Academic Personnel | BFTV Cluster News

Job Announcement - Postdoctoral Scholar

A postdoctoral research scholar position is available in Dr. Luxin Wang’s microbial food safety lab in the Department of Food Science and Technology at the University of California Davis. The primary responsibility of this position will be to conduct studies that will increase our knowledge on the effects of antibiotic treatments on the microbiota present in aquaculture systems and the stress responses of common foodborne pathogens using next generation sequencing technologies. The responsibility of the candidate will be to perform and participate in all aspects of research projects: ordering equipment and supplies, designing sampling protocols, conducting field sampling and data collection, performing DNA extraction and library preparation, delivering data analysis using novel bioinformatics tools, writing reports, and preparing manuscripts for refereed journal publication. Projects will incorporate a range of experimental (cellular and molecular), informatics, and theoretical/computational approaches. Supervision and interaction with graduate and undergraduate students working on the project is also expected.

Amid rising costs and limited availability, farmers struggle to find enough workers

Viticulture and Enology

Chuck Mansfield, like most farmers, is paying close attention to the weather. If it stays mostly warm, with just some light showers, in a few weeks it’ll be time to thin the shoots in the vineyards he manages in the Sierra Foothills in El Dorado County. At the same time, it could be time to thin the peach, plum, pear and apple fruits from those orchards.

Western Innovator: Machine learning aids irrigation

Viticulture and Enology

As a cooperative extension specialist with the University of California-Davis, Sahap Kaan Kurtural leverages artificial intelligence to enable vineyard managers to optimize irrigation without huge capital investments.

The Phaff Yeast Culture Collection on "After Dark" Series

Food Science and Technology

The Phaff Yeast Culture Collection will be part of the weekly Thursday evening “After Dark” series at the Exploratorium this Thursday March 12, from 6:00 to 10:00 PM. Visitors can learn how we use yeast to make many different fermented foods and beverages, view microbes from some foods and beverages under the microscope, see and smell different species of yeast, and learn about the current research going on at the Phaff Yeast Culture Collection.

Mechanical Vineyard Pruning Possible Without Replanting

Viticulture and Enology

One of the major concerns regarding mechanical vineyard pruning is the time and cost associated with replanting a vineyard in a manner that would accommodate the process. However, a report from University of California Cooperative Extension researchers that was published in HortTechnology demonstrates that replanting is not necessary. Research conducted in Madera County found that growers can mechanize their operations by retraining vines without suffering any fruit loss or decline in quality.

Trends in Vineyard Irrigation: A Who's Who in Vineyard Water Management Honors Larry Williams

Viticulture and Enology

Larry Williams has remained busy since he retired last July from UC Davis after 36 years in the Department of Viticulture and Enology. Last Thursday was no different. Williams was honored at an all-day seminar on vineyard irrigation and vine water management at UC Davis. Williams invited the speakers, including former graduate students and colleagues. Williams prepared two presentations of his own, including one with 141 slides on the highlights in vineyard irrigation over the past 36 years.

UC Davis, wine industry cultivate relationship

Viticulture and Enology

Under the hot summer sun of the San Joaquin Valley, just south of Merced, Miguel Guerrero of The Wine Group is trying a new high-wire act. In collaboration with University of California-Davis Cooperative Extension, Roduner Ranch vineyard manager Guerrero is experimenting with Cabernet Sauvignon vines and other varieties elevated by a single wire at 66 inches – plantings that are 2-3 feet higher than the traditional winegrape canopy.

Kaan Kurtural's Interview on SiriusXM Radio

Viticulture and Enology

Dr. Kaan Kurtural joined the faculty at University of California Davis in November 2015. His work focuses on vineyard mechanization and precision viticulture interpreting ecophysiological response of the grapevine to inherent variabilities that may exist in large landscapes. His laboratory is at the historic Oakville Experimental Vineyard in the heart of Napa Valley of California.

Viticulture and Enology’s Anita Oberholster and Linda Bisson honored in Wine Business Monthly

Viticulture and Enology

Anita Oberholster, UC Davis Cooperative Extension specialist in enology, is listed among the Wine Business Monthly’s 2018 list of the 50 most influential leaders in the wine business. Retired professor Linda Bisson was listed as an influential leader in the magazine’s “Hall of Fame.”

The magazine acknowledged Oberholster, who joined the Department of Viticulture and Enology in 2011, for “making wine research useful.” Her research focuses on the influence of viticultural practices and environmental factors on grape ripening and wine quality.

Winery rounds out the helm with Assistant Winemaker and Cellarmaster

Viticulture and Enology

VEN winery leadership has at last rounded out the helm! We welcomed Eric Hanson, Assistant Winemaker, in the Fall, and Ryan Leeman, Cellarmaster to our department in March.