Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences [Department of Plant Biology and Pathology]

Dr. Thomas Molnar

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
Read my C.V.

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.

Click here to view research images Dogwood flower

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

  1. Plant Propagation (11:776:310) - undergraduate course

Rutgers Affiliations

Other Affiliations

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Dr. Thomas Molnar joined the department in 2004 and was promoted to assistant professor in 2008.

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