By Stephanie Schupska
University of
Georgia
David Knauft flipped through the brown manual he had worn thin
since Michael Dirr had given it to him when they first met. As an
associate dean, woody ornamentals were just a pastime then.
Now, as the first Dirr Professor for Woody Plant Instruction and
Introduction, Knauft’s turning his plant breeding skills from
plants he has grown as a hobby into a career.
“I want to carry on the passion he has for teaching,” said
Knauft, who was formerly associate dean for academic affairs at
the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and
Environmental Sciences. “It’s not just about plants.”
The brown book was Dirr’s “Manual of Woody Landscape Plants,” the
leading horticultural text and primary reference of its kind on
such plants, which include shrubs and trees. It’s one of a vast
number of publications Dirr wrote, and it grew out of his
teaching as a horticulture professor.
Dirr’s research has made an immeasurable impact on the nation’s
plant industry. His work has influenced a generation of students,
gardeners, nurserymen and professional horticulturists.
“I was hoping for an individual who cared about students,
undergraduate and graduate, and David was the perfect fit,” Dirr
said of Knauft’s appointment. “His enthusiasm for teaching is
already reflected in the organic gardening and new plant breeding
courses. The latter will open new horizons for students across
the plant sciences.”
Knauft is enjoying the chance to further pick Dirr’s brain as he
studies such topics as sterilizing crape myrtles, working on
indigo cross-compatibility and controlling invasive plant
species. Their friendship and professional teamwork began in 1998
when Knauft moved from North Carolina State University to UGA.
Knauft got his Ph.D. in plant breeding from Cornell University.
Before heading to N.C. State in 1993 as head of the crop science
department, he taught and conducted research in the genetics and
breeding of peanuts at the University of Florida. In November
2004, he re-entered the classroom.
“I worked as a researcher and teacher before my 12 years of
administration,” he said. “I’m fortunate to still have the
opportunity to return to teaching and research.”
He didn’t return to his work with peanuts. Knauft “didn’t want to
duplicate existing research in the college and was looking to
make a contribution to society. The ornamental field was wide
open.”
“I wanted someone with energy and desire to serve the nursery
industry of Georgia,” Dirr said. “David has attended the nursery
meetings and interacted with the people who supported this
professorship. He is respected by the industry. He has traveled
the extra mile to meet, greet, strategize and become a part of
the community.”
With a background in plant breeding, Knauft brings something new
to the woody plant program.
“His best trait is the training in plant breeding,” Dirr said.
“He’s a genuine plant breeder who will take our ornamentals
program where I never imagined possible. David and I are working
together on breeding strategies for the future. We have a healthy
mutual respect for each other that translates to wanting the best
for the program.”
Knauft agrees. “To be a good plant breeder, you need to be a good
plant person,” he said. “Having Mike and his advice and his
opinions and working with his research program as well has been a
huge advantage.”
While Dirr has moved on to North Carolina, Knauft has no plans to
leave Athens. He said he’s “put enough time in my yard.” He and
his wife have a son who is a junior at UGA.
(Stephanie Schupska is a news editor with the University of
Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.)
