Jul 11, 2018

Cornell fruit expert named to FGN’s 40 Under 40

Poliana Francescatto has been named one of the nation’s top young researchers in the fruit and vegetable industries by Fruit Growers News.

Debuting in 2018, the Fruit + Vegetable 40 Under 40 Awards honor 40 outstanding individuals making their marks in the industry.

These 40 young professionals represent the best in the industry. The Fruit + Vegetable 40 Under 40 Class of 2018 will be honored at the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable & Farm Market EXPO, and recognized in the October 2018 issues of Fruit Growers News and Vegetable Growers News.

The Cornell research associate was recognized as a next generation leader in the “40 under 40” category. She was lauded for her studies on the use of plant growth regulators to improve orchard management of temperate tree fruit crops for the benefit of New York state tree fruit growers.

Along with her research trials in orchards at Cornell, she works directly with growers in New York on practical applications they can use to modernize fruit production practices.

She joined the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in 2015 as a postdoctoral researcher with Terence Robinson, professor in the Horticulture Section of the School of Integrative Plant Science.

Based at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, New York, her program seeks new, efficient and profitable strategies to improve and standardize fruit orchard practices to deliver more uniform, high-quality fruit, according to Francescatto.

Poliana Francescatto in a research orchard at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, New York. Photo: Erin Flynn.

As an applied fruit physiologist, she focuses on how plant growth regulators and crop load management can be used in the orchard. Her program focuses on pome fruits like apples and pear, and stone fruits, like cherries and peaches. Her research priority areas have focused on fruit thinning, improved fruit finish and flower bud formation.

“I grew up in an apple growing family in Brazil, and my parents continue to be growers today,” said Francescatto. “Because of that, I understand the impact research has on bettering people’s livelihoods and how it improves fruits delivered to consumers. This award means more than words can describe.”

– Matt Hayes, Cornell University

Photo at top: Poliana Francescatto was recognized as a next generation leader for work developing new, efficient and profitable strategies for New York state tree fruit growers. Photo: Erin Flynn.