-degree weather. It was a stark contrast to the 10-degree, snow-covered Michigan climate.”

In addition to the rapid growth of the greenhouse industry in Virginia, Stallknecht noted the hospitality he was shown by the faculty and staff making the Hampton Roads AREC an easy and inviting place to dive into his research.

With a passion for understanding the nuanced responses of plants to light stimuli, Stallknecht’s future endeavors are poised to make a meaningful impact on the world of horticulture.