Jose Carlos Herrera

Jose Carlos Herrera, Ph.D., is a Senior Scientist at the Institute of Viticulture and Fruit Growing within the Department of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). He has been affiliated with BOKU since 2016, first as an Assistant Professor and promoted to Senior Scientist in 2022. His research is centered on the stress physiology and ecophysiology of grapevines, particularly under drought and heat stress, with additional focus on irrigation management and grape biochemistry.

His research interests lie at the intersection of plant physiology, viticulture, and climate change adaptation. He investigates stomatal behavior, water relations, osmotic adjustment, metabolic plasticity, and drought legacy effects in grapevines. His work emphasizes both fundamental physiological mechanisms and practical applications for sustainable viticulture in a changing climate.

The 15 most recent publications highlight a consistent focus on abiotic stress responses in grapevines, particularly drought and heat. Key themes include stomatal regulation, hydraulic traits, osmotic adjustment, seasonal acclimation, phenotyping methods, and the use of PIWI cultivars. His research combines field and controlled experiments with advanced measurement techniques, including physiological monitoring and remote sensing. There is a strong emphasis on understanding carry-over effects and time-dependent responses, reflecting a deep interest in plant memory and acclimation.

• Joseph Pleil Forschungspreis der Österreichischen Hagelversicherung (2018)

Herrera actively supervises master’s students and has served on Ph.D. examination committees at international institutions such as the Universidad de Murcia. He is a frequent reviewer for leading journals in plant science and viticulture. His research is supported by national funding bodies (e.g., FWF) and industry partners. He is also engaged in knowledge transfer, contributing to public outreach and media discussions on climate change impacts on viticulture.

He leads multiple research projects focused on optimizing water use, enhancing drought tolerance, and developing climate-resilient viticultural practices. His work often involves interdisciplinary collaboration and the application of novel technologies for monitoring and modeling vine responses.