Plant and Soil Sciences | Faculty
Dr. Thompson Pizzolato
Education
- Ph.D., Miami University, 1974
- M.S., Louisiana State University, 1968
- B.S., Louisiana State University, 1965
- PLSC 101 Botany
- PLSC 201 Plant Morphology
- PLSC 404/604 Plant Taxonomy
- PLSC 415/615 Vascular Plant Anatomy
- My research concerns development of the vascular systems of monocotyledonous stems. Although several distinct patterns occur, there is a uniformity of development involving waves of isolated initiation of procambia. These isolated points then unite into a vascular system by dot-to-dot linkages. The pattern of procambial development in monocot stems differs from that of dicot stems, in which procambia develop in continuity with the older vascular system. Two curious observations from my studies are that the entire vascular system of the monocot stem is preformed into a procambial template within the first millimeter of the apex, and that the little lily-turf (Ophiopogon) has the same vascular system as palm trees. I teach about these and many other aspects of plant structure in my four botanical offerings to undergraduate and graduate students at the University.
Professional Activities
- Co-director, Phillips Herbarium, Delaware State University
- Member - Botanical Society of America
- Member - Torrey Botanical Society
Recent Publications
2008. Procambial initation for the vascular system in the shoot of a seedling of Symplocarpus foetidus (Araceae). International Journal of Plant Sciences 169:349-360.
