Rumen Conev (Tzonev), Assistant Professor
Ph.D. Agricultural University, Plodiv, Bulgaria, 1992
B.S. Agricultural University, Plodiv, Bulgaria, 1984
Interest Areas: Ornamental Plant Breeding
Dr. Conev joined the Virginia horticulture research team in May 2005 when he assumed the responsibilities as a Director of Beautiful Gardens® Plant Introduction Program — a collaborative effort of Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association, the Department of Horticulture at Virginia Tech, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Virginia Master Gardeners’ Association, the Institute for Sustainable and Renewable Resources at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville, Claytor Nature Study Center at Lynchburg College, and both Norfolk and Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. The program focuses on identifying, acquiring, rigorous testing, and promoting of novel or underused ornamental germplasm with high commercial potential and wide adaptability. As of February 2007 Dr. Conev initiated an ornamental plant breeding program at Virginia Tech utilizing both classical and contemporary approaches in germplasm improvement.