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Research encompasses deciduous fruit production, protection, harvesting and sorting.
To accomplish these goals, scientists will create and utilize new concepts and advances in science, engineering and ecosystem analysis to provide leadership to science, future direction for the fruit industry, and a high quality product for the consumer. Applied research topics are supported by basic studies to determine underlying mechanisms of cold hardiness and ultimately to identify and manipulate specific genes associated with cold acclimation. Research includes improved disease and insect control through more effective orchard management practices and use of biocontrol agents, as well as the development of disease and insect resistant genotypes through breeding and gene transfer technology. Isolation of genes that influence fruit development and the manipulation of these genes to control fruit ripening and softening represent a substantial effort to improve the harvesting, handling, storage, and consumer acceptance of temperate fruits. The integrated program of basic and applied research seeks to understand and minimize the adverse effects of agricultural inputs, biotic and environmental factors on fruit crop production, develop principles and sensory techniques for mechanically harvesting, sorting and grading of fruit crops and develop technology to protect fruit crops using biological control and natural, plant-derived fungicides.