SOV: Dr. Jessica Waite

Science in Our Valley: Physiological and molecular changes associated with acclimation to heat stress in apple fruit

All Science in Our Valley events will be conducted via Zoom meeting (remote online) until further notice.

Visit the SOV website for the meeting link

The next in the Spring 2020 Science in Our Valley seminar series features Dr. Jessica Waite, Scientist, USDA/ARS Laboratory, Wenatchee, WA.
Dr. Waite’s seminar, “Physiological and molecular changes associated with acclimation to heat stress in apple fruit,” will begin at 4 p.m. at the WSU Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center.

Extreme climate events, such as heatwaves and freezes, can have large negative impacts on fruit production. Sunburn, a physiological skin disorder caused by heat and light stress, causes loss of up to 10% of Washington state apple crops. Current prevention methods include evaporative cooling, shade netting, or protectant sprays, each with their own unique advantages and disadvantages. We are interested in understanding the physiology and molecular mechanisms underlying sunburn and plant fruit acclimation to heat, so that we can improve the use of tools to avoid sun injury. Here I’ll talk about experiments designed to study apple fruit acclimation to high heat and light stresses experienced during a typical growing season, with the goal of informing and developing strategies to minimize losses due to sunburn.

About Science in Our Valley Seminar Series

The science seminars are free to attend, open to the community, and a great opportunity to learn about the incredible research in our own backyard. The content is intended for a ‘science-based’ audience, including researchers, postdoctoral scientists, graduate students, undergraduate scientists, K-12 educators and science enthusiasts. This spring’s line-up is quite diverse and features topics from: reproductive health, forestry and environment, technology in agriculture, and even native bees.

The full list of presenters and details can be found: https://applestemnetwork.org/science-in-our-valley/

K-12 Educators are also encouraged to attend the seminars to learn about local career connections and research efforts that they can bring back to their students. Ten STEM clock hours are available through the North Central Educational Service District for educators who attend the series. Educators can register for clock-hours here: https://www.pdenroller.org/catalog/event/101582

The Science in Our Valley seminar series began in October 2017 as a way for local scientists and science educators to bring their research to the community and as a way to engage and connect with one another. The series features presentations by local scientists and science educators as well as guests from outside the region.

Host organizations include the Apple STEM Network, the North Central Educational Service District, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Research Station, WSU Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center, Wenatchee Valley College, and the Bridge Research and Innovation District.

All events are open to the public, and run from 4 to 5 p.m. and will be held at the WSU Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center on Wednesdays from 4-5 P.M. (1100 N. Western Ave., Wenatchee).