Desmond R. Layne

EDUCATION

• 1992 Ph.D., Horticulture, Michigan State University
• 1989 M.S., Horticulture, Michigan State University
• 1986 B.Sc. in Agriculture, Major: Horticulture, University of Guelph (Ontario, Canada)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• 2018 – Present Professor of Pomology and Head, Department of Horticulture, Auburn University
• 2015-2018 Professor of Pomology, Department of Horticulture and Director of Agricultural and Food Systems and Integrated Plant Sciences interdisciplinary undergraduate programs, College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA
• 2013-2015 Professor of Pomology, Department of Horticulture and Tree Fruit Endowed Chair, Cooperative Extension Service, Washington State University, Wenatchee, WA
• 2006-2013 State Horticulture Program Team Leader, Cooperative Extension Service, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
• 1997-2013 Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Pomology and State Peach Specialist, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
• 1993-1997 Principal Investigator of Horticulture and Curator, USDA National Clonal Germplasm Repository for Asimina spp., Kentucky State University, Frankfort, KY
• 1992-1993 Research Plant Physiologist, USDA Forestry Sciences Laboratory, Rhinelander, WI

SELECTED HONORS AND AWARDS

• 2021 Fellow, Cohort 15 Food Systems Leadership Institute
• 2018 Fellow, American Society for Horticultural Science
• 2018 Teaching Award of Merit, North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA)
• 2017 Elected Vice-President, Extension Division, American Society for Horticultural Science
• 2014 Invited Keynote Speaker, Horticulture in Quality and Culture of Life Conference, Lednice, Czech Republic
• 2013 Industry Award – named “Mr. Peach” by the South Carolina Peach Council
• 2013 Scientific Committee and Invited Keynote Speaker – VIII International Peach Symposium in Matera, Italy
• 2013 Professor Emeritus of Pomology, Clemson University
• 2012 National Team Award – USDA NIFA Partnership Award for Multistate Efforts for the Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium
• 2012 Invited Keynote Speaker – XXII Congresso Brasileiro de Fruticultura (Brazilian Congress of Fruit Crops), Bento Goncalves City, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

• American Society for Horticultural Science
• American Pomological Society
• International Society for Horticultural Science
• Executive Committee, Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Currently in 100% administrative position. Former applied research over the years has focused on the following temperature fruit crops – apple, cherry (sweet and tart), peach, strawberry, and the native American pawpaw (Asimina triloba). Research has primarily focused on sustainable orchard management practices and systems, germplasm evaluation and new cultivar development.”

Currently in 100% administrative position.

COURSES PREVIOUSLY TAUGHT

2016-2018 (AT WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY)

DR. LAYNE’S GOOGLE SCHOLAR PROFILE