Education
Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, 1977
Master of Science, Ohio State University, 1974
Bachelor of Science, Ohio Northern University, 1969
Research Focus
Dr. Gladon’s primary areas of research are in postharvest technology, postharvest physiology, and floriculture crop production issues. Recent work in postharvest technology has centered on the use of SmartFresh® technology (an ethylene action inhibitor) to delay ripening in tomatoes. Work in floriculture crop production has centered on impatiens seed germination and how a low-oxygen atmosphere can be used to control the growth of the germinated seed. We also are working in the area of the effects of the ammonium to nitrate ratio in bedding plant impatiens growth and performance.
Teaching/Advising Responsibilities
Dr. Gladon’s teaching responsibilities are Orientation in Horticulture, (Hort 110, 21.4%); Survey of Horticultural Crops (Hort 222, 13.3%); Greenhouse Operation and Management (Hort 332, 100%); Tropical Plants and Interiorscapes (Hort 433, 100%); Greenhouse Crop Production I (Hort 434, 70%); Greenhouse Crop Production II (Hort 435, 80%); Postharvest Technology (Hort 422, 100%); and Publishing in Plant Science Journals (Hort 529, 67%). In the courses Hort 222, 332, 433, 434, and 435, Dr. Gladon receives assistance with lectures and most laboratory sessions from Dr. Loren Stephens and Ms. Rose Rollenhagen, respectively. Dr. Gladon serves as an undergraduate advisor to about 15 students who are specializing in the Greenhouse Production and Management option. Dr. Gladon is serving as the major professor for two M. S. students at this time.
Organizations/Appointments/Activities
Greenhouse Renovation Committee, Chair, Department of Horticulture: 2003-current
Promotion and Tenure Committee, Department of Horticulture: 1998-1999, 1999-2000, 2001-2002, 2002-2003, 2003-2004, 2004-2005, 2005-2006
Iowa Representative to NCR-101, Committee on Growth Chamber Use and Technology, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service: 1980-1995; Secretary, 1981; Vice-chair, 1982; Chair, 1983; 2002-2003, 2003-2004, 2004-2005, 2005-2006
Graduate Education Committee, Department of Horticulture, Member: 1978-1990, 1991 1992, 1992-1993, 1993-1994, 1993-1994 (Chair), 2001-2002, 2002-2003, 2003-2004, 2004-2005, 2005-2006
Controlled Environments Committee, Department of Horticulture: 1991-1992, 1992-1993 (Chair), 1993-1994, 1997-1998, 1998-1999, 1999-2000, 2001-2002, 2002-2003 (Chair), 2003-2004 (Chair), 2004-2005 (Chair), 2005-2006 (Chair)
Iowa State University Graduate Council: 2000-2001, 2001-2002, 2002-2003, 2003-2004, 2004-2005, Chair, 2004-2005, Preparing Future Faculty Subcommittee, 2000-2001, Teaching Assistant Training Subcommittee, 2001-2002 and 2003-2004 (Chair), Graduate Council
Seed Science Secondary Major, 2001-2002, 2002-2003, 2003-2004, 2004-2005 (Chair), 2005-2006 (Chair)
Selected Publications
Romero, F., H.G. Taber, and R.J. Gladon. 2005. Nitrogen Source and Concentration Affect Growth and Performance of Bedding Plant Impatiens. Journal of Plant Nutrition. Accepted for Publication.
Kratsch, H. A., W. R. Graves, and R. J. Gladon. 2004. Aeroponic System for Control of Root-zone Atmosphere. Environmental and Experimental Botany. Accepted for Publication.
Gladon, R. J., W. R. Graves, and J. M. Kelly. 2002. Publishing in Plant Science Journals: A Course That Jump-starts Professional Careers. J. Nat. Res. Life Sci. Educ. 31:88-93.
Kolomiets, M.V., D.J. Hannapel, H. Chen, M. Tymeson, and R. J. Gladon. 2001. Lipoxygenase Is Involved in the Control of Potato Tuber Development. The Plant Cell 13:613-626.
Kolomiets, M.V., H. Chen, R.J. Gladon, E.J. Braun, and D.J. Hannapel. 2000. A Leaf Lipoxygenase of Potato Induced Specifically by Pathogen Infection. Plant Physiology 124:1121-1130.
Rupasinghe, H.P.V. and R.J. Gladon. 2000. Glutamic Acid and 5-Aminolevulinic Acid Enhance System 2 Ethylene Production in Ripening Tomato Fruits. Physiol. Mol. Biol. Plants 6:27-33.
Polking, G.F., D.J. Hannapel, and R.J. Gladon. 1999. Regulation of Glutamate-1-semialdehyde Aminotransferase Expression during Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Fruit Development. J. Plant Physiol. 155:41-47.