My research focuses on the effects of climate change on fruit trees from various perspectives. Specifically, it examines how increasing heat waves in spring and summer impact water transport, flowering, and fruit setting in deciduous fruit trees, and how the reduction in winter chilling hours affects dormancy release and flowering intensity.
We use advanced physiological tools for continuous measurements of water flow and photosynthesis quantification in trees, as well as molecular tools to identify genetic markers that could be used to enhance the fruit trees of the future.
Additionally, we are seeking and developing precise agronomic solutions to dynamically improve tree performance under changing climate conditions.
We also run a unique apple breeding program in which we seek varieties that with early flowering and fruit set and that require very low chilling requirements.
