Department of Horticultural Sciences

Benton Storey received his B.S. and M.S. in Horticulture in 1949 and 1952, respectively, from Texas A&M University. He received his Ph.D. in Botanical Science/Plant Physiology in 1957 from the University of California at Los Angeles. Dr. Storey is a Certified Professional Horticulturist.

Dr. Storey is a Member of the Graduate Faculty at Texas A&M University, and can serve as a Chair, Co-chair or Member of Graduate Student Advising Committees.

Dr. Storey's research on fatty acid analysis of pecan germplasm is leading to the development of selections higher in mono-unsaturated fatty (oleic) acid known to increase shelf life and reduce low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in humans. Vivipary research in pecans emphasizes catalase measurements of fatty acid beta oxidation, use of northern pollen to decrease germination, phytohormone embryo bioassays, hormone regulated tree size, soil aeration, water stress, accelerated harvest and drying. Propagations and cultural practices are being developed to prevent freeze injury of pistachios. An inductively coupled Argon Plasma Emission Spectrophotometer (ICP) is being used in nutrition analysis. This lab has pioneered in zinc nutrition of horticultural crops. Primary emphasis has been with pecans, peaches and pistachios.

"I like to give graduate students as much freedom as possible to express their own ideas and follow leads in their research. I will always be available to help and support where necessary. Students will be able to secure employment in industry or academia where they should do extremely well. The practical background necessary to analyze complex plant growth and development problems will be gained."

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
"Boron uptake and effects on growth and carbohydrate partitioning of pistachio seedlings." 1991. G. A. Picchioni, S. Miyamoto and J. B. Storey. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 116:706-711.

"Pre-harvest pecan yield estimation." 1989. G.C. Wright, J.B. Storey, M.K. Harris and P.J. Sprinz. HortScience 25:689-700.

"Salt effect on growth and ion uptake of pistachio rootstock seedlings." 1990. G. Picchioni, S. Miyamoto and J.B. Storey. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 115:647-653.

"Summer and fall moisture stress and irrigation scheduling influence on pecan growth and production." 1989. L.A. Stein, G.R. McEachern and J.B. Storey. HortScience 24:607-611.

"Zinc concentration of pecan leaflets and yield as influenced by zinc source and adjuvants." 1979. M.W. Smith and J.B. Storey. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 104(4):474-477.