Meet the Team

Transdisciplinary Approach

Our collaborative and transdisciplinary project team includes 31 U.S. Vitis and Muscadinia experts in grape Genetics (Obj. 1), Breeding (Obj. 2), and Pathology (Obj. 3) from cultivar development programs; fruit Quality (Obj. 4) experts including food science, postharvest storage, sensory, and analysis of aroma, flavor, and color attributes; agricultural Marketing (Obj. 5) experts focused on consumer attitudes and behaviors for horticulture crops; and Production and extension (Obj. 6) experts. Breeders will provide plants and germplasm for pathology, quality, marketing, and production trials (Obj. 3~6), and the results of these trials will shape subsequent breeding and genetic research targets. The Production team plays an integrated role by providing Muscadinia and Vitis x Muscadinia field trials and outreach supporting Breeding, Pathology, Quality, and Marketing efforts involving growers and consumers. The Quality and Marketing teams will work collaboratively to identify key attributes that drive consumer purchasing of fresh-market grapes, as well as flavor and aromas that consumers prefer.