Current horticultural research projects
Breeding and selection of new varieties of apricot (P. armeniaca) for complexity of flavors and adaptability to local conditions (in particular, lack of pit burn and performance under limited irrigation)
Breeding and selection of new varieties of persimmon (in particular, D. kaki x D. virginiana hybrids, using back-crosses of existing hybrids with PCA-type D. kaki varieties)
Breeding and selection of new varieties of feijoa (A. sellowiana) for complexity of flavors
Breeding and selection of new varieties of pomegranate (P. granatum) for complexity of flavors
Adaptation of tart cherry (P. cerasus) varieties to inland California climate (USDA zone 9b) and selection of new cultivars adapted to local conditions
Adaptation of old European varieties of apple (M. pumila) to inland California climate (USDA zone 9b) and selection of new cultivars adapted to local conditions
Adaptation of varieties of European pear (P. communis) and Asian pear (P. pyrifolia) to inland California climate (USDA zone 9b) and selection of new cultivars adapted to local conditions and characterized by high resistance to fire blight.
Spray-free cultivation of stone fruit trees
Adaptation of common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) varieties to inland California climate (USDA zone 9b)