May 26, 2026
Department of Horticultural Science students and Assistant Professor Melinda Knuth with PanAmerican Seed’s Product Development Manager, Marcus Jansen.
The 2026 California Spring Trials (CAST) provided six NC State University horticulture students with an immersive, multi-day experience connecting classroom knowledge with real-world industry practice. During a March trip along California’s central coast, led by Melinda Knuth, assistant professor of horticultural science, students engaged directly with leading plant breeders, production companies and research organizations, gaining firsthand exposure to innovation, large-scale operations and career pathways across the horticulture industry.
Breeding, Production and Partnerships
The trip began with meeting up with the trip’s industry volunteer, Kent Carrell, who previously worked at Jiffy Group and Syngenta Flowers. The group’s first stop was at Ball Horticultural Company in Santa Paula, where students explored large-scale breeding, trialing and global distribution systems — setting the tone for the week by highlighting how innovation moves from genetics to market.
This experience reinforced one of the central themes of the trip: understanding the full pipeline of horticultural production and commercialization.
“Exposure to the industry was really helpful, as I was generally unsure of how all the pieces were tied together. There are some things you don’t fully grasp until you see them in person, so this trip solidified my knowledge of how things operated,” says Allison Langston, who recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in horticultural science. “Overall, CAST was really valuable to me and validated that I am on the right career path.”
During a visit to Dümmen Orange at the Center of Effort Winery, students explored ornamental breeding programs and discussed how companies balance innovation with market demand.
Horticulture students and Melinda Knuth with Michelle McElhannon, technical specialist of Dummen Orange, at the Center of Effort Winery.
From there, the group traveled north to Sakata Seed Corporation in Salinas, gaining insight into vegetable and ornamental breeding, selection processes and performance evaluation.
Students from the Department of Horticultural Science with Kent Carrell and Melinda Knuth, at Sakata, in Salinas, California.
At Danziger and ThinkPlants in Gilroy, students learned about international partnerships, domestic alliances and lots of mixed planters.
Students from the Department of Horticultural Science with Melinda Knuth, at Danzinger, in Gilroy, California.
These visits collectively illustrated the interconnected nature of the horticultural supply chain — from breeding and propagation to distribution and retail.
“I really enjoyed getting a first-hand look at how the industry works and how many steps it takes to bring a plant to market,” says horticultural science major Lukas Stanton. “I feel that I gained valuable experience that I will use for the rest of my career. ”
Science, Technology and Industry Leaders
The itinerary also emphasized scientific innovation and production systems. At Plant Sciences Genetics in Watsonville, students examined advances in plant genetics and biotechnology, followed by a stop at Church Brothers in Salinas, where discussions expanded into large-scale vegetable production and supply chain logistics.
A stop at Pacific Plug & Liner gave students the opportunity to observe greenhouse growing systems and young plant production at a commercial scale.
“It was really amazing to not only see the perspectives and processes of the plant breeders, but also that of a grower,” says Katie Walls, a horticultural sciences major with a concentration in landscape design, construction and management. “There were many innovations with these areas of the industry, and I am incredibly grateful to have been able to experience both.”
The final leg of the trip featured an in-depth visit to Syngenta Flowers in Gilroy, where students spent several hours exploring breeding trials, new cultivar development and meeting with NC State alumni. This extended visit allowed for deeper engagement with professionals and reinforced key concepts around innovation and commercialization.
Horticulture students met with Kent Carrell and NC State alumna Alicain Carlson, Jamie Gibson, Brian Krug and Lauren Kilpatrick at Syngenta Flowers.
To end the trip, the group stopped at the Nisene State Park and Golden Gate Bridge for an iconic view of San Francisco.
NC State students and Assistant Professor Melinda Knuth are visiting The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park in Santa Cruz County, California.
Reflection: Connecting Classroom Knowledge to Career Pathways
Throughout the trip, students experienced firsthand the diversity and complexity of the horticulture industry — ranging from greenhouse production and breeding programs to biotechnology and global distribution networks.
“Attending CAST was an incredible opportunity to witness how the plant breeding industry operates,” says horticultural science major Ramon Gonzalez. “At first, I did not know what to expect since I was never exposed to plant breeding in its entirety. After the trip, however, I feel a sense of security towards working with plant genetics after having thoughtful discussions with industry leaders and learning the significance plant breeding has on our daily lives.”
Building on the strengths of previous California Spring Trials experiences, the 2026 trip placed a strong emphasis on experiential, hands-on learning beyond the classroom. Students engaged directly with industry professionals, gaining insight into day-to-day operations, decision-making processes and emerging trends. These interactions provided meaningful exposure to the wide range of career pathways available within horticulture, while also reinforcing an understanding of the interconnected systems that drive the industry—from breeding and production to distribution and retail.
In addition to developing technical knowledge, students gained valuable perspectives on professional growth, networking and the breadth of opportunities available within the field of horticulture.
A Transformative Learning Experience
From greenhouse tours and breeder discussions to coastal exploration and academic engagement, the 2026 California Spring Trials offered a comprehensive, experience-rich learning environment. By connecting theory with practice, the trip continues to play a critical role in preparing students for successful careers in ornamental horticulture.
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