Ken Shackel 
Department of Plant Sciences 
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My main research focus is the physiology of water stress, so for any studies related to [production or pre-harvest] involving water management, I could contribute by documenting the level of the stress that was experienced by the plants, as well as by quantifying other relevant aspects, such as irrigation water applied.  A group of us just submitted a USDA proposal, in part to determine whether differences in water stress are associated with conventional versus organic tomato production, particularly as related to fruit (I guess for tomatoes this is called a vegetable, go figure) quality.  Another related focus is the understanding water and solute accumulation by fleshy fruit, particularly as it impacts fruit cell turgor.  Since we have found a very strong relation between fruit cell turgor and fruit firmness, both pre- and post-harvest, I would like to contribute in the [postharvest] area by helping to develop a better understanding of fruit physical properties, particularly the relative importance of cell walls and cell turgor to fruit or vegetable firmness.  I think in this area, we have a lot to learn about the role of the cell membrane in turgor maintenance (firmness) and possibly other properties, such as juiciness.  Mark Matthews, Doug Adams and I are currently working on the role of turgor (among other things) in fruit ripening and quality in grape.

Curriculum Vitae

Research Slides