Research
We study the physiology, genetics, and climate adaptation of perennial fruit crops. Our work spans grapevine and apple, from molecular mechanisms to the vineyard and orchard.
Grapevine cold hardiness and dormancy physiology
We track how grapevine buds acclimate in autumn, hold hardiness through dormancy, and deacclimate in spring, and how chilling and warming shift that timing.
Frost stress and mitigation
We measure freeze damage risk to buds and shoots and test practical ways growers can protect the crop through spring frost events.
Apple rootstock cold hardiness and tree decline
We study how rootstock genetics set the cold hardiness of the graft union and trunk, and how that links to rapid apple decline.
Grapevine rootstock-shoot physiology and epigenomics of terroir
We ask how rootstock and shoot interact, and how the epigenome of clonal grapevine records the signal of site and terroir.
Microclimate impacts on apple fruit finish
We connect the canopy microclimate around each fruit to finish disorders like scarf skin and russet that lower packout quality.
Predicting and modeling cool climate grape berry ripening
We build models that predict berry ripening and fruit composition in cool climates to help growers plan harvest.
Physiology and genetics of woody vascular traits
We study the xylem and phloem of woody perennials and the genetics behind vascular structure, function, and repair.
Remote sensing to optimize crop production
We use microclimate sensors and multispectral drone imaging to map vineyard and orchard variation and guide management.