The Seed Biotechnology Center at the University of California Davis
recognizes University Research Partner
Dr. Elizabeth J. Mitcham

Dr. Elizabeth Mitcham is a Cooperative Extension Specialist and Postharvest Pomolgist in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of California, Davis. She also serves as Vice Chair of Horticultural Sciences in her department.

Dr. Mitcham’s research and extension efforts are focused on the postharvest physiology and handling of apples, pears, cherries, mangos, pomegranates , berries, almonds and walnuts. Her laboratory has been actively studying regulation of ripening and the benefits of 1-MCP treatment for pome fruit, and the mechanism of calcium deficiency development in fruit. Several projects Dr. Mitcham has recently been involved with include:

• Effect of growth regulator treatments on the development of blossom end rot in tomato and bitter pit in apple fruit and the relationship to expression of calcium transport and cell wall metabolism genes in collaboration with Valent BioSciences

• Postharvest control of black widow spiders on table grapes with the support of the California Table Grape Commission 

• Use of 1-MCP to improve the quality of Bartlett pears after harvest: changes in ethylene receptor protein levels following cold storage and 1-MCP treatment in collaboration with AgroFresh, Inc. and the California Pear Advisory Board

• Evaluation of the mango supply chain from Latin America to the US in collaboration with the University of Florida and the National Mango Board

• Use of radio frequency treatments to control insects in cherries tropical fruit and walnuts, through the support of the Walnut Marketing Board, California Cherry  Advisory Board, and USDA NRI

In addition, Dr. Mitcham is an active participant in the Postharvest Technology Center, offering a number of education opportunities throughout the year, as well as publication for free and for purchase http://postharvest.ucdavis.edu/

For further discussions with Dr. Mitcham, please contact her directly at ejmitcham@ucdavis.edu.