![[Department of Plant Biology and Pathology]](http://njaes.rutgers.edu/_common/images/subheads/plantbiopath.gif "[Department of Plant Biology and Pathology]"){kind=small}
Contact Information
Mailing Address
Rutgers University
Department of Plant Biology & Pathology
Foran Hall/ Cook Campus
59 Dudley Rd.
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
molnar@aesop.rutgers.edu
Campus Location
Office: Room 164 Foran Hall, 732-932-9711 x117
Research Interests
My research program concentrates on the genetic improvement and study of hazelnut, walnut, dogwood, holly, and several other woody ornamental species. Part of this work includes wide germplasm exploration, collection and evaluation, with focus on newly accessible regions of the former Soviet Union. A major aspect of our current research is developing and characterizing genetic resistance to the eastern filbert blight disease of hazelnuts, the primary limiting factor to hazelnut culture in the eastern U.S. We are also working very closely with Emeritus Professor Elwin Orton of Rutgers to continue releasing outstanding advanced generation cultivars of hybrid dogwoods and hollies. Our breeding objectives in both woody ornamentals and nut crops emphasize selection for high levels of disease and pest resistance and cold hardiness.
A new and exciting endeavor in our hazelnut project includes teaming up with the Arbor Day Foundation, Oregon State University, and the University of Nebraska, Lincoln to develop a Hazelnut Consortium to seriously enhance the adaptation and usefulness of hazelnuts as a sustainable crop for food, feed and oil across a wide area of the U.S. and Canada. More information on our hazelnut project can be found at: Growing Magazine
Publications
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Teaching
- Plant Propagation (11:776:310) - undergraduate course
Rutgers Affiliations
Other Affiliations
Dr. Thomas Molnar joined the department in 2004 and was promoted to assistant professor in 2008.