GRAPE GENETICS AND BREEDING

The development of new and improved grape cultivars is critical for the continuous growth of Florida’s grape and wine industry. The unit conducts research in grape genetics and system biology. The team is using both classical and molecular breeding to develop new cultivars with superior quality vinification/fresh fruit traits and high adaptability to warm and humid climate. The Center maintains the largest collection of southern muscadine and bunch grapes germplasm to support its breeding program.

Research Team

Islam El-Sharkawy, Ph. D.
Assistant Professor, Grape Genetics in Breeding, Program Leader
(850) 599-8685
[email protected]

Ahmed Darwish, Ph.D.
Research Scientist
(850) 412-7395
[email protected]

Zhongbo Ren
Research Associate
(850) 412-7398
[email protected]