Hague, Steve - Department of Soil and Crop Sciences

Steve Hague: Professor
Office:: Cotton Improvement Lab
Email:: shague@tamu.edu
Phone:: 979-845-8248; Resume/CV

Graduate Education: Ph.D., Texas A&M University, 2000
Courses Taught: SCSC 304 - Plant Breeding and Genetics (3-0) Credits-3 spring semester: Introduction to principles of genetics and use of plant breeding to improve crops and turfgrass. Emphasis on plant improvement through the use of hybridization and selection, as well as special breeding methods and techniques applicable to naturally self-pollinated, cross-pollinated and asexually reproduced plants. Prerequisite: SCSC 105.; SCSC 305- Production Agronomy Experiences (1-0) Credit-1 fall semester: Introduction to agronomy industry practices related to crop production. Site visits in Texas and in the Mississippi Delta will include a farm equipment dealership, agro-chemical distribution center, a production row-crop farm, a public and private agronomy research center, and living history farm.; SCSC 489 - Organic Crop Production (2-1) Credits-3 fall semester: Principles and practices of producing organic row crops and forages within ecological systems and use of farm business management strategies.; SCSC 489 - Agriculture in Azerbaijan - Study abroad (3-0) Credits-3 summer: Critical evaluation of Azerbaijan’s emerging agricultural enterprises from a scientific, economic, social, and environmental sustainability perspective. Topics include agricultural production and post-harvest processing, higher education, natural resource management, and research programs.

Specialty：Cotton Breeding

Research

My efforts are focused on supporting the Texas cotton industry by creating cotton varieties that efficiently use resources, promote sustainable production practices, and improve the competitiveness of Texas cotton in the international marketplace. Objectives of my cotton breeding program are to develop high-yielding germplasm with enhanced drought tolerance and resistance to insects endemic to Texas. I make use of interspecific hybridization and complex crosses of elite parents to create unique populations. I then screen and select from segregating populations for yield components, drought resistance, insect pest and disease tolerance, and fiber traits. Our testing program ranges throughout South and Central Texas. I have an international project in Azerbaijan focused on the improvement of cotton. I also provide field trial testing services for several private industry organizations.

Teaching

The collegiate setting is a time and place where students should seek and develop philosophies for their lives, build strong networks, and prepare themselves for leadership roles in our society. I emphasize creative and critical thinking, practical knowledge, and encourage students to actively engage with the scientific community. I teach SCSC 304 “Plant Breeding and Genetics” in a conventional, honors, and distance delivered format; SCSC 305 “Professional Development in Agronomy”; SCSC 489 “Agriculture in Azerbaijan” a study abroad course; and SCSC 489 “Organic Crop Production”; as well as supervise internships, directed studies, and undergraduate research. I believe high-impact learning experiences challenge students to solve problems and spark intellectual curiosity, promotes collaboration, demonstrates how knowledge can be practically applied, and offers reflection upon the learning process.

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