Dr. Panicker to represent Mississippi in the American Society for Horticultural Science
The largest horticulture society in North America, the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS), with members in more than 100 countries has appointed Alcorn State University’s director of conservation research, Dr. Girish K.S. Panicker, to represent the society in the state of Mississippi. He will work as a contact person for ASHS to share information about the association with scientists, farmers, and students in the Alcorn community.
The Society offers a free service to high school and university students to enlighten them on the importance of horticultural science (plant and soil science) in their professional and personal life. Horticulture deals with the production of fruits, vegetables, nuts and ornamentals. One of the major objectives of the organization is to increase enrollment in the field of horticultural science at land-grant universities across the state.
Being a member of both the American Society for Horticultural Science and the International Society of Horticultural Science (ISHS), which has members in 156 countries, Panicker will have several of his speeches delivered at international conferences for the benefit of the world’s community, health, and conservation of soil and water on horticultural lands.
“Membership in the ASHS and ISHS helps globally market Alcorn at their annual and international conferences. In 2014, at the ISHS’ 29th International Horticultural Congress held in Brisbane, Australia, I delivered a speech on the muscadine research with forest and animal waste undertaken at Alcorn,” Panicker said. “Another benefit is an opportunity for students of land-grant universities to become student members and get access to scholarships and internships through both societies.”
The relationship between the university and the ASHS is also aimed at highlighting the importance of escalating the production of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and floriculture industries for the state’s economic development.
“Fruits and nuts are the only foods humans can eat without cooking. These horticultural foods help prevent high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and cancer. Increased production of fruits, nuts and vegetables means increased consumption of these crops and in due course, it will help alleviate obesity and related problems in Mississippi.”
For more information about the organization and Dr. Panicker’s representation, contact him at [email protected] or call (601) 877-6598.
