John Dole

Dr. John Dole is a Professor in the Department of Horticultural Science at North Carolina State University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. His research program focuses on production and postharvest physiology of floriculture crops, particularly cut flowers, poinsettias, and vegetatively-propagated cuttings. He teaches Physiology of Flowering and is a founding member of Seed Your Future, an initiative promoting horticulture careers.

Research areas include developing methods to extend cut flower storage using sub-zero temperatures, improving hydration techniques, and evaluating chemical treatments to enhance branching and stem elongation in poinsettias. He co-leads the FFAR Fellows professional development program for agricultural PhD students and serves as Executive Advisor for the Association of Specialty Flower Growers.

His extensive publication record covers postharvest handling of diverse cut flowers including peonies, tulips, zinnias, and sunflowers. Recent studies investigate biostimulant effects on ornamental quality, academic pathways for agricultural students, and traditional floral preservatives.