My research focuses on the development of improved fruit varieties for NY growers. To reach this goal, I am integrating traditional breeding approaches and new innovations in genetic mapping and bioinformatics to more efficiently create, evaluate and select new strawberry and raspberry varieties suitable for temperate growing regions.

My extension efforts focus on providing growers with up to date information on variety performance under NY conditions. Comparing new varieties and selections to standard varieties in real world conditions provides growers with accurate and objective information to help them make business decisions.