Bakersfield, CA – World renowned fruit breeding and licensing company, International Fruit Genetics, LLC, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Christopher Owens as its new Assistant Breeder.
Dr. Owens is an accomplished molecular plant biologist with a strong background in laboratory research of cultivated grapevines. He received his B.S. from the University of Maryland, his M.S. from Cornell University, and his Ph.D. from Michigan State University. Most recently Dr. Owens worked at the Grape Genetics Research Unit of the USDA located at the Cornell University Agricultural Research Station in Geneva, New York.
IFG General Manager, Dr. David Cain, says “Dr. Owens is a perfect complement to our program. His extensive research experience dovetails with the IFG goal of providing the most sophisticated and state-of-the-art methods for improving many qualities of table grape and cherry cultivars. With his high level of academic training and intellect, Dr. Owens will further IFG’s continued success in creating better table grape and cherry varieties for the industry.”
Dr. Owens’ research has focused on the molecular variation and regulation of key traits and processes in cultivated grapevines. His special interest is on the dissection of factors that contribute to fruit quality. His approach includes molecular biology and genomics to understand the molecular basis of these traits. His overall long-term objective is to develop improved grape cultivars that possess high fruit quality, disease resistance and abiotic stress tolerance. Dr. Owens is the author of several publications based on his research.
ABOUT IFG – International Fruit Genetics, LLC (IFG), headquartered in Bakersfield, California and founded in 2001, is one of the world's largest premium fruit-breeding companies. Dr. David Cain develops new varieties of table grapes and cherries which are patented and licensed to worldwide marketers and growers. IFG currently has licensed growers in thirteen countries.
To learn more, please contact Dr. David Cain – Tel: +661.203.0141 dcain@internationalfruitgenetics.com
Source: International Fruit Genetics, LLC (IFG)
