UMaine Extension welcomes new ornamental horticulture specialist
Matthew Wallhead is the new University of Maine Cooperative Extension ornamental horticulture specialist and assistant professor of horticulture.
Wallhead joins UMaine from the USDA Agricultural Research Service Application Technology Research Unit in Wooster, Ohio. His postdoctoral work there focused on improving spray efficiency for ornamental nurseries.
In Maine, Wallhead will be responding to the needs of the state’s ornamental horticulture industry, including educating growers on management practices that will enable them to increase production efficiency and profitability. His current research projects include the evaluation of laser-guided air-assisted sprayers for commercial nurseries and Christmas tree farms, and applications of small unmanned aerial systems for precision horticulture. His professional interests include cut flower production, fungi, ornamental gardens and precision horticulture.
Wallhead holds a joint appointment with UMaine Extension and the UMaine School of Food and Agriculture. He received a doctorate in plant biology and geospatial sciences from the University of New Hampshire, with a focus on integrated disease management for apples.
“Maine is a beautiful state, and I look forward to serving the green industry here,” Wallhead says.
More information about the UMaine Extension ornamental horticulture program is available online or by calling 581.3188.