Program Objectives:
Applied Breeding:
We evaluate stone fruit cultivar performance in order to make recommendations to growers in low and medium-chill fruit growing regions.
We work to develop superior early-ripening, low and medium-chill stone fruit cultivars to replace marginal commercial cultivars and to extend the harvest seasons in mild winter regions throughout the world.
We utilize in vitro embryo rescue techniques to germinate seeds of early-ripening genotypes, and we continuously research methods to improve success of this procedure.
We work to develop improved stone fruit rootstocks.
Genetic and Germplasm Studies:
The major germplasm groups of peaches, plums, and apricots are being characterized using RAPD, isozyme, and morphological polymorphisms to study genetic relationships among these groups and their progenitor species.
Quantitative traits of peaches are being studied for their genetic inheritance.
Global Outreach:
We are involved in cooperative efforts in mild winter regions of North America, South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia to evaluate germplasm and to cooperate on hybridization efforts.