Source: UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE submitted to NRP
IMPROVING THE QUALITY AND OVERALL SUSTAINABILITY OF THE SUBTROPICAL FRUIT INDUSTRIES OF CALIFORNIA
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0215752
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Jul 1, 2013
Project End Date
Jun 30, 2018
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE
(N/A)
RIVERSIDE,CA 92521
Performing Department
Botany and Plant Sciences
Non Technical Summary
Situation: In California, the subtropical fruit industries are under economic pressure to maximize the productivity potential while minimizing the inputs into the agricultural and marketing system. Purpose: CE program is focused on problem solving research and the development of practical solutions and information that can be used directly by Californias citrus and avocado industries to ultimately enhance fruit quality reaching the consumer. Approach: Various approaches are utilized in the execution of this project. These include, but are not limited to, field and packinghouse research projects focused on the identification of the causes of postharvest loss and development of remedial actions. This includes the continued development of research methodologies to document the impact of these practices on eating quality. This includes conducting sensory testing in conjunction when appropriate with volatile analysis. Another significant component of this project is the improvement of avocado varietal material available to the California industry. Through the avocado scion breeding program we anticipate the identification of improved plant material that will be superior in fruit quality, seasonality, postharvest handling as well as productivity and pest and disease resistance.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
2021099108010%
2031099108110%
2040999106010%
2041099106010%
2050999106010%
2051099106010%
2121099108110%
5030999106015%
5031099106015%
Knowledge Area
212 - Pathogens and Nematodes Affecting Plants; 204 - Plant Product Quality and Utility (Preharvest); 205 - Plant Management Systems; 203 - Plant Biological Efficiency and Abiotic Stresses Affecting Plants; 202 - Plant Genetic Resources; 503 - Quality Maintenance in Storing and Marketing Food Products;

Subject Of Investigation
1099 - Tropical/subtropical fruit, general/other; 0999 - Citrus, general/other;

Field Of Science
1060 - Biology (whole systems); 1081 - Breeding; 1080 - Genetics;
Goals / Objectives
This 100% CE position works closely with two subtropical commodities, citrus and avocados, on matters of grower education, communication and research assessment. Research is focused on problem solving and the development of practical solutions and information that can be used directly by both industries. Major goals are as follows: 1. Initiate and conduct research in subtropical tree and fruit physiology and management. Adapt results for industry use and extend information through publications, industry forums and Advisor training. 2. Initiate and conduct research in subtropical fruit postharvest handling and storage. Implement results and extend this information through publications, industry forums, and Advisor training. 3. Coordinate and facilitate mission-oriented short- and long-term collaborative research involving advising and serving on Task Forces, Panels, Committees, and other problem-solving groups. 4. Interpret research findings for use by Advisors, industry, and affiliated agencies. Disseminate this information through one-to-one interactions, advisor, university or industry organized meetings, symposia and shortcourses, and other appropriate means. 5. Function as a University resource person providing information for, and maintain liaison activities with, county- and area Advisors and Specialists, and with industry and regional, state, and federal governmental agencies, including serving on Panels, Committees, Boards, and other regulatory or advisory groups. During the duration of this project, the following objectives will be accomplished within the framework of these goals: 1. Continuation of the avocado scion breeding program. We seek new avocado varieties that have superior market quality, productivity, pest tolerance and growth habits. Continue evaluation of scion/rootstock interactions on productivity and tree health as new material is available. 2. Continuation of avocado and citrus postharvest research and extension activities to optimize fruit quality to the consumer. 3. Continue research on citrus and avocado postharvest quality with emphasis on sensory quality development during fruit maturation and postharvest handling. 4. Continuation of research on 7-carbon sugar metabolism and the limiting factors to carbon assimilation in avocado. This research will ultimately help in formulating canopy management strategies guidelines. 5. Continue educational activities including organizing and chairing the Annual Postharvest Pest Control Conference, participation in the UC Postharvest Shortcourse, grower meetings, seminars, industry committees and co-organizing Avocado Brainstorming 15. 6. Continue Advisor consultation as needed and providing Advisors with timely information in area of expertise. Assist in coordinating UCCE activities in subtropical fruit crops and postharvest handling.
Project Methods
The approaches that will be taken will be varied and include both replicated field and laboratory work. We will follow standard approaches except where noted below. All data, when appropriate will be analyzed using accepted methods and if required, after consultation with a biometrician. Whenever possible and in response to particular needs, new methods will be developed. 1. Continuation of the avocado scion breeding program. This involves standard field evaluation methodologies including development of postharvest storage information. Collaboration with others to determine parentage through microsatellite or SNP markers will be pursued. 2. Continuation of avocado and citrus postharvest research and extension activities. Will continue to optimize handling practices such as waxing and treatment with fungicides or fumigants on citrus postharvest quality. Will continue research focused on discerning the factors involved in the development of avocado flavor and strategies to maximize flavor and texture quality. 3. Continue research on citrus and avocado postharvest quality with emphasis on sensory quality development during fruit maturation and postharvest handling. Research approach will include gas chromatograpy/olfactometry to identify odor-active volatiles. This will be linked to sensory analysis using standard methods including hedonic testing and difference testing. 4. Continuation of research on 7-carbon sugar metabolism and the limiting factors to carbon assimilation in avocado. This research will continue using analytical methods for identification of the pathway leading to 7C synthesis. We will utilize standard biochemical techniques and proteomics for identification of key enzymes involved in these processes. 5. Continue educational activities. Continue to provide information through various means including web-based outreach to Advisors and subtropical fruit industries. 6. Continue Advisor consultation as needed and providing Advisors with timely information in area of expertise. This will be accomplished through traditional means (visits etc.) as well as taking advantage of advances in electronic communication.

Progress 07/01/13 to 06/30/18

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for my applied research program is the grower and packer community within California and the United States as well as county advisors and other statewide specialists. I also work directly with grower supported organizations such as the California Avocado Commission, the California Avocado Society and the Citrus Research Board when suitable. I have or currently serve on education outreach committees for both organizations. I have served as an interface between these organizations and UC whenever appropriate. Changes/Problems:We experienced severe lack of funds for the avocado breeding program. This hampered our ability to grow the program and release material in a timely manner. We are currently actively seeking renewed funding from other sources. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Provided post-doctoral research and staff research associate opportunity to attend Avcoado Brainstorming 2015 and 2018, an international meeting of avocado researchers. Also provided opportunity for both to attend 2015 World Avocado Congress in Peru. Provided opportunity for staff research associate to attend ISHS meeting in Istanbul, Turky in 2018. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Postharvest information is disseminated to communities of interest primarily through participation in UC Postharvest Center outreach events such as the Postharvest Ripening Workshop and the Postharvest Technology Shortcourse. Numerous talks at citrus and avocado grower meetings which are jointly sponsored by UCCE and commodity boards. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Objective 1. Work on selection of new avocado varieties continued with the identification of 4 selections that merit possible commercial release. Objectives 2 and 3. Work continued in looking at the postharvest quality of citrus and avocado. Research that expanded guidelines for proper handling of avocado including ripening protocols were elucidated and published. Further research into the causal factors of off-flavor development in citrus were studied. A research project on pitahaya fruit which explored cultivar, storage temperature and duration on sensory attributes was published along with participation in a project exploring consumer acceptability of pomegranate varieties. Objective 4. Graduate student research elucidated the interaction of fruit presence on shoot growth and return bloom in Hass avocado. Objective 5. Continued activities in the outreach of postharvest information, general cultural aspects of citrus and avocado production as outlined in original proposal. Objective 6. As requested provided support to County advisors. Participated in planning activities to further collaborative efforts in citrus and avocado extension activities.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Obenland, D., S. Campisi-Pinto, M. L. Arpaia. 2018. Determinants of acceptability in grapefruit. Scientia Horticulturae. 231:151-157.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Chater, J.M., D.J. Merhaut, Z. Jia, M.L. Arpaia, P.A. Mauk, J.E. Preece. 2018. Effects of site and cultivar on consumer acceptance of pomegranate. Journal of Food Science. 83(5):1389-1395.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Arpaia, M.L., S. Collin, J. Sievert, D. Obenland. 2018. Hass avocado quality as influenced by temperature and ethylene prior to and during final ripening. Postharvest Biology and Technology. 140:76-84.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Acosta-Rangel, A., E. �vila-Lovera, M.E. De Guzman, L. Torres, R. Haro, M.L. Arpaia, E. Focht, L.S. Santiago. 2018. Evaluation of leaf carbon isotopes and functional traits in avocado reveals water-use efficient cultivars. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment. 263:60-66.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Celis, N., D. L. Suarez, L. Wu, R. Li, M.L. Arpaia, P. Mauk. 2018. Salt Tolerance and Growth of 13 Avocado Rootstocks Related Best to Chloride Uptake. HortScience 53(12):1737-1745.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Obenland, D., M.L. Arpaia. 2019. Effect of harvest date on off-flavor development in mandarins following postharvest wax application. Postharvest Biology and Technology. 149:1-8.


Progress 10/01/16 to 09/30/17

Outputs
Target Audience:My primary clientele are the extension advisors dealing with subtropical fruit crups in California. I also work directly with commodity boards representing these crops in California. During this period I interacted as support contact person for county extension advisors who deal with subtropical fruit crops in California. Within this capacity I continued to provide support for county advisors and specifically training for 2 recent hires. I presented several talks to grower groups at both UCCE county organized meetings as well as meetings organized by industry related groups. I continued to serve on the Communications committee for the Citrus Research Board. On-going annual participation in the UC Davis Postharvest Technology Center activities also continued with key participation as co-organizer for Ripening Management Workshop and instructor in the annual Postharvest Technology Shortcourse. I also organized with the Citrus Research Board the 38th Annual Citrus Postharvest Pest Control meeting which was held in April 2017. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?I spend considerable time communicating with county advisors, other specialists and members of the subtropical industries either through email, text, phone calls or direct interaction. I also give formal presentations discussing research results and providing general knowledge on citrus and avocado when requested. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue participation in shortcourses as in previous years: co-organizer of the Annual Ripening Management Workshop, Annual Citrus Postharvest Pest Control meeting and as an instructor in the Annual Postharvest Biology and Technology Shortcourse. I will also present presentations at grower and other industry meetings when requested. For applied research activities, I will continue working on the evaluation of avocado germplasm for potential commercial release, participate in research projects aimed at evaluating performance of clonal rootstocks for avocado, conduct postharvest evaluation of avocado and citrus. I will also continue serving as a resource for general and specific information for the subtropical fruit crops for the state of California.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The subtropical fruit industries of California, specifically the fresh citrus and avocado sectors contribute greatly to the economy of the state and to the international trade balance of the United States. These two groups (citrus as a broad group) are routinely ranked in the top 25 of agricultural commodities produced in California out of greater than 250 commodities. Both commodity groups face severe challenges for the future. The citrus industry, similar to the Florida industry, faces the threat of Huanglongbing, a fatal bacterial disease. The threat is actually greater in California since the bulk of the state's citrus production is destined for the fresh market. Unlike the processed product industry in Florida and Texas, where it is possible to blend the juice of affected fruit, as a fresh fruit industry there is a great threat to continued sustainability of the industry. The avocado industry also faces long-term challenges, the leading being availability of sufficient irrigation water coupled with water quality since the avocado tree is very sensitive to saline irrigation water. My research and extension program is focused on addressing these challenges through the objectives which were outlined in the original proposal. 1. Continuation of the avocado scion breeding program. We seek new avocado varieties that have superior market quality, productivity, pest tolerance and growth habits that can sustain the California avocado industry. We have continued evaluation of scion/rootstock interactions on productivity and tree health as new material is available. Additionally in 2016 I became co-PI on the avocado rootstock breeding program. In this capacity I oversee the field trials associated with this program which were traditionally focused on screening material for Phytophthora resistance. Since 2016 we have also begun field evaluations to assess for salt tolerance in the presence of avocado root rot. In June 2017 two trials were established using unreleased elite material from the breeding program. In 2017, in conjunction with the UCR Office of Technology Innovation we also initiated an effort to bring additional funding into the scion breeding program. 2. Continuation of avocado and citrus postharvest research and extension activities to optimize fruit quality to the consumer. This work is conducted largely in collaboration with Dr. David Obenland of the USDA-ARS. Funding for these activities was greatly reduced during the last year so research efforts were limited. We continued our work at assessing the impact of fruit coatings on off-flavor development in mandarins. Specifically we are looking at the inherent variability between mandarin cultivars and their propensity for off-flavor development following packinghouse treatment. These results corroborate our previous work that even a short time at elevated temperatures (above 50F) will result in off-flavor development. This work is on-going. No work on avocado postharvest handling was conducted during this last year. 3. Continue research on citrus and avocado postharvest quality with emphasis on sensory quality development during fruit maturation and postharvest handling. This work is linked closely to objective (2) since in all our work we incorporate taste panel to confirm off-flavor development. 4. Continuation of research on 7-carbon sugar metabolism and the limiting factors to carbon assimilation in avocado. This research will ultimately help in formulating canopy management strategies guidelines. This objective had no work conducted in the last year but will hopefully be part of the renewed work on avocado varietal selection once additional funding is procured. 5. Continue educational activities including organizing and chairing the Annual Postharvest Pest Control Conference, participation in the UC Davis Postharvest Shortcourses, grower meetings, seminars, industry committees and co-organizing Avocado Brainstorming '15. In the past year, these activities were continued as in previous years. The goal is to utilize the applied research results gained in postharvest research activities into educational programs. 6. Continue Advisor consultation as needed and providing Advisors with timely information in area of expertise. Assist in coordinating UCCE activities in subtropical fruit crops and postharvest handling. This work has continued through in-person collaboration, email, texting and phone calls and participation in grower outreach events.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Rivera, S. A., R. Ferreyra, P. Robledo, G. Selles, M. L. Arpaia, J. Saavedra, B. G. Defilippi. 2017. Identification of preharvest factors determining postharvest ripening behaviors in Hass avocado under long term storage. Scientia Horticulturae. 216:29-37.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Arpaia, M.L., C. Evangelo. 2017. Post-harvest Conference Focuses on Food Safety. Citrograph 8(4):32-34.


Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16

Outputs
Target Audience:My primary clientele are the extension advisors dealing with subtropical fruit crups in California. I also work directly with commodity boards representing these crops in California. During this period I interacted as support contact person for county extension advisors who deal with subtropical fruit crops in California. Within this capacity I provided support for county advisors and specifically training for 2 recent hires. I presented several talks to grower groups at both UCCE county organized meetings as well as meetings organized by industry related groups. I continued to serve on the Communications committee for the Citrus Research Board. On-going annual participation in the UC Davis Postharvest Technology Center activities also continued with key participation as co-organizer for Ripening Management Workshop and instructor in the annual Postharvest Technology Shortcourse. I also organized with the Citrus Research Board the 37th Annual Citrus Postharvest Pest Control meeting which was held in April 2016. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?During this time period I supervised 1 PhD student. I attended and presented research findings at the Annual Meeting for the American Society for Horticultural Science. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Dissemination is primarily through one on one contact, participation in shortcourses and grower seminars. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue as described above.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? During the reporting cycle, I continued working as requested with county advisors providing technical assistance as appropriate. I also continued to collaborate with the subtropical fruit industries of California. Notable collaboration was the holding of the 37th Annual Citrus Postharvest Pest Control Shortcourse which in 2016 was organized with the Citrus Research Board. I also served on the organizing committees for the Citrus and Avocado industry grower seminar series. I also chaired and spoke at the Citrus Grower Seminars. We have worked with various industry groups to educate the industry on alternatives to the 'Hass' variety, to diversify the pallette of avocado varieties available to the U.S. consumer. I also continue to be an active participant in the outreach efforts of the UC Postharvest Technology Center, being an instructor in the annual 2 week postharvest shortcourse and the co-organizer and speaker of the annual ripening management seminar. Continued participation in the UC Davis Postharvest Technology Center activities has allowed me to share expertise and knowledge in postharvest handling in general as well as provide guidance on the proper handling of citrus, avocado and other subtropical fruit crops I am chairing the organizing committee for the upcoming Avocado Brainstorming meeting that will be held in South Africa in August 2017. I also continue collaboration with the California Table Grape Commission.to provide a "consumer" perspective to the USDA breeding program.This information will insure that new selections will be consumer friendly and of high eating quality.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Obenland, D., M. Cantwell, R. Lobo, S. Collin, J. Sievert, M.L. Arpaia. 2016. Impact of storage conditions and variety on quality attributes and aroma volatiles of pitahaya (Hylocereus spp.). Scientia Horticulturae. 199:15-22.
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Woolf, A. B., A. White, M. L. Arpaia, K. C. Gross. 2016. Avocado. In: K. C. Gross, C. Y. Wang and M. Saltveit (eds). Agriculture Handbook Number 66. The Commercial Storage of Fruits, Vegetables, and Florist and Nursery Stocks. Available on the web: http://www.ba.ars.usda.gov/hb66/
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Arpaia, M. L. 2016. Report on 37th Annual Postharvest Pest Control Conference. Citrograph. 7(3):20-22.


Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience:During this period I interacted as support contact person for county extension advisors who deal with subtropical fruit crops in California. Within this capacity I served on a search committee for a citrus farm adviso. I presented several talks to grower groups at both UCCE county organized meetings as well as meetings organized by industry related groups. I continued to serve on the Communications committee and the Non-Vectored Disease committee for the Citrus Research Board. On-going annual participation in the UC Davis Postharvest Technology Center activities also continued with key participation as co-organizer for Ripening Management Workshop and instructor in the annual Postharvest Technology Shortcourse. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?During this time period I supervised 1 PhD student who attended Avocado Brainstorming in Peru in August 2015. I also made it possible for this student to attend an international workshop on alternate bearing held at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in January 2015. I attended and presented research findings at the Annual Meeting for the American Society for Horticultural Science. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Dissemination is primarily through one on one contact, participation in shortcourses and grower seminars. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue as described above.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Efforts as a member of the CRB Communications committee has the impact of increasing outreach efforts to CA citrus growers as well as the general public. A major effort during the last year continues to be the development of grower and public information material regarding the threat of ACP and HLB to the CA citrus industry plus reorganization of the industry publication, Citrograph. The Communications committee's charge was to oversee this reorganization. Participation in CA avocado industry sponsored grower seminars has allowed me to update growers on avocado scion varieties as well as providing information on the progress made on the avocado plant improvement program and our postharvest studies on factors controlling ripening of avocado. An activity of substantial significance during this period was Avocado Brainstorming which was held in Ica Peru in August 2015. I was the co-chair of the organizing committee for this international meeting that had 65 participants ranging from senior faculty members to graduate students from several discplines. Our work with the Table Grape Commission continues to provide a "consumer" perspective to the USDA breeding program. This information will insure that new selections will be consumer friendly and of high eating quality. Continued participation in the UC Davis Postharvest Technology Center activities has allowed me to share expertise and knowledge in postharvest handling in general as well as provide guidance on the proper handling of citrus, avocado and other subtropical fruit crops.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Ummarat, N., M.L. Arpaia, D. Obenland. 2015. Physiological, biochemical and sensory characterization of the response to waxing and storage of two mandarin varieties differing in postharvest ethanol accumulation. Postharvest Biology and Technology. 109:82-96.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Arpaia, M.L., S. Collin, J. Sievert, D. Obenland. 2015. Influence of cold storage prior to and after ripening on quality factors and sensory attributes of Hass avocados. Postharvest Biology and Technology. 110:149-157.
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Bower, J. P., B. Defilippi B., R. Ferreyra E., M. L. Arpaia. 2015. Factores de manejo agron�mico que afectan la postcosecha de la palta Hass. pp. 21  42. In: Defilippi B. Bruno, Ferreyra E, Ra�l y Rivera S, Sebasti�n (eds.). Optimizaci�n de la calidad de palta 'Hass': herramientas para enfrentarnuevos desaf�os. 142p. Bolet�n INIA N� 307. Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, Centro Regional de Investigaci�n La Cruz, La Cruz, Chile.
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Arpaia, M. L., S. Rivera S., B. Defilippi B., P. Robledo. M. 2015. Procedimientos �ptimos para la maduraci�n forzada de paltas. Pp. 77  84. In: Defilippi B. Bruno, Ferreyra E, Ra�l y Rivera S, Sebasti�n (eds.). Optimizaci�n de la calidad de palta 'Hass': herramientas para enfrentarnuevos desaf�os. 142p. Bolet�n INIA N� 307. Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, Centro Regional de Investigaci�n La Cruz, La Cruz, Chile.
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Ferreyra E., R., M. L. Arpaia, B. Defilippi B., D. Karlezi Sch., J. Saavedra T., J. Crane, G. Sell�s Van Sch., B. Schaffer, P. Robledo M., P. Gil M. 2015. Predictores del comportamiento en postcosecha de palta. Pp. 85  102. In: Defilippi B. Bruno, Ferreyra E, Ra�l y Rivera S, Sebasti�n (eds.). Optimizaci�n de la calidad de palta 'Hass': herramientas para enfrentarnuevos desaf�os. 142p. Bolet�n INIA N� 307. Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, Centro Regional de Investigaci�n La Cruz, La Cruz, Chile.


Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: During this period I interacted as support contact person for county advisors who deal with subtropical fruit crops. Within this capacity I served on a search committee for a county advisor position in subtropical fruit crops. I presented several talks to grower groups at both UCCE county organized meetings as well as meeting organized by industry related groups. I continue to serve on the Communications committee and the Non-Vectored Disease committee for the Citrus Research Board. Changes/Problems: No changes in project as originally described. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? During this time period I supervised 1 PhD. Graduate student and 1 postdoctoral researcher. OUTPUTS: California Industry Activities: Continued participation in avocado and citrus industry organized meetings including grower seminars and field demonstrations. I participated on Grower Communication and non-vectored disease committees of the Citrus Research Board. Organized and moderated the 36th Citrus Postharvest Pest Control meeting which brings together annually technical and research personnel dealing with citrus postharvest decay management. I participated in UC Davis Postharvest Center activities as a teacher in the postharvest ripening management shortcourse and the postharvest technology shortcourse. For avocados presented seminars to growers on avocado plant improvement, avocado rootstocks and tree phenology. National Activities: Attended and presented research findings at the Annual Meeting for the American Society for Horticultural Science. International Activities: Attended the Quadrennial meeting for the International Society for Horticultural Sciences in Brisbane Australia (August 2014). Research activities: Continued exploring the factors which influence eating quality of mandarins; continued research to explore the factors that contribute to the eating experience of avocado including fruit maturity and handling practices. I continued overseeing avocado scion breeding program including interaction with the office of technology transfer at UCR regarding release of new material. Assist the CA Table Grape Commission in the evaluation of new table grape selections through overseeing consumer panel to gauge acceptability and quality of new selections as compared to current varieties. UCR TARGET AUDIENCES: The primary audience for my work is the citrus and avocado industries of California. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Dissemination is primarily through one on one contact, participation in shortcourses and grower seminars. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Continue as described above.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Outreach efforts within the CA citrus industry, in particular the annual postharvest pest control meeting brings current information to the citrus packinghouse community regarding new practices and materials available to reduce citrus postharvest losses. This in turns assists in the viability of the CA citrus industry and assures consumers wholesome product. Efforts as a member of the CRB Communications committee has the impact of increasing outreach efforts to CA citrus growers as well as the general public. A major effort during the last year continues to be the development of grower and public information material regarding the threat of ACP and HLB to the CA citrus industry plus reorganization of the industry publication, Citrograph. The Communications committee's charge was to oversee this reorganization. Participation in CA avocado industry sponsored grower seminars has allowed me to update growers on avocado scion varieties as well as providing information on the progress made on the avocado plant improvement program and our postharvest studies on factors controlling ripening of avocado. Our work with the Table Grape Commission continues to provide a "consumer" perspective to the USDA breeding program. This information will insure that new selections will be consumer friendly and of high eating quality.

Publications

  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Crane, JH; Douhan, G; Faber, BA; Arpaia, ML; Bender, GS; Balerdi, CF; Barrientos-Priego, AF. 2013. Cultivars and Rootstocks. In: Schaffer B; Wolstenholme BN; Whiley AW (eds). AVOCADO: BOTANY, PRODUCTION AND USES, 2ND EDITION Pages: 200-233
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Obenland, D; Collin, S; Sievert, J; Arpaia, ML. 2013. Mandarin flavor and aroma volatile composition are strongly influenced by holding temperature. POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY Volume: 82 Pages: 6-14
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: McDonald, H; Arpaia, ML; Caporaso, F; Obenland, D; Were, L; Rakovski, C; Prakash, A. 2013. Effect of gamma irradiation treatment at phytosanitary dose levels on the quality of 'Lane Late' navel oranges. POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY Volume: 86 Pages: 91-99
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Uzquiza, L; Martin, P; Sievert, JR; Arpaia, ML; Fidelibus, MW. 2014. Methyl Jasmonate and 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-Carboxylic Acid Interact to Promote Grape Berry Abscission. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF ENOLOGY AND VITICULTURE Volume: 65 Issue: 4 Pages: 504-509


Progress 07/01/13 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: county advisors, subtropical fruit growers and related entities associated with industry. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? I attended the 2013 ASHS meeting in Palm Desert, CA. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? I participated at avocado and citrus meetings as appropriate. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Follow plan which includes executions of mission focused research, participation in industry committees and meetings and participating in other sponsored UC functions.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? This report covers July 1, 2013 - September 30, 2013, a 3 month period. During the time in question I participated in the Citrus Research Board communications committee while they reorganized their outreach effort. We also continued our monthly sensory evaluations of avocado material from the scion breeding program. Finally, we completed 2013 work on table grape sensory analysis, work funded by the CA Table Grape Commission.

Publications


    Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12

    Outputs
    OUTPUTS: California Industry Activities: Continued participation in avocado and citrus industry organized meetings including grower seminars and field demonstrations. I participated on Grower Communication and postharvest committees of the Citrus Research Board. Continued working with California Citrus Mutual regarding changing the minimum maturity index for navel oranges in CA based on research conducted previously in collaboration with USDA researcher, David Obenland. Organized and moderated the 35th Citrus Postharvest Pest Control meeting which brings together annually technical and research personnel dealing with citrus postharvest decay management. I participated in UC Davis Postharvest Center activities as a teacher in the postharvest ripening management shortcourse and the postharvest technology shortcourse. I was a member of the planning committee for the first statewide citrus growers conference organized by the Citrus Research Board which was held in October 2012 as well as a presenter on the impact of nitrogen fertilization practices on groundwater percolation, yield and fruit quality. For avocados presented seminars to growers on avocado plant improvement as well as avocado pollination and flowering behavior. I organized a grower field day at the UC South Coast Research and Extension Center focused on activities related to the plant improvement program in January 2012 and had approximately 100 participants. National Activities: Organized a meeting held in California on avocado plant improvement which was attended by 15 scientists. Co-organizer of a meeting held in California dealing with the polyphagous shot hole borer (August 2012). This meeting had 70 participants (international and national). International Activities: Attended the 2012 ISHS international symposium on postharvest technology in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in June 2012. At the meeting I presented work on mandarin fruit quality. Research activities: Continued exploring the factors which influence eating quality of mandarins; continued research to explore the factors that contribute to the eating experience of avocado including fruit maturity and handling practices. I continued overseeing avocado scion breeding program including interaction with the office of technology transfer at UCR regarding release of new material. Assist the CA Table Grape Commission in the evaluation of new table grape selections through overseeing consumer panel to gauge acceptability and quality of new selections as compared to current varieties. PARTICIPANTS: Vanessa Ashworth, UCR; E. Baldwin, USDA-ARS, Fort Pierce, FL; Gary Bender, UCCE San Diego Co.; Bob Blakely, California Citrus Mutual; Sue Collin, SRA-UCR; David Crowley, UCR; Margaret Crowley, LAIII-UCR; Akif Eskalen, UCR; Ben Faber, UCCE, Ventura Co.; Eric Focht, SRA-UCR; E. Grafton Cardwell, UCR; Robert Heath, UCR-emeritus; Mark Hoddle, UCR; Ross Jones, California Table Grape Commission; David Kuhn, USDA-ARS, Miami; Peggy Mauk, UCR; Elizabeth Mitcham, UCD; Joseph Morse, UCR; Fayek Negm, UCR; David Obenland, USDA-ARS, Parlier, CA; A. Plotto, USDA-ARS, Fort Pierce, FL; R. Porat, ARO, Volcani Research Institute, Israel; Philippe Rolshausen, UCR; Louis Santiago, UCR; Tom Shea, UCCE Riverside Co.; David Slaughter, UCD; Joe Smilanick, USDA-ARS, Parlier, CA; James Sievert, SRA-UCR; James Thompson (emeritus), UCD; Nittaya Ummarat, Post-doctoral researcher, UCR TARGET AUDIENCES: The primary audience for my work is the citrus and avocado industries of California. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

    Impacts
    Outreach efforts within the CA citrus industry, in particular the annual postharvest pest control meeting brings current information to the citrus packinghouse community regarding new practices and materials available to reduce citrus postharvest losses. This in turns assists in the viability of the CA citrus industry and assures consumers wholesome product. Efforts as a member of the CRB Communications committee has the impact of increasing outreach efforts to CA citrus growers as well as the general public. A major effort during the last year continues to be the development of grower and public information material regarding the threat of ACP and HLB to the CA citrus industry. Participation in CA avocado industry sponsored grower seminars has allowed me to update growers on avocado scion varieties as well as providing information on the progress made on the avocado plant improvement program and our postharvest studies on factors controlling ripening of avocado. A major outcome this year has been the establishment of a new minimum maturity standard from California navel oranges called the "California Standard". The basis of this new standard is previous work carried out in my lab and that of Dr. Obenland (USDA-ARS). In moving towards establishment of this standard I worked closely with the California citrus industry. Our work with the Table Grape Commission continues to provide a "consumer" perspective to the USDA breeding program. This information will insure that new selections will be consumer friendly and of high eating quality.

    Publications

    • Mickelbart, M. V., P. W. Robinson, G. Witney and M. L. Arpaia. 2012. Hass avocado tree growth on four rootstocks in California. I. Yield and flowering. Scientia Horticulturae. 142:184-188.
    • Mickelbart, M. V., P. W. Robinson, G. Witney and M. L. Arpaia. 2012. Hass avocado tree growth on four rootstocks in California. II. Shoot and root growth. Scientia Horticulturae. 143:205-210.
    • Minchin, P. E. H., Thorp, T. G., Boldingh, H. L., Gould, N., Cooney, J. M., Negm, F. B., Focht, E., Arpaia, M. L., Hu, H., Brown, P. 2012. A possible mechanism for phloem transport of boron in 'Hass' avocado (Persea americana Mill.) trees. J. Hort. Sci. Biotech. 87(1):23-28.
    • Obenland, D., and Arpaia, M. L. 2012. Variability in waxing-induced ethanol and aroma volatile production among mandarin genotypes. Acta Horticulturae. 945:405-412.
    • Obenland, D., S. Collin, J. Sievert, M. L. Arpaia. 2012. Impact of High-temperature Forced-air Heating of Navel Oranges on Quality Attributes, Sensory Parameters, and Flavor Volatiles. HortScience. 47(3):386-390.
    • Obenland, D., S. Collin, J. Sievert, F. Negm, M.L. Arpaia. 2012. Influence of maturity and ripening on aroma volatiles and flavor in Hass avocado. Postharvest Biology and Technology. 71:41-50.


    Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11

    Outputs
    OUTPUTS: California Industry Activities: Continued participation in avocado and citrus industry organized meetings including grower seminars and field demonstrations. I participated on Grower Communication and postharvest committees of the Citrus Research Board. Continued working with California Citrus Mutual regarding changing the minimum maturity index for navel oranges in CA based on research conducted previously in collaboration with USDA researcher, David Obenland. Organized and moderated the 33rd Citrus Postharvest Pest Control meeting which brings together annually technical and research personnel dealing with citrus postharvest decay management. I participated in UC Davis Postharvest Center activities as a teacher in the postharvest ripening management shortcourse and the postharvest technology shortcourse. National Activities: Presented talk on avocado plant improvement program at Annual PAG meeting (January 2011). Attended the Postharvest Unlimited meeting and presented a talk on avocado ripening behavior in Washington in June 2011. International Activities: Traveled to South Africa to view plantings of UC avocado selections; traveled to Brazil to see lime and avocado production and fruit handling; traveled to Chile to participate in avocado pollination studies and to view postharvest handling of various fresh fruit crops. Co-organizer of Avocado Brainstorming 2011 held in New Zealand. Research activities: Continued exploring the factors which influence eating quality of mandarins. Continued research to explore the factors that contribute to the eating experience of avocado including fruit maturity and handling practices. I continued overseeing avocado scion breeding program including interaction with the office of technology transfer at UCR regarding release of new material. Assist the CA Table Grape Commission in the evaluation of new table grape selections through overseeing consumer panel to gauge acceptability and quality of new selections as compared to current varieties. PARTICIPANTS: David Obenland, USDA-ARS, Parlier, CA; David Crowley, UCR; Bob Blakely, CCM; Ben Faber, UCCE, Ventura Co.; Gary Bender, UCCE San Diego Co.; Tom Shea, UCCE Riverside Co., David Slaughter, UCD; Harley Smith, UCR; Joe Smilanick, USDA-ARS, Parlier, CA; Akif Eskalen, UCR; Ross Jones, Table Grape Commission; E. Grafton Cardwell, UCR; Louis Santiago, UCR; Robert Heath, UCR TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audiences are the citrus and avocado industries of California, county advisors and since the program is focused on improved product quality, the US consumer. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

    Impacts
    Outreach efforts within the CA citrus industry, in particular the annual postharvest pest control meeting brings current information to the citrus packinghouse community regarding new practices and materials available to reduce citrus postharvest losses. This in turns assists in the viability of the CA citrus industry and assures consumers wholesome product. Efforts as a member of the CRB Communications committee has the impact of increasing outreach efforts to CA citrus growers as well as the general public. A major effort during the last year continues to be the development of grower and public information material regarding the threat of ACP and HLB to the CA citrus industry. Participation in CA avocado industry sponsored grower seminars has allowed me to update growers on avocado scion varieties as well as providing information on the progress made on the avocado plant improvement program and our postharvest studies on factors controlling ripening of avocado. I co-organized Avocado Brainstorming 2011, the fourth such meeting, held in New Zealand in August 2011. 65 participants from around the world met and discussed advances in avocado knowledge. Several new contacts for future collaborative work were made at this meeting. Travel to Chile in 2011 broadened my knowledge base of the Chilean avocado and citrus industry. I participated in an avocado pollination project during this visit as well as visited citrus, avocado and table grape packinghouses. This in turns has helped me to focus our postharvest research efforts into examining the impact of long-term storage on avocado/citrus fruit quality. This knowledge can be deployed by the CA industry to develop new market strategies. Our work with the Table Grape Commission continues to provide a "consumer" perspective to the USDA breeding program. This information will insure that new selections will be consumer friendly and of high eating quality.

    Publications

    • Arpaia, M. L. and D. Obenland. 2011. Assessing factors influencing the postharvest quality of California mandarins. Citrograph. 2(2): 37-40.
    • Arpaia, M. L., S. Collin, K. Fjeld, J. Sievert and D. Obenland. 2011. The science behind the proposed maturity standard change. Citrograph. 2(3):25-33.
    • Kallsen, C. E., B. Sanden, M. L. Arpaia. 2011. Early Navel Orange Fruit Yield, Quality, and Maturity in Response to Late-season Water Stress. HortScience. 46(8):1163-1169.
    • Obenland, D., S. Collin, B. Mackey, J. Sievert, M. L. Arpaia. 2011. Storage temperature and time influences sensory quality of mandarins by altering soluble solids, acidity and aroma volatile composition. Postharvest Biology and Technology 59:187-193.
    • Obenland, D., J. Sievert and M. L. Arpaia. 2011. Evaluation of a rapid, portable and easy-to-use device to measure acidity in citrus. Citrograph. 2(3):41-43.


    Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10

    Outputs
    OUTPUTS: California Industry Activities: Continued participation in avocado and citrus industry organized meetings including grower seminars and field demonstrations. I participated on Grower Communication and postharvest committees of the Citrus Research Board. Continued working with California Citrus Mutual regarding changing the minimum maturity index for navel oranges in CA based on research conducted previously in collaboration with USDA researcher, David Obenland. Organized and moderated the 32nd Citrus Postharvest Pest Control meeting which brings together annually technical and research personnel dealing with citrus postharvest decay management. I participated in UC Davis Postharvest Center activities as a teacher in the postharvest ripening management shortcourse and the postharvest technology shortcourse. National Activities: I attended the Gordon Postharvest Biology conference in Tilton, New Hampshire in July 2010. Participated in the National Plant Breeders' conference in Ames, Iowa in August 2010 as well as the Annual ASHS meeting in Palm Springs, CA (July 2010). International Activities: Invited speaker at the annual SAAGA meeting in South Africa. Traveled to Chile as an invited presenter at an industry meeting to discuss postharvest handling practices of citrus and avocado in September 2010. I also began participation in an international project on avocado pollination. Participated in an international meeting organized jointly by the California, Australian and New Zealand avocado industries on alternate bearing. Served as a research auditor of the New Zealand Avocado Industry Council evaluating their research program, at the request of that industry. Research activities: Continued exploring the factors which influence eating quality of mandarins. Continued research to explore the factors that contribute to the eating experience of avocado including fruit maturity and handling practices. I continued overseeing avocado scion breeding program including interaction with the office of technology transfer at UCR regarding release of new material. Assist the CA Table Grape Commission in the evaluation of new table grape selections through overseeing consumer panel to gauge acceptability and quality of new selections as compared to current varieties. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals: David Obenland, USDA-ARS: collaborates on citrus and avocado sensory work. Dr. Obenland is responsible for the olfactory portion of our research. Jim Sievert, UC Staff Research Associate: responsible for coordination of all postharvest activities. Sue Collin, UC Staff Research Associate: responsible for sensory analysis. Eric Focht, UC Staff Research Associate: oversees field aspects of avocado scion breeding program. Margy Crowley, UC Staff Research Associate: assists Mr. Focht. Fayek Negm, UC Research Scientist: responsible for sugar and fatty acid analysis of avocados. Robert Heath, UC retired professor: collaborates on avocado sugar program. Harley Smith, Asst Professor, UCR: collaborating on work to examine alternate bearing in avocado as well has joined the avocado breeding program as a co-PI. Partner Organizations Citrus Research Board: provides support for citrus research projects. California Avocado Commission: provides support for avocado research projects. California Table Grape Commission: provides support for sensory work on new introductions of table grapes. Collaborators and contacts Grant Thorp, Peter Minchin, Research Scientists, Plant and Food Institute, New Zealand: collaborated on research looking at sugar fluctuation in avocados; Monica Castro, Claudia Fassio, Research Scientists, Catholic University of Valpariaso, Quillota, Chile: work together on introduction of avocado germplasm from breeding program into Chile. Training or professional development Rodrigo Iturrieta, postgraduate researcher: working with Dr. Smith and myself on alternate bearing in avocado. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target Audiences The subtropical fruit industries of California, specifically citrus and avocado. This includes growers, packers and all associated industries dealing with these industries. The table grape growers of California as well as table grape consumers will benefit for the outcome of the sensory work underway on new table grape selections. Effort is concentrated on extension and outreach, workshops. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

    Impacts
    Outreach efforts within the CA citrus industry, in particular the annual postharvest pest control meeting brings current information to the citrus packinghouse community regarding new practices and materials available to reduce citrus postharvest losses. This in turns assists in the viability of the CA citrus industry and assures consumers wholesome product. Efforts as a member of the CRB Communications committee has the impact of increasing outreach efforts to CA citrus growers as well as the general public. A major effort during the last year continues to be the development of grower and public information material regarding the threat of ACP and HLB to the CA citrus industry. Participation in CA avocado industry sponsored grower seminars has allowed me to update growers on avocado scion varieties as well as continuing to provide information on the use of NAA as a vegetative growth inhibitor. Partly on research conducted by myself and others the industry renewed its Section 18 label for NAA. My participation in the National Plant Breeder's Conference resulted in broadening my knowledge of plant breeding as well as an opportunity to network with other fruit tree breeders in the United States. Travel to Chile in 2010 broadened my knowledge base of the Chilean avocado and citrus industry. This in turns has helped me to focus our postharvest research efforts into examining the impact of long-term storage on avocado/citrus fruit quality. This knowledge can be deployed by the CA industry to develop new market strategies. Our work with the Table Grape Commission continues to provide a "consumer" perspective to the USDA breeding program. This information will insure that new selections will be consumer friendly and of high eating quality.

    Publications

    • Arpaia, M. L. 2010. Enhancement of Avocado Productivity. Plant Improvement: Selection and Evaluation of Improved Varieties and Rootstocks. 2009 End of Year Report. California Avocado Commission. Irvine, CA. 6 pages. Published online at www.avocado.org
    • Collin, S, J. Sievert and M. L. Arpaia 2010. Evaluation of Table Grape Selections 2009. Report to the California Table Grape Commission. Fresno, CA. 24 pages.
    • Obenland, D. S. Collin, J. Sievert, K. Fjeld, M. L. Arpaia. 2010. Relationship of Soluble Solids, Acidity and Aroma Volatiles to Flavor in Late-Season Navel Oranges. Proceedings of the ISHS 6th International Postharvest Symposium, 08-12 April, Antalya, Turkey. Acta Hort. 877:749-755. (reported as in press in 2009)


    Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09

    Outputs
    OUTPUTS: California Industry Activities: Continued participation in avocado and citrus industry organized meetings including grower seminars and field demonstrations. I participated on Grower Communication and postharvest committees of the Citrus Research Board. Continued working with California Citrus Mutual regarding changing the minimum maturity index for navel oranges in CA based on research conducted previously in collaboration with USDA researcher. Organized and moderated the 31st Citrus Postharvest Pest Control meeting which brings together annually technical and research personnel dealing with citrus postharvest decay management. I participated in UC Davis Postharvest Center activities as a teacher in the postharvest ripening management shortcourse and the postharvest technology shortcourse. National Activities: Participated for the first time in the National Plant Breeders' conference in Madison Wisconsin in August 2009. International Activities: Attended the International Postharvest Meeting in Antalya Turkey in April 2009; presented research results from collaborative research with USDA/ARS. Traveled to Chile as an invited presenter at an industry meeting to discuss postharvest handling practices of avocado as well as providing an overview of the avocdao scion breeding program in August 2009. Research activities: Continued collection of data on citrus fruit quality including conducting consumer panels in Chicago at the request of California Citrus Mutual, collection of preliminary data on eating quality of mandarins. Research was initiated to explore the factors that contribute to the eating experience of avocado including fruit maturity and handling practices. I continued overseeing avocado scion breeding program including interaction with the office of technology transfer at UCR regarding release of new material. Assist the CA Table Grape Commission in the evaluation of new table grape selections through overseeing consumer panel to gauge acceptability and quality of new selections as compared to current varieties. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals: David Obenland, USDA-ARS: collaborates on citrus and avocado sensory work. Dr. Obenland is responsible for the olfactory portion of our research. Jim Sievert, UC Staff Research Associate: responsible for coordination of all postharvest activities. Sue Collin, UC Staff Research Associate: responsible for sensory analysis. Eric Focht, UC Staff Research Associate: oversees field aspects of avocado scion breeding program. Margy Crowley, UC Staff Research Associate: assists Mr. Focht. Fayek Negm, UC Research Scientist: responsible for sugar and fatty acid analysis of avocados Robert Heath, UC retired professor: collaborates on avocado sugar program. Harley Smith, Asst Professor, UCR: collaborating on work to examine alternate bearing in avocado. Partner Organizations Citrus Research Board: provides support for citrus research projects. California Avocado Commission: provides support for avocado research projects. California Table Grape Commission: provides support for sensory work on new introductions of table grapes. Collaborators and contacts Grant Thorp, Peter Minchin, Research Scientists, Plant and Food Institute, New Zealand: collaborated on research looking at sugar fluctuation in avocados Monica Castro, Claudia Fassio, Research Scientists, Catholic University of Valpariaso, Quillota, Chile: work together on introduction of avocado germplasm from breeding program into Chile. Training or professional development Rodrigo Iturrieta, postgraduate researcher: working with Dr. Smith and myself on alternate bearing in avocado. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target Audiences The subtropical fruit industries of California, specifically citrus and avocado. This includes growers, packers and all associated industries dealing with these industries. The table grape growers of California as well as table grape consumers will benefit for the outcome of the sensory work underway on new table grape selections. Effort is concentrated on extension and outreach, workshops. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

    Impacts
    Outreach efforts within the CA citrus industry, in particular the annual postharvest pest control meeting brings current information to the citrus packinghouse community regarding new practices and materials available to reduce citrus postharvest losses. This in turns assists in the viability of the CA citrus industry and assures consumers wholesome product. Efforts as a member of the CRB Communications committee has the impact of increasing outreach efforts to CA citrus growers as well as the general public. A major effort during the last year has been the development of grower and public information material regarding the threat of ACP and HLB to the CA citrus industry. Participation in CA avocado industry sponsored grower seminars has allowed me to update growers on avocado scion varieties as well as providing information on the use of NAA as a vegetative growth inhibitor. Partly on research conducted by myself and others the industry sought a Section 18 label for NAA. My recent participation in the National Plant Breeder's Conference resulted in broadening my knowledge of plant breeding as well as an opportunity to network with other fruit tree breeders in the United States. Travel to Chile in 2009 broadened my knowledge base of the Chilean avocado industry. This in turns has helped me to focus our postharvest research efforts into examining the impact of long-term storage on avocado fruit quality. This knowledge can be deployed by the CA industry to develop new market strategies. Our work with the Table Grape Commission continues to provide a "consumer" perspective to the USDA breeding program. This information will insure that new selections will be consumer friendly and of high eating quality.

    Publications

    • Obenland, D., D. Margosan, S. Collin, J. Sievert, K. Fjeld, M. L. Arpaia, J. Thompson, D. Slaughter. 2009. Peel Fluorescence as a Means to Identify Freeze-damaged Navel Oranges. HortTechnology. 19(2):379-384.
    • Obenland, D. S. Collin, J. Sievert, K. Fjeld, M. L. Arpaia. 2009. Relationship of Soluble Solids, Acidity and Aroma Volatiles to Flavor in Late-Season Navel Oranges. Proceedings of the ISHS 6th International Postharvest Symposium, 08-12 April, Antalya, Turkey. In Press.
    • White, A., Woolf, A.B., Hofman, P.J. and Arpaia M.L. 2009. The International Avocado Quality Manual. Plant and Food Research Institute, New Zealand. pp 70. (also available in Spanish)
    • White, A., Woolf, A.B., Hofman, P.J. and Arpaia M.L. 2009. The International Avocado Quality Pocketbook. Plant and Food Research Institute, New Zealand. pp 70. (also available in Spanish)
    • Collin, S, J. Sievert and M. L. Arpaia. 2009. Evaluation of Table Grape Selections - 2008. Report to the California Table Grape Commission. 24 pages.
    • Collin, S. J. Sievert and M. L. Arpaia. 2009. Evaluation of Table Grape Selections - 2008. Report to the California Table Grape Commission. 24 pages.
    • Fassio, C., R. Heath, M. L. Arpaia and M. Castro. 2009. Sap flow in 'Hass' avocado trees on two clonal rootstocks in relation to xylem anatomy. Sci. Hort. 120:8-13.
    • Obenland, D., S. Collin, B. Mackey, J. Sievert, K. Fjeld, M. L. Arpaia. 2009. Determinants of flavor acceptability during the maturation of navel oranges. Postharvest Biology and Technology. 52:156-163.