Songül Sever Mutlu

Professor Songül Sever Mutlu is a distinguished academic at Akdeniz University's Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Horticulture, where she has served as a full Professor since 2023, following positions as Associate Professor (2017-2023) and Assistant Professor (2009-2017). Her academic journey includes doctoral and postgraduate studies at the University of Nebraska in Turfgrass Science, complemented by earlier education at Ankara University in Landscape Architecture.

Her educational background includes:

• Doctorate (2003-2009): University of Nebraska, Faculty of Horticulture and Forestry, Turfgrass Science
• Postgraduate (2001-2003): University of Nebraska, Faculty of Horticulture and Forestry, Turfgrass Science
• Postgraduate (1995-1999): Ankara University, Institute of Natural Sciences, Landscape Architecture
• Undergraduate (1990-1994): Ankara University, Faculty of Agriculture, Landscape Architecture Department

Professor Sever Mutlu's research spans multiple dimensions of horticulture with particular emphasis on turfgrass science, landscape architecture, and plant breeding. Her work focuses on developing drought-resistant grass varieties suitable for Mediterranean climates, exploring genetic diversity in native plant species, and improving turf performance through innovative breeding techniques and nutrient management. She has made significant contributions to understanding the morphological and genetic characteristics of bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, and other turf species, while also investigating the conservation of endemic plant species like Dorystoechas hastata. Her research integrates traditional breeding methods with modern biotechnological approaches including mutation breeding through gamma irradiation and molecular marker-assisted selection.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on climate-resilient turfgrass development, with particular attention to improving winter color retention and spring recovery in warm-season grasses. Her work spans fundamental genetic research, practical turf management applications, and conservation of endemic plant species, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to sustainable horticulture in changing climatic conditions.

Her scientific achievements have been recognized through several prestigious awards:

• First place in Plant Breeding Project Market (2021)
• Second place in Plant Breeding Award for Hybrid Zoysia Grass Breeding (2018)
• Third place in Plant Breeding Award for Bermuda Grass Breeding through Interspecific Hybridization (2016)

Professor Sever Mutlu has supervised 11 theses and leads multiple significant research projects funded by TÜBİTAK and other institutions. Her current projects focus on developing drought-resistant hybrid zoysiagrass, artemisinin production from Artemisia annua, and molecular characterization of Nerium oleander genotypes. She has served as principal investigator for numerous projects addressing turfgrass breeding, drought resistance, and landscape plant conservation, securing substantial research funding throughout her career.

Her research group maintains active collaborations with international institutions and has established specialized facilities for turfgrass evaluation, plant breeding, and molecular analysis. The team regularly publishes in high-impact journals and presents findings at major international conferences, contributing significantly to advancements in sustainable landscaping and turf management practices.