Nobuko Sugimoto

Nobuko Sugimoto is Assistant Professor of Horticulture at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus, specializing in postharvest fruit and vegetable quality. She holds a Ph.D. in Horticulture from Michigan State University (2011) where she identified novel genes involved in apple aroma biosynthesis, published in PNAS. Her industry-academic collaborations have developed practical solutions reducing cucumber shipping losses by 30+ percentage points.

Research focuses on aroma biochemistry, shelf-life extension technologies, and physiological disorders. Current projects investigate ester biosynthesis pathways, humidity-triggered 1-MCP delivery systems, and chilling injury mitigation. Technologies developed in her lab include polymer-based controlled-release systems for ethylene inhibitors. She regularly presents findings to grower associations and industry stakeholders.