William B. Miller

William B. Miller is a Professor at Cornell University's School of Integrative Plant Science, specializing in the Horticulture Section. His work bridges floricultural research, greenhouse crop production, and plant physiology.

Education

• Doctorate in Horticulture, Cornell University (1986)
• Master of Science in Horticulture, Cornell University (1983)
• Bachelor of Science in Horticulture, University of California, Davis (1981)

Research Focus

Dr. Miller's research centers on:

• Floricultural crop production, particularly flower bulb forcing
• Ethylenedependent growth regulation and pathogen interactions
• Physiological disorders in ornamental plants
• Climate change implications in horticultural substrates
• Annual/perennial plant evaluations in Zone 5 climates

His work with Dutch bulb exporters and US industry partners has led to globally adopted practices, including the use of rootzone ethylene applications (since 2010) and greenhouse gas emission studies from peat moss substrates (since 2013).

Scientific Contributions

• Developed novel growth control methods using ethephon drenches
• Investigated carbohydrate metabolism in bulbous plants
• Conducted extensive outdoor plant trialing in Ithaca
• Published key findings in HortScience and Acta Horticulturae

Awards & Academic Leadership

• Kenneth Post Award (2012), American Society for Horticultural Science
• Director of the annual Seeley Conference for floral industry
• Instructor for PLSCI 1101, HORT 3000, and HORT 3100