Ph.D.  2008,  University of Connecticut

M.S.   2004,  University of Connecticut 

B.A.   1999,  University of Rochester 

The University of Connecticut Provost’s Commission on the Status of Women and
The Women’s Center.  Outstanding Academic Achievement Award. (2008).

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HORT 2560W,  Written Communications in Horticulture

HORT 3660/SAPL 660,   Nursery Production

SAPL 740,   Landscape Construction

Novel native shrubs as replacements for invasive plants

There is increased interest in using native plant alternatives to invasive species for landscaping.  While some native plants are commonly used, others with ornamental potential have yet to be developed. My research is focused on the identification and development of novel native species as landscape plants to broaden the palette of native plants available to consumers. Some ornamental native species that I am interested in are Comptonia peregrina (Sweetfern), Corylus cornuta (Beaked filbert), Leucothoe racemosa (Sweetbells), Myrica gale (Sweetgale), Prunus pumila var. depressa (Eastern sandcherry), Rhus copallina (Shining sumac) and Spirea tomentosa (Steeplebush). These species exhibit wide adaptability in natural settings making them prime candidates for development as native landscape plant alternatives for difficult sites. I am evaluating these plants for t heir adaptability to different landscape sites and conducting research to optimize crop production protocols for these species.

Enhancing green roof technology

I am interested in identifying plants that are capable of growing in artificial green roof turf and withstanding the variable weather patterns in Connecticut.

Lubell, J.D. and M.H. Brand. 20XX. Propagation medium influences success of sweet fern [Comptonis peregrina (L.) Coult.] rhizome cuttings. Propagation of Ornamental Plants. Submitted.

Lubell J.D. and M.H. Brand. 2010. Germination, growth and survival of Berberis thunbergii DC. (Berberidaceae) and Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea in five natural environments. Biological Invasions. In print.

Lubell J.D., M.H. Brand and J.M. Lehrer. 2009. Amplified fragment length polymorphism and parentage analysis of a feral barberry (Berberis thunbergii DC.) population to determine the contribution of an ornamental landscape genotype. HortScience. 44(2): 392-395.

Lehrer, J.M, M.H. Brand and J.D. Lubell. 2008. Induction of tetraploidy in meristematically active seeds of Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea) through exposure to colchicines and oryzalin. Scientia Horticulturae. 119: 67-71.  Article link

Lubell, J.D., M.H. Brand and J.M. Lehrer. Detecting the influence of Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea in invasive populations of Berberis thunbergii DC. (Berberidaceae) using AFLP.   American Journal of Botany. 95(6): 1-7.

Article link

Lubell, J.D., M.H. Brand and J.M. Lehrer. 2008. AFLP identification of Berberis thunbergii cultivars, inter-specific hybrids, and their parental species. Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology.  83(1): 55-63   Article link

Developing Alternatives To Invasive Plants. UConn Today 09/08/2010