Thomas Molnar

Thomas Molnar received his PhD from Rutgers University in 2006. He is currently an Associate Professor in the Plant Biology Department of the Rutgers University School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA). His research program concentrates on the genetic improvement and study of hazelnuts (Corylus) and large-bracted dogwoods (Cornus). Part of this work includes germplasm exploration, collection, and evaluation. A major aspect of his current research is developing and characterizing genetic resistance to eastern filbert blight, a fungal disease which is the primary limiting factor of hazelnut production in the eastern North America. Breeding objectives in both woody ornamentals and hazelnuts emphasize selection for high levels of disease and pest resistance and cold hardiness.

New Jersey Agriculture Experiment Station

Rutgers Plant Biology Graduate Program

Rutgers Hazelnuts

American Society of Horticulture Science

International Society for Horticultural Science

American Phytopathological Society

American Association for the Advancement of Science

Hybrid Hazelnut Consortium

Northern Nut Growers Association

North American Fruit Explorers

American Pomological Society

International Plant Propagators Society

Improving Perennial Plants for Food and Bioenergy, Inc.

Associate Professor
Department of Plant Biology
School of Environmental and Biological Sciences,
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey