Overview

As Director of the Long Island Horticultural Research and Extension Center, my professional objectives are to meet the research needs of Cornell University and the extension needs of the horticultural industries on Long Island and in New York. My research program has elements of basic research as well as applied projects that are need-driven. Research interests are in the areas of new plant development and breeding, plant environment interactions, plant cell and tissue culture, in vitro plant breeding, plant propagation, genetic modifications for plant improvement, and plant growth and development of ornamental plants. Specific in vitro breeding techniques include somaclonal and gametoclonal variation, embryo culture, somatic embryogenesis, mutation breeding, meristem culture for the production of pathogen free plants, micropropagation, and in vitro fertilization. Specific applied studies pertain to herbaceous ornamental plants, field-grown cut flower production, use of high tunnels for season extension, plant propagation, greenhouse crop production, and cultivar evaluations.

Research Focus

My primary research interests are in the areas of new plant development and breeding, plant environment interactions, plant cell and tissue culture, in vitro plant breeding, genetic modifications for plant improvement, plant propagation, and plant growth and development of floricultural and ornamental plants. Specific in vitro breeding techniques include somaclonal and gametoclonal variation, embryo culture, somatic embryogenesis, mutation breeding, meristem culture for the production of pathogen free plants and in vitro fertilization. Specific applied studies focus on herbaceous ornamental plants, field-grown cut flower production, use of high tunnels for season extension, plant propagation, greenhouse crop production, and cultivar evaluations. Since coming to Cornell, I've developed and patented two ornamental Alstroemerias: 'Tangerine Tango' (2012) and 'Mauve Majesty' (2007).

Outreach and Extension Focus

My extension and outreach focus on floriculture and greenhouse horticulture including field-grown cut flowers, season extension, high tunnels, herbaceous ornamental plant evaluation, greenhouse production of poinsettias, field-grown chrysanthemums, and more. My extension programs are conducted on Long Island and statewide. Educational programs, such as conferences, all-season demonstrations, open houses, field days, workshops, and symposia keep growers and horticulture professionals informed and in touch with our research findings. Information that is developed here is shared at local, state and national levels through presentations, professional trade press and refereed publications, the LIHREC Annual Report and newsletters. Information is also available from fact sheets and internet postings and websites. I make site visits to local greenhouses and other horticultural businesses when appropriate for diagnosis, research or implementation studies.

Teaching Focus

Plant Propagation, Herbaceous Ornamental Plants, Floriculture, Plant Tissue Culture, Plant Breeding of Ornamental Plants

Additional Links

• Long Island Horticultural Research and Extension Center
• Link to CALS Research and Impact
• Link to Research & Expertise Across Cornell

Awards and Honors

• Patent of Alstroemeria 'Tangerine Tango' (2011) US Patent Office

Selected Publications

Journal Publications

• Miller, C. T., & Bridgen, M. P. (2010). Effects of storage period on growth and development in five Achimenes cultivars. HortTechnology. 20:377-380.
• Miller, C. T., & Bridgen, M. P. (2010). Daylength affects rhizome development and plant growth of two Achimenes cultivars.. Proceedings of the International Plant Propagators' Society. 60:386-389.
• Mattson, N. S., & Bridgen, M. P. (2009). Nutrient leaching from garden mums fertilized using water soluble fertilizer, controlled release fertilizer or a combination program. HortScience. 44:1072.
• Bridgen, M. P., Kollman, E. E., & Lu, C. (2009). Interspecific hybridization of Alstroemeria for the development of new, ornamental plants. Acta Horticulturae. 836:73-78.
• Bridgen, M. P., (2009). 2008 Herbert Medalist Biography. Herbertia. 62:12-35.
• Yanez, P., Bridgen, M. P., Penailillo, P., & Schiappacasse, F. (2004). Propagation studies on Chilean geophytes. Acta Horticulturae. 673:121-126.
• Miller, C., & Bridgen, M. P. (2004). Photoperiod and stock plant age effects on shoot, stolon, and rhizome formation response from leaf cuttings of Achimenes. Acta Horticulturae. 673:349-353.
• Olate, E., & Bridgen, M. P. (2004). Techniques for the in vitro propagation of Rhodophiala and Leucocoryne spp. Acta Horticulturae. 673:335-342.
• Bridgen, M. P., (2001). A nondestructive harvesting technique for the collection of native geophyte plant species. Herbertia. 56:51-60.
• Bridgen, M. P., Producing late-season cut lily flowers. . Acta Horticulturae.

Presentations and Activities

• Developing a Successful Alstroemeria Breeding Program – 25 Years of Plant Collection and Interspecific Hybridization. March 2012. International Society for Horticultural Science. Antalya, Turkey .
• Producing late-season cut lily flowers. March 2012. International Society for Horticultural Science. Antalya, Turkey .

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