RESEARCH FOCUS
- Commercial crop production
- Crop diversification (hops, ornamentals, tree fruits, and wine grapes)
- Relationship between plants and environmental variables
- Plant nutrient and water use efficiency
- Sustainable in-season crop management practices
Biography
Biography:
Education:
B.S., Horticulture, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
M.S., Horticulture, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
Ph.D., Agricultural Science, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS
Professional Work
Professional Positions Held:
Research
Research:
My research focuses on evaluating sustainable production systems (hopyards, plant nurseries, orchards, and vineyards), nutrient management, and environmental variables (light, temperature, and water use), with the goal of reducing production costs without sacrificing plant quality.
- Develop a research program focused on reducing production costs and optimizing plant establishment through cultural practices and stress management
- Evaluate sustainable practices that are affordable and practical for specialty crops
- Characterize nutrient and water uptake and water use efficiency in specialty crops
- Analyze the relationship between plants and environmental variables (light, temperature, soil, etc.)
Teaching
Teaching: Courses Taught
| Course Title | Course No. | Semester | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Horticulture | PLSC110 | Spring | In-person |
| Introduction to Horticulture | PLSC110 | Summer | Online |
| Introduction to Horticulture Laboratory | PLSC111 | Spring | In-person |
| Crafty Beverage Crops | AGST333 | Fall | Online |
| Technology of Fruit and Vegetable Production | PLSC433 | Fall | In-person |
| Environmental Horticulture | PLSC452 | Spring | In-person |
Publications
Selected Publications:
- Schrader, J.A., P.A. Domoto, G.R. Nonnecke, D.R. Cochran. 2020. Multifactor models for improved prediction of phenological timing in cold-climate wine grapes. HortScience 30:1912-1925. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI15367-20
- Schrader, J.A., D.R. Cochran, P.A. Domoto, and G.R. Nonnecke. 2020. Yield and berry composition of cold-climate grape cultivars and advanced selections in Iowa climate. HortTechnology 30:193-203. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH04557-19
- Schrader, J.A., D.R. Cochran, P.A. Domoto, and G.R. Nonnecke. 2019. Phenology and winter hardiness of cold-climate grape cultivars and advanced selections in Iowa climate. HortTechnology 29:906-922. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH04475-19
- Wesley, A., T. Robinson, B. Black, S. Blatt, D.R. Cochran, W. Cowgill, C. Hampson, E. Hoover, G. Lang, D. Miller, I. Minas, R.P. Quezada, and M. Stasiak. 2017. Budagovsky, Geneva, Pillnitz, and Malling apple rootstocks affect ‘Honeycrisp’ performance over the first five years of the 2010 NC-140 Honeycrisp Apple Rootstock Trial. J. Amer. Pomol. Soc. 71:149-166.
- Brumfield, R., A.J. DeVincentis, X. Wang, R.T. Fernandez, S. Nambuthiri, R.L. Geneve, A.K. Koeser, G. Bi, T. Li, Y. Sun, G. Niu, D.R. Cochran, and A. Fulcher. 2015. Economics of utilizing biodegradable containers in ornamental crop production systems. HortTechnology 25:17-25. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH.25.1.17
- Wang, X., R.T. Fernandez, B.M. Cregg, R. Auras, A. Fulcher, D.R. Cochran, G. Niu, Y. Sun, G. Bi, S. Nambuthiri, and RL. Geneve. 2015. Multi-state evaluation of plant growth and water use in plastic and alternative nursery containers. HortTechnology 25:42-49. DOI:https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH.25.1.4
- Cochran, D.R., R.L. Harkess, P.R. Knight, M. Tomaso-Peterson, E.K. Blythe, and C.H. Gilliam. 2014. Evaluation of a commercial extract of giant knotweed on drought tolerance of impatiens. HortScience 49:1034-1040. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI.49.8.1034
