Crop Science Department

ENVIRONMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY

Dr. Thomas Rufty
Professor


Department of Crop Science
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC 27695-7620


Office: 4411A Williams Hall
Lab: 4411 Williams Hall
Office Ph: 919-515-3660
Lab Ph: 919-515-3637
Fax: 919-515-5315
  Contact Tom Rufty
 


EDUCATION


B.S. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Economics
 Rutgers University, Agronomy
M.S. North Carolina State University, Plant Nutrition
Ph.D North Carolina State University, Plant Physiology

SOCIETIES


American Society of Plant Physiologists
Crop Science Society of America
Weed Science Society of America
Scandinavian Society of Plant Physiologists
European Society of Plant Physiologists

ADMINISTRATIVE

 

Coordinator, Interdepartmental Plant Physiology Program

Co-Director of the Center for Environmental Turfgrass Research and Education



RESEARCH

  • Plant and plant community interactions with the environment
  • Physiological and genetic factors controlling plant responses
  • Experimentation with crop, weed and invasive species
  • Collaborations with other programs in molecular biology, weed science and ecology
PROJECTS IN THE PROGRAM
NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY CROP and WEED COMPETITION ALUMINUM TOXICITY
 

Transport Regulation


Nutrient Interactions


N Losses to the Environment

  

N Transfer between Plants


Mycorrhizal Colonization


Nutritional and Temperature Stresses


Genetic Effects

  

Mechanism of Action


Relationship with Drought Tolerance

Genetic Manipulations for Tolerance





PUBLICATIONS

Wherley BG, W Shi, DC Bowman, TW Rufty. 2009. Fate of 15N-nitrate applied to a bermudagrass system: Assimilation profiles in different seasons. Crop Science, in press.

Taylor M, P Nelson, J Frantz, T Rufty.  2007. Effect of phosphorus deficiency and high temperature on ammonium and nitrate uptake by geranium (Pelargonium xhortorum bailey). HortScience 42:890-890.

Taylor MD, PV Nelson, JM Frantz, TW Rufty. 2009. Phosphorus deficiency in Pelargonium: Effects on nitrate and ammonium uptake and acidity generation. Journal of Plant Nutrition, in press

Hixson AC, W Shi, JB Weber, FH Yelverton, TW Rufty. 2009. Soil organic matter changes in turfgrass systems affect binding and biodegradation of simazine. Crop Science 49:1481-1488.

Seth-Carley D, S Davis, D Bowman, L Tredway, T Rufty, C Peacock. 2009. Effluent application to creeping bentgrass in the transition zone: Effluent analysis and potential negative effects from salinity and low oxygen. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal. 11:1023-1031.

Wherley BG, DC Bowman, TW Rufty. 2009. Effect of soil saturation on development and 15N-nitrate uptake efficiency of two warm season grasses emerging from dormancy. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, in press.

Rufty T, G Miller, C Peacock, M Jennette, L Warren, D Seth-Carley, D Bowman, F Yelverton. 2008. Water quality adjacent to golf courses in the southern Applachia. Acta Horticulturae, 783:229-238.

Sermons SM, MG Burton, TW Rufty. 2008. Temperature response of Benghal Dayflower (Commelina benghalensis): Implications for geographic range. Weed Science 56: 707-713.

Place GP, DC Bowman, MG Burton, TW Rufty. 2008. Root penetration through a high bulk density soil layer: Differential response of a crop and weed species. Plant and Soil, 307: 179-190.

Naegle, E, P Kwanyuen, J Burton, T Carter, and T Rufty. 2008.  Seed nitrogen mobilization in soybean: Effects of seed nitrogen content and external nitrogen fertility.  Journal of Plant Nutrition,  31(2) 367-379. 

Shi W, DC Bowman, TW Rufty. 2007. Soil microbial community composition and function in turfgrass ecosystems. Biodiversity and Bioavailability, 1: 72-77. 

Dell EA, DC Bowman, TW Rufty, W Shi 2007. Intensive management affects composition of betaproteobacterial ammonia oxidizers in turfgrass systems. Microbial Ecology, 56: 178-190.

Sinclair T, E Fiscus, B Wherley, M Durham, TW Rufty. 2007. Atmospheric vapor pressure deficit is critical in predicting growth response of 'cool-season' grass Festuca arundinaceae to temperature change. Planta, 227: 273-276.

Tungate KD, DW Israel , DWH Watson, TW Rufty. 2007. Potential shifts in weed interference in an agroecological system with elevated temperatures. Environmental and Experimental Botany, 60: 42-49.

Fiscus EL, FL Booker, J-JB Dubois, TR Rufty, JW Burton, WA Pursley. 2007. CO2 enhancement effects in container- versus ground-grown soybeans at equal planting densities. Crop Science, 47:2486-2494.  

Tu, C., F.L. Booker, D.M. Watson, X. Chen, T.W. Rufty, S. Hu. 2006. Mycorrhizal mediation of plant N acquisition and residue decomposition: Impact of mineral N inputs. Global Change Biology, 12(5): 793-803.

Moyer-Henry, K.A., J.M. Burton, D.W. Israel, T.W. Rufty. 2006. Nitrogen transfer between plants: A 15N natural abundance study with crop and weed species. Plant and Soil, 282(1-2): 7-20.

Tungate KD, MG Burton , DJ Susko, SM Sermons, TW Rufty. 2006. Altered weed reproduction and maternal effects under low N fertility. Weed Science,  54: 847-853.

Causin, H.F., T.W. Rufty, J.F. Reynolds. 2006. Gas exchange and carbon metabolism in two Prosopis species from semiarid habitats: Effects of elevated CO2, N-supply and N- source. American Journal of Botany, 93: 716-723.

Carter, TE, JH Orf, LC Purcell, JE Specht, P Chen, TR Sinclair, TW Rufty. 2006. Tough times, tough plants – New soybean genes defend against drought and other stresses. Proceedings of the 33rd Soybean Seed Research Conference. CD-ROM, American Seed Trade Association, Alexandria , VA.

Naegle, E.R., J.W. Burton, T.E. Carter, T.W. Rufty. 2005. Influence of seed nitrogen content on early leaf development and ability to recover from nitrogen stress. Plant and Soil, 271: 329-340.

 

Moyer-Henry, KA, IR Silva, JS MacFall, E Johannes, NS Allen, B Goldfarb, TW Rufty. 2005. Accumulation and localization of aluminum in root tips of loblolly pine seedlings and associated ectomycorrhiza. Plant, Cell and Environment, 28: 111-120.

 

Halfhill, M.D., H.S. Moon, J.P Sutherland, G.M Poppy, S.I Warwick, T.W. Rufty, A.K. Weissinger, P.L. Raymer, and C.N. Stewart, Jr. 2005. Growth, productivity, and competitiveness of introgressed weedy Brassica rapa hybrids selected for the presence of Bt cry1Ac and gfp transgenes. Molecular Ecology, 14: 3177-3189.  

Causin, H.F., D.C. Tremmel, T.W. Rufty, J.F. Reynolds. 2004. Growth, nitrogen uptake, and metabolism in two semiarid shrubs grown at ambient and elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations: Effects of nitrogen supply and source. American Journal of Botany,  91: 565-572.

Chiera, J.M., J.F. Thomas, TW Rufty. 2004. Growth and localized energy status in P-stressed soybean. Journal of Plant Nutrition,  27: 1875-1890.

McElroy, J.S., F.H. Yelverton, J.C. Neal, T.W. Rufty. 2004. Influence of photoperiod and temperature on vegetative growth and development of Florida Betony. Weed Science 52: 267-270.

Fagerness, M.J., D.C. Bowman, F.H. Yelverton, T.W. Rufty. 2004. Nitrogen use in Tifway bermudagrass as affected by trinexapac-ethyl. Crop Science, 44: 595-599.

Halfhill, M.D., R.J. Millwood, T.W. Rufty, A.K. Weissinger, C.N. Stewart. 2003. Spatial and temporal patterns of green fluorescent protein (GFP) fluorescence during leaf canopy development in transgenic canola. Plant Cell Reports, 22: 338-343.

Lee, D.J., D.C. Bowman, D.K. Cassel, CH Peacock, and TW Rufty. 2003. Soil inorganic nitrogen under fertilized bermudagrass turf. Crop Science 43:247-257.

Jennette, M.W., J.S. MacFall, and T.W. Rufty. 2003. Magnetic resonance image visualization of plant roots in situ, In TT van Toai, ed. Imaging and Spectral Techniques: Applications to Precision Agriculture and Crop Physiology. American Society of Agronomy, Special Publication 66, Madison, WI, 65-72.

Tungate, K.D., D.J. Susko, and T.W. Rufty. 2002. Reproduction and offspring competitiveness of Senna obtusifolia are influenced by nutrient availability. New Phytologist 154:661-669.

Thapa, B.B., D.C. Bowman, T.W. Rufty, D.K. Cassel, and C.H. Peacock. 2002. Soil nitrate concentrations under intensively managed turfgrass systems. International Turfgrass Research Journal 9:64-67.

Fagerness, M.J., F.H. Yelverton, D.P. Livingston, and T.W. Rufty. 2002. Temperature and trinexapac-ethyl effects on bermudagrass growth, dormancy, and freezing tolerance. Crop Science 42:853-858.

Chiera, J.M., J.F. Thomas, and T.W. Rufty. 2002. Leaf initiation and development in soybean under phosphorus stress. Journal of Experimental Botany 53:473-481.

Bowman, D.C., C.T. Cherney, and T.W. Rufty. 2002. Fate and transport of nitrogen applied to six warm-season turfgrasses. Crop Science 42:833-841.

Villagarcia, M.R., T.E. Carter, T.W. Rufty, A.S. Niewoehner, M.W. Jennette, and C. Arrellano. 2001. Genotypic rankings for aluminum tolerance of soybean roots grown in hydroponics and sand culture. Crop Science 41:1499-1507.

Silva, I.R., T.J. Smyth, D.W. Israel, and T.W. Rufty. 2001. Altered aluminum inhibition of soybean root elongation in the presence of magnesium. Plant and Soil 230:223-230.

Silva, I.R., T.J. Smyth, D.W. Israel, C.D. Raper, and T.W. Rufty. 2001. Magnesium is more efficient than calcium in alleviating aluminum rhizotoxicity in soybean and its ameliorative effect is not explained by the Gouy-Chapman-Stern model. Plant Cell Physiology 42:538-545.

Silva, I.R., T.J. Smyth, D.W. Israel, C.D. Raper, and T.W. Rufty. 2001. Magnesium ameliorates aluminum rhizotoxicity in soybean by increasing citric acid production and exudation by roots. Plant Cell Physiology 42:546-554.

Silva, I.R., T.J. Smyth, C.D. Raper, T.E. Carter, and T.W. Rufty. 2001. Differential aluminum tolerance in soybean: An evaluation of the role of organic acids. Physiologia Plantarum 112:200-210.

Lee, D.J., W.A. J., D.C. Bowman, C.H. Peacock, and T.W. Rufty. 2001. Temperature effects on nitrogen mineralization from soil collected under managed bermudagrass turf. International Turfgrass Research Journal 9:394-397.

Bigelow, C.A., D.C. Bowman, D.K. Cassel, and T.W. Rufty. 2001. Creeping bentgrass response to inorganic soil amendments and mechanically induced subsurface drainage and aeration. Crop Science 41:797-805.

Silva, I.R., T.J. Smyth, D.F. Moxley, T.E. Carter, N.S. Allen, and T.W. Rufty. 2000. Aluminum accumulation at nuclei of cells in the root tip: Fluorescence detection using lumogallion and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Plant Physiology 123:543-552.

Jackson, D.M., T.W. Rufty, A.S. Heagle, R.F. Severson, and R.V.W. Eckel. 2000. Survival and development of tobacco hornworm larvae on tobacco plants grown under elevated levels of ozone. Journal of Chemical Ecology 26:1-19.

Jackson, D.M., R.V.W. Eckel, T.W. Rufty, and A.S. Heagle. 2000. Survival and development of aphids on tobacco plants grown under elevated levels of ozone. Tobacco Science 43:47-57.

Bianchi-Hall, C.M., T.E. Carter, M.A. Bailey, M.A.R. Mian, T.W. Rufty, D.A. Ashley, H.R. Boerma, C. Arellano, R.S. Hussey, and W.A. Parrott. 2000. Aluminum tolerance associated with quantitative trait loci derived from soybean PI 416937 in hydroponics. Crop Science 40:538-545.

Wright, S.R., H.D. Coble, C.D. Raper, Jr., and T.W. Rufty, Jr. 1999. Comparative responses of soybean (Glycine max), sicklepod (Senna obtusifolia), and Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) to root zone and aerial temperatures. Weed Science 47:167-174.

Wright, S.R., M.W. Jennette, H.D. Coble, and T.W. Rufty. 1999. Root morphology of young Glycine max, Senna obtusifolia, and Amaranthus palmeri. Weed Science 47:706-711.

Reich, R.C., and T.W. Rufty. 1999. Growth and nutrition of flue-cured tobacco exposed to aluminum in solution culture. Tobacco Science 43:1-6.

Bruneau, A.H., F.H. Yelverton, I. J., and T.W. Rufty. 1999. Effect of plant growth regulators on suppression of Poa Annua Ssp. Reptans in a creeping bentgrass, In M. F. ed., ed. Proceedings of the World Scientific Congress of Golf. Human Kinetics, publ. pp 647-654.

Gojon, A., L. Dapoigny, L. Lejay, P. Tillard, and T.W. Rufty. 1998. Effects of genetic modification of nitrate reductase expression on 15NO3- uptake and reduction in Nicotiana plants. Plant Cell Environment 21:43-53.

Bowman, D.C., D.A. Devitt, M.C. Engelke, and T.W. Rufty. 1998. Root architecture affects nitrate leaching from bentgrass turf. Crop Science 38:1633-1639.

Bianchi Hall, C.M., T.E. Carter, Jr., T.W. Rufty, C. Arellano, H.R. Boerma, D.A. Ashley, and J.W. Burton. 1998. Heritability and resource allocation of aluminum tolerance derived from soybean PI 416937. Crop Science 38:513-522.

Rufty, T.W. 1997. Probing the carbon and nitrogen interaction: a whole plant perspective. In CH Foyer, P Quick, eds, A Molecular Approach to Primary Metabolism in Higher Plants. Taylor and Francis, London, U.K. pp 255-273.

Ameziane, R., L. Cassan, C. Dufosse, T.W. Rufty, and A.M. Limami. 1997. Phosphate availability in combination with nitrate availability affects root yield, and chicon yield and quality of Belgian endive. Plant and Soil 191:269-277.

Agrell, D., C.M. Larsson, M. Larsson, C.T. MacKown, and T.W. Rufty. 1997. Initial kinetics of 15N-nitrate labeling of root and shoot N fractions of barley cultured at different relative addition rates of nitrate-N. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry 35:923-931.

Lazof, D.B., J.G. Goldsmith, T.W. Rufty, and R.W. Linton. 1996. The early entry of Al into cells of intact soybean roots - A comparison of three developmental root regions using secondary ion mass spectrometry imaging. Plant Physiology 112:1289-1300.

Rufty, T.W., C.T. MacKown, D.B. Lazof, and T.E. Carter. 1995. Effects of aluminium on nitrate uptake and assimilation. Plant Cell Environment 18:1325-1331.

Rufty, T.W., R.B. Thomas, J.D. Cure, and W.W. Cure. 1994. Growth-response of cotton to CO2 enrichment in differing light environments. Physiologia Plantarum 91:503-509.

Lazof, D.B., J.G. Goldsmith, T.W. Rufty, and R.W. Linton. 1994. Rapid uptake of aluminum into cells of intact soybean root tips. A microanalytical study using secondary ion mass spectrometry. Plant Physiology 106:1107-1114.

Lazof, D.B., M. Rincon, T.W. Rufty, C.T. Mackown, and T.E. Carter. 1994. Aluminum accumulation and associated effects on 15N-NO3- influx in roots of two soybean genotypes differing in Al tolerance. Plant and Soil 164:291-297.

Lazof, D.B., J.K.G. Goldsmith, T.W. Rufty, C. Suggs, and R.W. Linton. 1994. The preparation of cryosections from plant-tissue - an alternative method appropriate for secondary-ion mass-spectrometry. Journal of Microscopy 176:99-109.

Rufty, T.W., Jr., D.W. Israel, R.J. Volk, J. Qiu, and T. Sa. 1993. Phosphate regulation of nitrate assimilation in soybean. Journal of Experimental Botany 44:879-891.

Lazof, D.B., J.G. Goldsmith, T.W. Rufty, and R.W. Linton. 1993. SIMS determination of metal contamination and nutrient tracers in freeze-dried cryosection of plant roots. Microbeam Analysis 2:5114-5115.

Goldsmith, J.G., D.B. Lazof, W.H. Schroeder, A.T. Kubin, T.W. Rufty, and R.W. Linton. 1993. Applications of secondary ion image analysis for quantification of isotope and elemental nutrient tracers in biological tissues, In e. A Benninghoven, ed. Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry, SIMS IX. John Wiley and Sons, New York, NY. pp. 824-828.

Carter, T.E., and T.W. Rufty. 1993. A soybean plant introduction exhibiting drought and aluminum tolerance, In e. G.Kuo, ed. Adaptation of Vegetables and other Food Crops to Temperature and Water Stress. Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center, Publ, Tainan, Taiwan. pp. 335-346.

Rufty, T.W., R.J. Volk, and A.D.M. Glass. 1992. Relationship between carbohydrate availability and assimilation of nitrate, In D. J. Pilbeam, C. Mengel, eds. Nitrogen Metabolism of Plants. Clarendon Press, ed., Oxford, U.K. pp. 103-119.

Rufty, T.W., D.B. Lazof, and T.E. Carter. 1992. Root morphology and the acquisition of nitrate and water, In H Reetz ed., Roots in Plant Nutrition. Foundation for Agronomic Research, publ, Atlanta, Ga. pp. 157-168.

Lazof, D.B., T.W. Rufty, M.G. Redinbaugh, and R.W. Linton. 1992. SIMS localization of nitrate absorption sites and the radial transport pathway across the corn root, In A Benninghoven, ed. Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry. John Wiley and Sons, New York, NY. pp. 685-688.

Lazof, D.B., T.W. Rufty, and M.G. Redinbaugh. 1992. Localization of nitrate absorption and translocation within morphological regions of the corn root. Plant Physiology 100:1251-1258.

Lazof, D., R.W. Linton, R.J. Volk, and T.W. Rufty. 1992. The application of SIMS to nutrient tracer studies in plant physiology. Biology of the Cell 74:127-134.

Sisson, V.A., T.W. Rufty, and R.E. Williamson. 1991. Nitrogen-use efficiency among flue-cured tobacco genotypes. Crop Science 31:1615-1620.

Rufty, T.W., M.Y. Siddiqi, A.D.M. Glass, and T.J. Ruth. 1991. Altered 13NO3- influx in phosphorus limited plants. Plant Science 76:43-48.

Lazof, D., M. Rincon, T.W. Rufty, Jr., C.T. MacKown, and T.E. Carter, Jr. 1991. Aluminum absorption by five morphological regions of the soybean root and effects on nitrate influx. Current Topics in Plant Biochemistry and Physiology. University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo.

Cure, J.D., T.W. Rufty, and D.W. Israel. 1991. Assimilate relations in source and sink leaves during acclimation to a CO2-enriched atmosphere. Physiologia Plantarum 83:687-695.

Siddiqi, M.Y., A.D.M. Glass, T.J. Ruth, and T.W. Rufty. 1990. Studies of the uptake of nitrate in barley. I. Kinetics of 13NO3- influx. Plant Physiology 93:1426-1432.

Rufty, T.W., Jr., C.T. MacKown, and D.W. Israel. 1990. Phosphorus stress effects on assimilation of nitrate. Plant Physiology 94:328-333.

Rufty, T.W., C.T. Mackown, and R.J. Volk. 1990. Alterations in nitrogen assimilation and partitioning in nitrogen stressed plants. Physiologia Plantarum 79:85-95.

Israel, D.W., T.W. Rufty, Jr., and J.D. Cure. 1990. Nitrogen and phosphorus nutritional interactions in a CO2 enriched environment. Journal of Plant Nutrition 13:1419-1433.

Glass, A.D.M., M.Y. Siddiqi, T.J. Ruth, and T.W. Rufty. 1990. Studies of the uptake of nitrate in barley. II. Energetics. Plant Physiology 93:1585-1589.

Rufty, T.W. 1989. Internal nitrogen and phosphorus interactions and physiological responses in soybean, p. pp. 53-69, In R. D. Munson, ed. The Physiology, Biochemistry, Nutrition, and Bioengineering of Soybeans: Implications for Future Management. Foundation for Agronomic Research, publ, Atlanta, Ga.

Rufty, T.W., Jr., D.M. Jackson, R.F. Severson, J.J. Lam, Jr., and M.E. Snook. 1989. Alterations in growth and chemical constituents of tobacco in response to CO2 enrichment. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 37:552-555.

Rufty, T.W., Jr., C.T. MacKown, and R.J. Volk. 1989. Effects of altered carbohydrate availability on whole-plant assimilation of 15NO3-. Plant Physiology 89:457-463.

Cure, J.D., T.W. Rufty, and D.W. Israel. 1989. Alterations in soybean leaf development and photosynthesis in a CO2 -enriched atmosphere. Botanical Gazette 150:337-345.

Rufty, T.W., Jr., S.C. Huber, and R.J. Volk. 1988. Alterations in leaf carbohydrate metabolism in response to nitrogen stress. Plant Physiology 88:725-730.

Israel, D.W., and T.W. Rufty, Jr. 1988. Influence of phosphorus nutrition on phosphorus and nitrogen utilization efficiencies and associated physiological responses in soybean. Crop Science 28:954-960.

Cure, J.D., D.W. Israel, and T.W. Rufty, Jr. 1988. Nitrogen stress effects on growth and seed yield of non-nodulated soybean exposed to elevated carbon dioxide. Crop Science 28:671-677.

Cure, J.D., T.W. Rufty, Jr., and D.W. Israel. 1988. Phosphorus stress effects on growth and seed yield responses of nonnodulated soybean to elevated carbon dioxide. Agronomy Journal 80:897-902.

Rufty, T.W., R.J. Volk, and C.T. Mackown. 1987. Endogenous NO3- in the root as a source of substrate for reduction in the light. Plant Physiology 84:1421-1426.

Mackown, C.T., T.W. Rufty, and R.J. Volk. 1987. Assimilation of 15NO3- by plants during the light dark cycle and extended darkness. Journal of Plant Nutrition 10:1885-1885.

Cure, J.D., T.W. Rufty, Jr., and D.W. Israel. 1987. Assimilate utilization in the leaf canopy and whole-plant growth of soybean during acclimation to elevated CO2. Botanical Gazette 148:67-72.

Rufty, T.W. 1986. Using root biochemistry and physiology to improve corn productivity, p. 1-22, In R. D. Munson, ed. Physiology, Biochemistry and Chemistry Associated with Maximum Yield Corn. Foundation for Agronomic Research, publ, Atlanta, G. A.

Rufty, T.W., Jr., J.F. Thomas, J.L. Remmler, W.H. Campbell, and R.J. Volk. 1986. Intercellular localization of nitrate reductase in roots. Plant Physiology 82:675-680.

Rufty, T.W., and R.J. Volk. 1986. Alterations in enrichment of NO3- and reduced-N in xylem exudate during and after extended plant-exposure to 15NO3-. Plant and Soil 91:329-332.

Kerr, P.S., D.W. Israel, S.C. Huber, and T.W. Rufty, Jr. 1986. Effect of supplemental NO3- on plant growth and components of photosynthetic carbon metabolism in soybean. Canadian Journal of Botany 64:2020-2027.

Rufty, T.W., Jr., S.C. Huber, and P.S. Kerr. 1985. Association between sucrose-phosphate synthase activity in leaves and plant growth rate in response to altered aerial temperature. Plant Science 39:7-12.

Kerr, P.S., and T.W. Rufty, Jr. 1985. Endogenous rhythms in photosynthesis, sucrose phosphate synthase activity, and stomatal resistance in leaves of soybean. Plant Physiology 77:275-280.

Kerr, P.S., T.W. Rufty, and S.C. Huber. 1985. Changes in nonstructural carbohydrates in different parts of soybean plants during a light/dark cycle and in extended darkness. Plant Physiology 78:576-581.

Huber, S.C., P.S. Kerr, and T.W. Rufty. 1985. Diurnal changes in sucrose phosphate synthase activity in leaves. Physiologia Plantarum 64:81-87.

Rufty, T.W., Jr., C.D. Raper, Jr., and S.C. Huber. 1984. Alterations in internal partitioning of carbon in soybean plants in response to nitrogen stress. Canadian Journal of Botany 62:501-508.

Rufty, T.W., Jr., S.C. Huber, and P.S. Kerr. 1984. Effects of canopy defoliation in the dark on the activity of sucrose phosphate synthase. Plant Science Letters 34:247-252.

Rufty, T.W., D.W. Israel, and R.J. Volk. 1984. Assimilation of 15NO3- taken up by plants in the light and in the dark. Plant Physiology 76:769-775.

Huber, S.C., D.C. Doehiert, T.W. Rufty, and P.S. Kerr. 1984. Regulation of sucrose phosphate synthase activity in leaves, p. 605-608, In e. C. Sybesma, ed. Advances in Photosynthesis Research. Martinus Nijhoff/Dr Junk, publishers.

Huber, S.C., T.W. Rufty, and P.S. Kerr. 1984. Effect of photoperiod on photosynthate partitioning and diurnal rhythms in sucrose phosphate synthase activity in leaves of soybean and tobacco. Plant Physiology 75:1080-1084.

Rufty, T.W., P.S. Kerr, and S.C. Huber. 1983. Characterization of diurnal changes in activities of enzymes involved in sucrose biosynthesis. Plant Physiology 73:428-433.

Rufty, T.W., C.D. Raper, Jr., and W.A. Jackson. 1983. Growth and nitrogen assimilation of soybeans in response to ammonium and nitrate nutrition. Botanical Gazette 144:466-470.

Rufty, T.W., and S.C. Huber. 1983. Changes in starch formation and activities of sucrose phosphate synthase and cytoplasmic fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase in response to source-sink alterations. Plant Physiology 72:474-480.

Huber, S.C., T.W. Rufty, P.S. Kerr, and D. Doehlert. 1983. Different mechanisms for the regulation of sucrose phosphate synthase, a key enzyme in photosynthetic sucrose formation. Current Topics in Plant Biochemistry and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo 2:20-32.

Rufty, T.W., R.J. Volk, P.R. McClure, D.W. Israel, and C.D. Raper, Jr. 1982. The relative content of N03- and reduced-N in xylem exudate as an indicator of root reduction of concurrently absorbed 15N03-. Plant Physiology 69:166-170.

Rufty, T.W., C.D. Raper, Jr., and W.A. Jackson. 1982. Nitrate uptake, root and shoot growth, and ion balance of soybean plants during acclimation to root-zone acidity. Botanical Gazette 143:5-14.

Rufty, T.W., W.A. Jackson, and C.D. Raper, Jr. 1982. Inhibition of nitrate assimilation in roots in the presence of ammonium: the moderating influence of potassium. Journal of Experimental Botany 33:1122-1137.

Rufty, T.W., C.D. Raper, and W.A. Jackson. 1981. Nitrogen assimilation, root growth and whole plant responses of soybean to root temperature and to CO2 and light in the aerial environment. New Phytologist 88:607-619.

Rufty, T.W., W.A. Jackson, and C.D. Raper, Jr. 1981. Nitrate reduction in roots as affected by the presence of potassium and by flux of nitrate through the root. Plant Physiology 68:605-609.

Rufty, T.W., G.S. Miner, and C.D. Raper, Jr. 1979. Temperature effects on growth and manganese tolerance in tobacco. Agronomy Journal 71:638-644.

PEOPLE IN THE LAB

RESEARCH STAFF
  Michael Jennette. Research Associate. B.S. in Agronomy and M.S. in Crop Science from North Carolina State University. Involved in the design and implementation of automated hydroponic plant culture systems.  Research interests include: plant physiology related to stress response, hydroponic culture, HPLC, ion chromatography, elemental analysis, digital imaging of root morphology, and 3-D nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. Oversees operations of the research laboratory.
Dr. Danesha Seth Carley. Senior Research Scientist. B.A. in Biology from Earlham College, M.S. in Entomology and Plant Pathology from The University of Tennessee, and a double major-PhD in Crop Science and Plant Pathology from North Carolina State University. Research specialty is the study of heat-stress in cool-season bent grass, and other physiological effects of environmental stresses on turf grasses.
Amanda Holland. Research Assistant. B.S. and M.S. in Horticulture from Auburn University .  A native of Alabama , she has been in the Green Industry since 1996. Past technical positions include garden center, production nursery, and commercial landscaping companies.  Current research responsibilities are field and growth chamber evaluations of turfgrass stress responses. She also is closely involved in the design and development of sustainable turf and ornamental systems.



                                                                    

GRADUATE STUDENTS

  • Students are cross-trained in several disciplines
  • Courses range from genetics and molecular biology to whole-plant physiology and ecology
  • Programs are designed for individual interests
Shannon Sermons Ph.D student. North Carolina native. Graduated from North Carolina School of Science and Math in1996. In Honors Program and graduated cum laude in 2000 from Florida State University with a B.S. in Biological Science. Received M.S. in Crop Science from NCSU.  Currently conducting research on environmental regulation of weed growth and reproduction. 
  Laura Vance.  Ph.D student. A Holly Springs, North Carolina native. Graduated cum laude from N.C. State in 2004 with a BS in Biological Sciences. She is working on a double major in Crop Science and Nutrition and a minor in Soil Science.   Past research has focused on plant-aluminum interactions.  Currently, her research is based off a SARE Graduate Student Research Grant to investigate local omega-3 egg production using purslane as a free-range forage.  Research involves investigating how environmental stresses affect fatty acid production in leaves and seeds of plants and how to integrate Purslane into a poultry production system.

 Tom Seversike. Ph.D student. Originally from Washington state. Earned A.S. degree in Crop and Soil Science from Brigham Young University-Idaho in 2002. Taught small farms courses and coordinated home garden projects for a semester through the NGO, Care For Life, in Mozambique , Africa . Graduated magna cum laude in 2004 with a B.S. in Crop Management and a minor in Agricultural Business. Received M.S. degree and the Bumpers College Distinguished M.S. Scholar Award from the University of Arkansas in 2007.  Awarded the American Society of Agronomy-United Soybean Board Fellowship in 2007. Current research is examining factors controlling drought tolerance in soybean and identifying possible drought tolerance mechanisms in wild soybean species.
Mandeep Riar. Ph.D student. Originally from a farming family in Punjab, India. Graduated first division from Khalsa College, Amritsar, India in 2005 with a BS in Agricultural Sciences. Received M.S degree (Agricultural Meteorology) in first division in 2007 from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India. Present research work related to the study of different environmental, cultural and biological factors affecting the spread of Tropical spiderwort in North Carolina.
  David Goodman. M.S. student. A Salisbury, North Carolina native. Graduated from Appalachian State University in 1998 with a BS in Management and also has a AAS degree in Turfgrass Management from N.C. State. He was captain, and MVP of the golf team at ASU. He is currently a teaching assistant in the Turfgrass Program, and his research is on detrimental environmental effects on growth and function of bentgrass species.
 Philip Hatfield. Research Assistant. Originally from West Virginia , Phil spent 11 years as a chef in some of the trendiest restaurants on the west coast. He has come back east to be closer to friends and family, and has now made North Carolina his home. One of the research group’s ‘remarkable intellects’, he has returned to the classroom to finish a degree in History and Political Science. 

William "Boo" Blount.  Research Assistant.  From Salisbury, NC.  Graduated in May 2008 with a BS degree  in Parks, Recreation, Tourism with concentration in Sport Management from NCSU. Currently enrolled in the NCSU Ag. Institute two-year turfgrass management degree program.