Research Areas

The Department of Horticulture at the University of Kurdistan is actively engaged in a diverse range of specialized research areas, with significant contributions from faculty members and graduate students. These research endeavors are designed to address regional and global challenges in horticulture, particularly in the fields of sustainable production, plant improvement, and the conservation of native species. The key research areas in which the department's members are active are introduced below:

Dr. Vafaei's research focuses on the conservation and propagation of native and endangered plant species. He works on the non-symbiotic germination of terrestrial orchids, which is vital for preserving these sensitive species. Additionally, he investigates the morphological, molecular, and phytochemical diversity of native Iranian plants to identify their genetic and biochemical profiles for use in breeding and conservation programs. Dr. Vafaei also specializes in micropropagation and tissue culture techniques for endangered species and gene transfer in plants using Agrobacterium and gene gun methods.

Dr. Nazari specializes in the physiology and biotechnology of ornamental plants, particularly geophytes (bulbous plants). He studies the physiological mechanisms of growth and development in these plants and their propagation techniques. He also evaluates native Iranian ornamental plants for their use in landscaping and green spaces. His biotechnology research focuses on the improvement of ornamental plants through genetic and molecular approaches, and he is also active in the field of turfgrass management and sustainability.

Dr. Koushesh Saba's research is centered on the postharvest physiology and storage technology of fruits and vegetables. He analyzes the antioxidant compounds in produce and investigates their role in improving postharvest quality. He also studies the physiological responses to biotic and abiotic stresses after harvest and provides solutions to mitigate these stresses. His work also covers modern packaging and storage technologies and the impact of pre-harvest factors on postharvest quality.

Dr. Sarabi focuses on greenhouse production and sustainable horticultural systems. He specializes in the management and automation of greenhouse environments to optimize the growth of crops such as strawberries, tomatoes, and cucumbers. His research includes the development and testing of hydroponic systems for efficient, low-water-use production. He also investigates organic production methods in greenhouses to reduce dependency on synthetic inputs.

Dr. Nalousi works in the interdisciplinary field of plant breeding and biotechnology, focusing on improving horticultural crops for resistance to environmental stresses. He utilizes genomics and proteomics to understand the genetic basis of traits like drought and salinity tolerance. He is also involved in breeding programs to develop new cultivars of ornamental plants adapted to climate change and regional resource limitations.

Dr. Mozafari conducts research in plant breeding and molecular genetics of horticultural crops. He focuses on the evaluation and conservation of genetic resources to preserve biodiversity and develop new cultivars. He also employs biotechnology tools such as marker-assisted selection and genetic engineering to accelerate breeding and introduce traits like disease resistance and improved nutritional value.

Dr. Khorshidi is active in the field of medicinal plants, an area of growing importance due to the increasing demand for natural and medicinal products. He studies the physiology and breeding of medicinal plants, focusing on optimizing their production and enhancing their bioactive compounds. The extraction and identification of secondary metabolites for the development of pharmaceuticals and herbal supplements are also among his research interests.

Dr. Javadi has extensive experience in the physiology and cultivation of fruit trees. He investigates the effects of environmental stresses, such as drought and extreme temperatures, on fruit trees and uses plant growth regulators to mitigate these effects. He also develops sustainable fruit cultivation practices to improve yield and quality and studies the physiological mechanisms of fruit development and ripening to enhance quality and shelf life.

​​​​​​​ Graduate students in the Department of Horticulture are active in all the aforementioned areas, contributing to the department's research output through their theses and dissertations. Under the supervision of faculty members, they participate in innovative projects that target local and global horticultural challenges. Their research often focuses on applied aspects such as improving production techniques, developing new cultivars, and promoting sustainable practices, while also contributing to fundamental knowledge in fields like plant physiology, genetics, and biotechnology.