Citrus Rootstock Development Professors and Supervisors

Nian Wangمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

University of FloridaUnited States

Dr. Nian Wang is the Mr. and Mrs. J. R. (Rip) Graves Eminent Scholar Endowed Chair in the Microbiology & Cell Science Department at the University of Florida's Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC). His research focuses on understanding and mitigating citrus diseases such as Huanglongbing (HLB) and citrus canker through molecular, genetic, and microbiological approaches. Key areas include CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing for disease resistance, bacterial effector protein analysis, and microbial community dynamics in citrus crops. His work emphasizes translational solutions, including non-transgenic disease-resistant citrus varieties and innovative genetic transformation systems like high-pressure propagation breeding (HPPB). Dr. Wang collaborates extensively with industry and academic partners to address global citrus disease challenges, particularly in the Mediterranean region. His lab employs cutting-edge techniques such as transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics to uncover disease mechanisms and develop sustainable management strategies. Dr. Wang supervises a team of PhD and Master’s students, postdoctoral researchers, and technicians, fostering interdisciplinary research in plant pathology, microbiology, and agricultural biotechnology. His contributions span from fundamental pathogen-host interaction studies to applied technologies for citrus disease control.

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Waqar Shafqatمشاهده پروفایل

پژوهشگر

Mississippi State UniversityUnited States

Waqar Shafqat is a Postdoctoral Associate at Mississippi State University, focusing on plant stress physiology and agricultural biotechnology. His research emphasizes developing climate-resilient crops, particularly in citrus and cotton systems, with a focus on heat tolerance, drought resistance, and abiotic stress mechanisms. He explores innovative solutions using nanotechnology and molecular markers to enhance crop productivity under environmental challenges. His work integrates genomic analyses, physiological studies, and agronomic interventions to address global agricultural challenges. Shafqat's research spans citrus rootstock improvement, poplar biomass optimization, and pomegranate hybridization efficiency. He investigates stress-responsive hormones like strigolactones and evaluates PFAS removal strategies for environmental remediation. His studies on fruit quality improvement through chemical thinning and postharvest treatments contribute to sustainable horticulture practices. Additionally, he examines the role of endophytic bacteria and foliar nutrients in enhancing crop resilience. Key themes in his publications include molecular genetics, plant physiology under stress, and applied agronomic techniques. While no specific awards are listed, his extensive publication record reflects active engagement in collaborative research projects. Details on advising or grants are not explicitly provided in the text.

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Goran Frukمشاهده پروفایل

دانشیار

University of ZagrebCroatia

Assoc. Prof. Goran Fruk serves as an Associate Professor at the University of Zagreb School of Agriculture , leading the Department of Pomology. With a PhD in Agricultural Science (2014), he specializes in postharvest physiology and sustainable fruit production. Education: PhD (2014), dipl. ing. agr. (2008) Key Roles: Coordinator of EU-funded projects, bilateral research collaborations His research focuses on postharvest treatments to prevent chilling injuries, optimize fruit quality, and implement edible coatings . Recent work explores digital technologies like RGB imaging and biosensors for nutrient deficiency detection and quality assessment. Project leadership includes LIFE+ SU.SA.FRUIT for sustainable production and multiple EU programs. He has developed curricula for fruit physiology and storage technologies . Publications emphasize traditional apple cultivars , patulin contamination , and climate change impacts on fruit quality.

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Mary Suttonمشاهده پروفایل

استادیار

University of GeorgiaUnited States

Dr. Mary Sutton is an Assistant Professor and Citrus Extension Specialist at the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences. Her extension program (75% appointment) supports Georgia's emerging citrus industry through applied research on production optimization. Research focuses on scion/rootstock performance, freeze protection systems, irrigation/fertilization strategies, and integrated pest management. Research areas include: Evaluation of citrus varieties under Southeastern US conditions Optimization of cultural practices for improved yield and quality Physiological responses to environmental stresses Development of science-based production recommendations Recent publications focus on Huanglongbing (HLB) impacts on fruit development, biochemical changes in diseased fruit, and management strategies for mitigating disease effects. Research employs biochemical profiling, hormonal analysis, and field experimentation to address production challenges. As Extension Specialist, Dr. Sutton translates research findings to growers through outreach programs and develops resources for Georgia's citrus industry. Appointment: 75% Extension, 20% Research, 5% Service.

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Antonio Cano Larioمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

University of MurciaSpain

Antonio Cano Lario is a Full Professor in the Department of Plant Biology at the University of Murcia's Faculty of Biology. His research focuses on plant physiology, phytohormones, and antioxidant activity in plant materials, particularly in the context of agroindustrial applications and ornamental plant propagation. Doctorate in Plant Biology from Universidad de Murcia (2003) Thesis: "Methodology for studying antioxidant potential in plant materials: agrofood applications" Research Group: Phytohormones and Plant Development Research interests include: Antioxidant activity measurement in plants Phytohormone regulation of root development Postharvest physiology of fruits and vegetables Bioactive compounds in citrus and ornamental species Radiation effects on plant growth and fruit quality Vegetative propagation techniques Recent publications highlight his work on adventitious root formation in carnation and tomato, antioxidant characterization of citrus varieties, and radiation applications in horticulture. His research often intersects with food technology and agricultural sustainability.

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Sergio Fatta Del Boscoمشاهده پروفایل

پژوهشگر

National Research Council of Italy (CNR)Italy

Sergio Fatta Del Bosco is a Researcher at the Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (IBBR), Division of Palermo, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), where he has been affiliated since 1994 following his work at the Institute of Vegetable Genetics. Education: Degree in Plant Science (110/110 with distinction), University of Palermo, Italy (1985) Research Focus: Dr. Fatta Del Bosco specializes in citrus genetics and breeding for varietal improvement through advanced biotechnological methods. His work integrates plant tissue culture , somatic hybridization , and molecular marker analysis to develop virus-resistant rootstocks and enhance citrus phytochemical profiles. He investigates citrus bioactive compounds for human health applications and plant biochemical characterization for industrial uses, with emphasis on volatile terpenes and essential oils. Publication Trends: His recent work (2012-2022) reveals a cohesive research trajectory centered on citrus-pathogen interactions (particularly Citrus Tristeza Virus), somatic hybridization outcomes, and microbiome-plant relationships. Key themes include volatile-mediated vector avoidance mechanisms, endophytic transmission pathways, and terpene profile variations linked to genetic resistance—demonstrating consistent application of omics technologies to solve agricultural challenges. Scientific Awards: Two years fellowship award from the National Council of Research at CNR - Centro Miglioramento Genetico Agrumi (1989-1990) Two years fellowship for 'DNA analysis in Citrus' at University of California, Riverside (1990-1991) One year fellowship for 'Genetic transformation in Citrus' at University of Florida (1997-1998) Research Infrastructure: As part of IBBR-CNR's Palermo division, he utilizes advanced facilities for plant tissue culture, molecular analysis, and phytochemical characterization within collaborative frameworks focused on Mediterranean crop improvement and bioresource conservation.

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Aria Dolatabadianمشاهده پروفایل

پژوهشگر ارشد

The University of Western AustraliaAustralia

Plant Pathology
Crop Genetics
Genomics
+۴ مورد دیگر

Aria Dolatabadian is a Research Fellow at the University of Western Australia (UWA), School of Biological Sciences, working in the Batley Lab. His roles include technical officer at DPIRD (Australia) and postdoctoral researcher at the University of Manitoba (Canada). He specializes in plant-pathogen interactions, disease resistance in Brassica species, and bioinformatics-driven crop improvement. His expertise spans molecular biology, genomics, and sustainable agriculture. Education: PhD in Crop Genetics & Genomics (UWA, 2019), MSc in Agronomy (2008), BSc (2004). Research focuses on uncovering resistance genes in Brassica crops against diseases like blackleg (caused by Leptosphaeria maculans ). Current projects involve genomic analysis of disease resistance mechanisms using wet/dry lab techniques and bioinformatics tools. Future goals include advancing sustainable crop management through AI-driven disease prediction and genetic innovation. Publications highlight contributions to plant-pathogen interactions, machine learning in disease detection, and genomic strategies for crop resilience. His work aligns with UN SDGs related to food security and sustainable agriculture. Labs/Teams: Active in the Batley Lab at UWA, collaborating internationally on crop genomics and disease management.

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John M. Chaterمشاهده پروفایل

استادیار

University of FloridaUnited States

Dr. John M. Chater serves as an Assistant Professor in the Horticultural Sciences Program at the University of Florida's Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC) in Lake Alfred, Florida. His research program addresses critical challenges facing Florida's citrus industry, particularly Huanglongbing (HLB or citrus greening disease), through integrated approaches in breeding, bioinformatics, and field-based cultivar evaluation. He focuses on developing sustainable production systems for both citrus and pomegranate crops. His primary research domains include: Citrus variety improvement via breeding and bioinformatics Rootstock-scion interaction effects on fruit/juice quality and disease tolerance Fruit and juice sensory analysis under HLB pressure Pomegranate cultivar evaluation for disease resistance and consumer acceptance Metabolomic profiling of stress responses and quality traits Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals strong thematic continuity in stress physiology (drought, cold, hypoxia), metabolomics-driven quality assessment, and practical rootstock/scion management strategies. His work bridges fundamental plant science with immediate industry applications, particularly in optimizing HLB-affected production systems and expanding pomegranate's commercial viability in the Southeast. Dr. Chater actively mentors the next generation of horticultural scientists, currently advising Ph.D. candidate Joseph Volpe and Master's student Emily Worbington. He also supervises postdoctoral researcher Giuseppe Lana and visiting scholars Cheelo Maitwa and Faustin Mukunzi, fostering international collaboration in tropical/subtropical fruit research. Based at CREC, he collaborates with a multidisciplinary team including Greenhouse/Field Assistant Darien Holt and Plant Improvement specialist Dr. M. Filomena Valim. Their collective efforts support field trials, germplasm evaluation, and extension activities that directly benefit Florida citrus growers navigating the HLB epidemic.

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Manjul Duttمشاهده پروفایل

استادیار

University of FloridaUnited States

Dr. Manjul Dutt is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Horticultural Sciences at the University of Florida's Citrus Research and Education Center. His research focuses on citrus improvement using conventional breeding and biotechnology, with an emphasis on developing Huanglongbing (HLB)-tolerant hybrids via somatic cell fusion and genetic engineering. Citrus and Subtropical Fruit Breeding HLB and Citrus Canker Resistance Anthocyanin Biofortification in Citrus Flowering Regulation via Gene Modulation Stress Tolerance Mechanisms Dr. Dutt's recent publications (2024–2025) highlight advancements in CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing for HLB tolerance, molecular responses to stress, and hybrid physiology. His work integrates genomics, physiology, and market analysis to address citrus industry challenges. Lead advisor to Ph.D. candidates Jaideep Deol and Trinidad Fernando Mentor to Master's student Vidal Sanchez Collaborator on rootstock selection and transformation protocols Lab members under his program include biological scientists and assistants working on HLB research, finger lime cultivation, and genetic transformation techniques. His team employs cutting-edge methods like cationic lipid nanoparticles for transgene-free editing and transcriptomic analysis of stress responses.

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Muhammad Adnan Shahidمشاهده پروفایل

استادیار

University of FloridaUnited States

Dr. Muhammad Adnan Shahid is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Horticultural Sciences at the University of Florida's North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC). His research focuses on stress physiology of fruit crops, particularly addressing abiotic and biotic stressors such as cold, heat, drought, salinity, and pest/disease pressures. He integrates multidisciplinary approaches, collaborating with experts in agricultural engineering, genetics, and food science to enhance crop resilience. His program balances basic research on plant stress mechanisms with applied solutions for growers, including mitigation strategies like nutrient/water management and cultivar selection. Dr. Shahid's work emphasizes climate change adaptation, with a focus on cold-hardy citrus, tree fruits, and emerging crops like blackberries and persimmons. He extends research through guides like Floricane Blackberry Pruning Guide and Growth Stages of Japanese Persimmons , aiding producers in Florida. His recent publications address irrigation management for citrus under huanglongbing (HLB), postharvest fruit quality, and silicon-based stress mitigation in crops like cabbage and grapefruit. Collaborations span USDA, UF/IFAS Extension, and industry partners, ensuring practical outcomes for sustainable agriculture. His research bridges lab and field, prioritizing science-based solutions to improve farm productivity and environmental sustainability.

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