Plant and Soil Sciences > Postharvest

Postharvest

The Postharvest Research Program is a multidisciplinary program that focuses on extending the shelf life of fresh fruits and vegetables and reducing food waste by studying the interactions of plant cells with their environment and the microorganisms that invade them. The research uses plant physiology and molecular biology techniques, and collaborates with other faculties nationally and globally to address the challenges the agriculture industry faces to feed our nation.

The program has secured extramural funding, and trained students, technicians and postdocs to be better leaders of the future. Our graduates have been hired at the USDA, the Department of Defense and many other institutions. The research results have been published in peer-reviewed journals, and disseminated to the research community, growers and other stakeholders during local, national and international symposiums, workshops and field days. Our plan is to secure funding to create cutting-edge knowledge, and then transfer that knowledge to our community to address the challenges of food production and security.