Sherif M. Sherif, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Translational Plant Science Center, Center for Advanced Innovation in Agriculture, AHS Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center
Virginia Tech
Thursday April 17th, at 3:30pm, HORT 117 or
or via Zoom.
Bud Dormancy in Fruit Trees: Understanding Biochemical and Genetic Regulation for Climate Resilience
Climate change is advancing bloom time in fruit trees, increasing their susceptibility to late-spring freezes and jeopardizing yield stability. To reduce these risks, it is necessary to dissect the biochemical and molecular processes controlling bud dormancy duration and bloom timing. Our research integrates physiological studies, molecular assays, and multi-omics methods in apple and peach model systems to disentangle the intricate regulatory networks that control dormancy transitions. We have identified key roles for sugars, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and plant hormones in dormancy regulation, providing critical insights for developing innovative strategies to delay bloom and enhance frost resilience. These efforts have led to the discovery of a new class of chemical agents for bloom delay in peaches and the development of cold-tolerant apple germplasm through gene editing. In addition, we have explored novel frost protection methods, including cellulose nanocrystals and cryoprotectants, to shield fruit trees from erratic temperature fluctuations. By Bridging fundamental science and applied solutions, my team at Virginia Tech aims to equip fruit growers with effective tools to adapt to a changing climate and minimize frost-related crop losses. Purdue University is an Equal Access/Equal Opportunity institution.