Kratsch, Heidi A.
Assistant Professor/
Extension Ornamental Horticulture Specialist
Office: AGS 318
Tel: 435-797-8124
heidik@ext.usu.edu
Education
Doctorate Iowa State University
Masters University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Bachelors University of Wisconsin-Madison
Courses
None.
Positions Held
2004-Present Assistant Professor, Utah State University.
2000-2004 Plant Sciences Institute Fellow, Iowa State University
Recent Distinctions
Teaching Excellence Award, Iowa State University
Professional Associations
American Society for Horticultural Science
International Society for Horticultural Science
American Society of Plant Biologists
Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society
Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society of Agriculture
Publications
Kratsch, H.A. and W.R. Graves (2005) Oxygen Concentration
Affects Nitrogenase Activity and Nodule Anatomy of Alnus
maritima. Plant, Cell and Environment (in
press).
Kratsch, H.A., W.R. Graves, and R.J. Gladon (2005) Aeroponic System for Control of Root-Zone Atmosphere. Environmental and Experimental Botany (in press).
Kratsch, H.A. and W.R. Graves (2004) Location and Anatomy of Nodules on Alnus maritima Subjected to Flooding. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science 129: xxx-xxx.
Kratsch, H.A. and W.R. Graves (2004) Nitrogen Fixation as a Stress-Avoidance Strategy Among Actinorhizal (non-legume) Trees and Shrubs. In: R. Arora (ed.) Adaptations and Responses of Woody Plants to Environmental Stresses. Haworth Press, Binghamton, NY.
Kratsch, H.A. and W.R. Graves (2004) Nitrogen Fixation as a Stress-Avoidance Strategy Among Actinorhizal (non-legume) Trees and Shrubs. Journal of Crop Improvement 10:281-304 (peer-reviewed journal version of the manuscript listed above).
Kratsch, H.A. and W.R. Graves (2004) Ultrastructure of Nodules from Alnus maritima. Acta Horticulturae (ISHS) 630:231-236.
Kratsch, H.A. (2004) Biology of the Frankia-Alnus maritima subsp. maritima Symbiosis, Ph.D. Diss. Iowa State University.
Kratsch, H.A. and R.R. Wise (2000) The Ultrastructure of Chilling Stress. Plant, Cell and Environment 23: 337-350.
Kratsch, H.A. (2000) Evidence for Actin-based Chloroplast Movement in Leaves of Pisum sativum (Garden Pea), M.S. Thesis, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
Grants
William R. Graves, Perminus Mungara, Jay-lin Jane,
Jyotsna Sharma, Heidi A. Kratsch, 2004-2005, Evaluation
of Bioplastic Nursery Containers in Three Climates, Horticultural
Research Institute, $14.000 (funded).
Kelly L. Kopp, Paul G. Johnson, Heidi A. Kratsch, Roger K. Kjelgren, Evaluation of Competition Between Turfgrasses and Trees: Rooting Dynamics and Characteristics, 2005-2006, Community/University Research Initiative Grant Proposal, $35,000 (submitted).
Research Focus
My lab is interested in the production and use
of nitrogen-fixing native and non-native woody and herbaceous
plants in sustainable commercial and home landscapes. Plants
capable of establishing symbiotic associations with soil
microorganisms tend to be pioneers in their native habitat.
These plants often are adapted to poor soils and harsh
conditions and tend to be relatively resistant to biotic
and abiotic stress. We are investigating the potential
for reducing water and chemical use by including these
plants in constructed landscapes.
