Research Geneticist (Plants)
Dr. Stephen Stringer is a Research Geneticist at the USDA ARS Thad Cochran Southern Horticultural Laboratory, Poplarville, MS. Steve obtained his B.S. (1977), M.S. (1981), and PhD. (1987) at Louisiana State University while working as a Research Associate in the Department of Agronomy (Baton Rouge), where he specialized in cotton breeding and genetics research and entomology. Additional experience in cotton breeding and genetics and entomology research was as a Research Specialist for the University of Arkansas Cotton Branch Experiment Station, Marianna AR (1988 – 1991). He conducted entomology and weed science research while working as a Biologist for FMC Corp. Ag. Chem group until he moved to his current position in 2000. Steve has over 45 years of research experience in Agronomy, Entomology, weed Science and Horticultural research. He has authored over 90 publications with over forty refereed journals. His discovery of the role and inheritance of gossypol glandulosity at L.S.U. were utilized in the development of several widely grown commercial cotton cultivars. His biology Research at FMC Corp., Ag. Chem Group was important in the development of Aim® herbicide in corn and Rice, Authority® herbicide in soybean and sugarcane, Command® herbicide in cotton and sugarcane, and Capture® insecticide in cotton. His current research involves integrated pest management for the control of the spotted-winged Drosophilla pest of blueberries and his breeding and genetics research lead to the development of several new small fruit cultivars for the Southeastern U.S., where he and colleagues were presented the American Society of Horticulture’s Award for Outstanding Fruit Cultivar in 2021. His leadership roles include serving on the NCCC-22 Small Fruit and Viticulture Committee (Secretary 2001, Chair 2002), the Southern Region American Society of Horticultural Sciences Executive Committee (2014, Chair 2015).
