David H. Picha

David H. Picha is a Professor and Department Head in the School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences at the LSU College of Agriculture. His work focuses on postharvest physiology and horticultural crop technologies, with extensive international collaboration and training programs.

Dr. Picha holds a B.S. from the University of Minnesota, M.S. from Cornell University, and Ph.D. from the University of Florida.

His research interests include

• Postharvest Physiology of tropical/sub-tropical crops like sweetpotato and satsuma mandarins
• Modified atmosphere packaging and controlled storage techniques
• Value-added product development
• International market expansion for horticultural commodities
• Nutritional analysis and bioactive compound retention

His publications (2005–2012) emphasize fungal disease management in storage, processing effects on quality, and global trade strategies. He is an editorial board member of the International Journal of Vegetable Science and reviews for multiple journals in horticulture and food science.

Dr. Picha leads USDA Cochran Fellow training programs worldwide on horticultural production and postharvest care. He actively participates in committees for the American Society for Horticulture Science and Institute of Food Technologists.

Labs/Teams: His research is affiliated with LSU AgCenter facilities and collaborative networks across Louisiana and international partners.