University of California
Postharvest Technology Center - UC Davis
Faculty Directory
| Name | Arpaia, Mary Lu |
|---|---|
| Education |
Ph.D. (1985), Plant Physiology University of California, Davis |
| Specialty | Postharvest handling of subtropical fruits. |
| Location | Kearney Agricultural Center |
| Phone Number | 559 646-6561 |
| mlarpaia@ucanr.edu | |
| Bio |
As an extension specialist for subtropical fruit, I have both an educational and research program dealing with citrus and avocado postharvest handling. There are two areas related to subtropical fruit postharvest handling in which I conduct research.
The first deals with the role of preharvest management on postharvest fruit quality. A clearer understanding of orchard management’s role is needed to develop strategies that optimize the postharvest life of subtropical fruits. I therefore collaborate in multi-disciplinary projects that examine the role of irrigation, fertilization, plant growth regulators and pest management on postharvest fruit quality. I also conduct research that examines the response of subtropical fruit to the postharvest environment including temperature during handling and ethylene exposure. As part of this research effort we have incorporated the use of sensory science procedures to study the impact of handling practices on eating quality.
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| Selected Publications |
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| Expertise | Botany and Plant Sciences |
| Campus | UC Riverside Faculty |
| Extension Specialist | Yes |








