معرفی
David McArthur serves as an Honorary Lecturer in the Department of Applied Biology at the Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia. His academic career integrates teaching and research focused on sustainable fruit production systems and plant physiological responses to environmental stressors.
His educational foundation includes:
- PhD in Plant Physiology from the University of Alberta (1992)
- MSc in Horticulture from the University of British Columbia (1987)
- BSc (Agriculture) from the University of British Columbia (1983)
Dr. McArthur's research program investigates reproductive biology of fruit crops through hormone physiology studies, environmental stress responses (particularly cold injury mechanisms), and nutrient uptake dynamics across soil types. His work on plant-microbe interactions emphasizes mycorrhizal symbiosis, utilizing advanced microscopic techniques including Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy, SEM, and TEM to analyze cellular structures in flower development and root systems. This multidisciplinary approach bridges fundamental plant science with practical horticultural applications.
Publication analysis reveals consistent focus on sustainable fruit crop management, with recent work (2000-2003) addressing cranberry winter injury diagnostics, reduced-risk pesticide development from plant essential oils, and precision nutrient delivery systems for blueberries. Earlier research (1990s) established foundational knowledge of mycorrhizal interactions in potato phosphorus nutrition, demonstrating methodological continuity in investigating plant-environment relationships across diverse cropping systems.
His teaching portfolio spans APBI 322 (Horticultural Techniques), APBI 360 (Food & Environment II), APBI 490 002 (Sustainable Fruit Production), and FNH 330/335 (Wine Science series). Research funding originates from collaborative industry partnerships including NSERC, Fraser Valley Strawberry Growers' Association (FVSGA), BC Cherry Growers Association (BCCGA), and BC Blueberry Council (BCBC), reflecting strong agricultural sector engagement.
His laboratory operations leverage advanced microscopy facilities for high-resolution plant tissue analysis, with industry collaborations driving applied research directions in cranberry and blueberry production systems through the BC Cranberry Marketing Commission and BC Blueberry Council.
