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Dear Grape Industry
Personnel:
A one-day workshop
with USDA ARS scientists has been scheduled for December 6, 2007 at JCC
North in Dunkirk, NY. The purpose of the Workshop is to help build industry
understanding of the capabilities of the ARS scientists stationed at Geneva,
NY, and to help these scientist better understand industry research needs
that could be addressed by ARS.
There will be no
charge to attend the Workshop and lunch will be provided. However, Reservations
are required to ensure a lunch. To register contact Linda Aures
by November 30, 2007 at (716) 672 5296, or via email at laures@netsync.net.
JCC North is located
at 10807 Bennett Road (Rte 60), Dunkirk, NY.
The ARS Grape Genetics
Research Unit at Geneva has expanded its research capabilities in recent
years to address critical long-term industry research needs. These scientists
are interested in learning from us our industry research needs so that
they can help our grape industry grow and expand profitably.
We encourage you
to attend! A list of the ARS scientists and their area of expertise is
below.
| The
meeting agenda is listed below: |
| 7:30 - 8:00
AM |
Coffee and
Refreshments |
| 8:00 - 8:15
AM |
Welcome,
Introductions, and Discussion of Workshop Goals |
| 8:15 - 8:30
AM |
Discussion
on the Overall Capabilities of ARS Geneva |
| 8:30 - 12
Noon |
Presentations
by ARS Scientists |
| Noon - 1:00
PM |
Lunch |
| 1:00 PM -
3:00 PM |
Discussion
on Industry Needs and Future Collaborations |
| 3:15 PM |
Adjourn |
| |
|
| USDA-ARS
Grape Genetics Research Unit |
Mission
Statement:
The mission of the Grape Genetics Research Unit is the advancement
of grape production through interdisciplinary research, breeding and
technology transfer. The goals of the program are to reduce losses
to crop yield and quality that result from diseases, pests, and abiotic
stress and improve grape and grape product quality and utilization.
Enhanced varieties and techniques will be developed using breeding,
genetics, genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics and transferred
to grape growers, packers, and processors. The primary research areas
are: (1) Development of resistance to pests and diseases in grape
scion and rootstock; (2) Superior adaptation to growing conditions
and tolerance of abiotic stress; (3) Improved product quality through
enhanced knowledge of mechanisms governing color, flavor, aroma, sensory
characters, and yield. |
| Research
Expertise and Interests of USDA-ARS Scientists at Geneva: |
Angela
Baldo
(315) 787-2413
angela.baldo@ars.usda.gov
Computational Biologist, Plant Genetic Resources Unit
My research interest is to leverage computational tools for developing
markers, characterizing genetic relationships, identifying differences
among expressed genes, and mining public data for candidate genes.
My work generates software, methodologies, and molecular tools. The
results are leveraged by other research scientists who work directly
with Vitis. |
Lance
Cadle-Davidson
(315) 787-2442
lance.cadledavidson@ars.usda.gov
Plant Pathologist, Grape Genetics Research Unit
My expertise is in applying molecular, genetic, and genomic tools
to the epidemiology and management of fungal pathogens of grapevine.
The primary focus of my research is the development of improved cultivars
with disease resistance. This includes clonal improvement of existing
cultivars and molecular marker assisted selection for new cultivars.
In addition, I apply molecular diagnostics for early detection of
fungal pathogens. These diagnostic tools can be used to sample grapevine
tissue to test prior to the onset of visual symptoms whether infection
has occurred or to test environmental samples to quantify spore release
and deposition, potentially informing disease prediction models. |
Peter
Cousins
(315)787-2340
peter.cousins@ars.usda.gov
Geneticist, Grape Genetics Research Units
The primary goal of my research is the enhancement of root-knot nematode
resistance in rootstocks. My research projects involve in the studies
of allelism, genetics of host/pathogen interactions, rootstock impact
on vigor and vine size (increase and decrease), clonal selection,
rapid cycling grapevines to accelerate progress in rootstock breeding
and genetics, evaluation of rootstocks for horticultural value for
specific varieties (Concord, Niagara, Syrah, Flame Seedless), impact
of rootstock variety on scion expression of Pierce's disease symptoms,
evolution and speciation impact on germplasm accessibility for breeding
and improvement, rootstock/virus interactions and growth and development.
|
Amanda
Garris
(315) 787-2463
amanda.garris@ars.usda.gov
Research Geneticist, Grape Genetics Research Unit
The goals of my research are to identify key genes affecting grapevine
growth and development; identify useful gene variants from wild and
cultivated grapes; and develop molecular markers near these genes
for use in grape breeding programs. My current research projects involve
in the genetic study of the timing of transition in grape development
(e.g. the timing of bud break, flowering, ripening, leaf fall, and
dormancy); how the plant responds to viticultural treatments that
alter the canopy light microclimate; and identifying clonal variation
for improving "Vignoles" (known for both flavor and tight, disease-prone
clusters). |
Christopher
Owens
(315) 787-2437
chris.owens@ars.usda.gov
Molecular Biologist, Grape Genetics Research Unit
Research in my laboratory is focused on understanding the molecular
genetic variation and genetic regulation of key traits and processes
in cultivated grapevine. Specific emphasis is on the genetic dissection
of factors contributing to fruit development and quality as well as
the study of low-temperature responses in grape. |
Charles
Simon
(315) 787-2454
charles.simon@ars.usda.gov
Geneticist and Grape Germplasm Curator, Plant Genetic Resources Unit
My mission as Curator of the USDA cold hardy grape germplasm collection
in Geneva is to acquire, maintain, characterize and distribute the
genetic diversity of the collection. The collection now numbers some
1500 accessions, with half being interspecific hybrids and the other
half being pure species material. The genetic diversity of this collection
serves as the basic building blocks for new cold hardy grape variety
development. My research activities focus around the characterization
component of our mission. My lab generates "DNA fingerprints" of the
accessions, which serve to provide quality control indicators at levels
from trueness to type to collection composition. Another of my projects
examines the distribution of diversity using DNA sequence analysis
of 30 expressed sequences (possibly genes) in 300 accessions. Another
is to develop genetic markers linked to valuable traits for analysis
of the collection. The most recent project I am working on is to develop
deep (10,000 markers/accession) genetic analysis for all of the Geneva
accessions but the hybrids. |
Gan-Yuan
Zhong
(315)787-2484
GanYuan.Zhong@ars.usda.gov
Geneticist, Grape Genetics Research Unit
My research is currently focused on two areas. One is to develop a
genetic platform for functional genomics research of grapes. Specific
research activities in this area involve in modification and improvement
of plant architecture, development and breeding systems by using mutagenic
and biotechnological approaches. The other research area is to enhance
grape breeding efficiency by mapping and dissecting genetic factors
controlling complex quantitative trait variation in grapes. Specific
trait targets that are currently under study include fruit size and
quality, flowering time, and resistance to root-knot nematodes. |
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Enology
Extension Associate Interviews
Monday, December 10; Wednesday, December 12; and Monday, December
17, 2007 |
Interviews
Scheduled for Enology Extension Associate
You are invited to participate.
Dear NY Wine
and Grape Community:
We invite you
to participate in three upcoming interviews for the Enology Extension
Associate position, Department of Food Science and Technology,
Cornell University. This is the position previously held by Dragana
Dimitrijevic, with whom many of you are familiar.
This person
will coordinate enology extension programs, services and workshops
through collaboration with faculty, staff and other statewide extension
personnel. Responsibilities also include the coordination and scheduling
of wine fermentations and evaluations that are done in the NY
Vinification and Brewing Laboratory at Geneva, and preparation
of written and on-line extension publications focusing on issues
of importance to the New York wine industry.
Since this
is a key extension position that will have a lot of contact with
wine producers in all parts of New York, we will be providing
opportunities for you to participate in the interviews in your own
region by teleconferencing to Long Island, Lake Erie/Niagara, Ithaca,
and the Hudson Valley. This will allow you to hear each
candidate give an extension-oriented talk, and to ask questions
afterwards from your own location.
This is one
of two Enology Extension positions, the other one being a Faculty
position (to replace Thomas Henick-Kling - search still in progress).
| The
interviews and seminars will be held on: |
| December
10 |
Michael
Moyer
UC Davis MS graduate, currently in Washington State, teaches
Enology at Walla Walla Community College. |
| December
12 |
Chris
Gerling
Cornell MS Graduate, formerly with Thomas Henick-Kling lab,
currently working at a Finger Lakes winery. |
| December
17 |
Paul
Brock
Cornell MS Graduate, formerly with Thomas Henick-Kling lab,
currently working at a Finger Lakes winery. |
| Schedule
for each date is as follows: |
| 10:00
- 11:00 AM |
Extension-oriented
Seminar related to wine quality
Food Science Laboratory - Geneva, 2nd floor seminar room; broadcast
by polycom to Ithaca (Food Science, Stocking Hall)
Long Island (Long Island Hort. Research Center)
Lake Erie (Still being finalized; probably CCE Jamestown and
Niagara Community college)
Hudson Valley (Still being finalized - probably CCE Ulster,
Kingston NY) |
| 11:00-11:30
AM |
Questions
from industry stakeholders - Local and remote (by polycom) |
We look forward
to active participation from industry representatives and will provide
opportunities for written and/or oral feedback on each candidate.
We appreciate your interest and support of this process.
We hope you
can make it to at least one of the sessions.
- Dr. Olga Padilla-Zakour,
chair of search committee
Members:
- Dr. Gavin Sacks, Enology research and teaching, Dept FST,
Geneva
- Dr. Ramon Mira de Orduņa, Enology research and teaching, Dept FST,
Geneva
- Ben Gavitt, NY Wine Analytical Laboratory, Dept FST, Geneva
- Alice Wise, Viticulture - Long Island grape program
- Tim Weigle, NYS IPM Program - Lake Erie Regional Grape Program
- Tim Martinson, Statewide Viticulture Extension Program
- Marilyn Konapka, Centerra/Constellation Wine Company |
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