Feb 5, 2018

New educator for the Penn State Extension Tree Fruit Team

Based out of Berks County, Don Seifrit is the new Penn State Extension Educator for the Tree Fruit Team. Seifrit earned his master’s degree in plant science from the University of Delaware and he previously worked for UD’s Cooperative Extension.

“At UD, I worked as part of the lawn and master gardener program teams, alongside an IPM agent on soybean and small grains, and performed research on hormonal control of fruit set, pollen viability, and management strategies to improve fruit set in watermelons,” Seifrit said.

“Here at Penn State Extension, my responsibilities include conducting applied research and Extension outreach,” Seifrit said. “I am interested in performing peach variety trials, which I will need grower support to do. Furthermore, I will be leading the effort towards developing an online course for ‘Starting a Tree Fruit Business,’ as well as developing outreach programming for the next generation of growers, and coordinating the Young Grower Alliance.

I have a significant amount of work ahead of me, but I am looking forward to working closely with folks here in Pennsylvania. I hope to meet many of you in the next few months and will be in touch with you throughout the growing season and beyond.”