News

Potential Research Projects
Related to Blueberry Production for EMU Students

My research project this coming academic year (2011-2012) fits into two general areas: horticulture and health. 

In the first area (horticulture) we want to examine best organic practices that enhance optimal blueberry production by using techniques from soil science, plant physiology, biochemistry, and plant anatomy.  Focus will be on the blueberry production site at Knoll Acres.  Specific techniques that will be used and learned include soil testing for macro- and micronutrients.  Also foliar analysis for macro- and micronutrients, measuring anthocyanins and polyphenols in mature blueberry fruit, histological characteristics of blueberry fruits, plant vigor, and productivity from various cultivars and treatments will be determined.  Some of these projects will require work during parts of the summer months.

In the second area (health) we are most interested in tracing the consumption and uptake patterns of blueberry components (primarily anthocyanins, the primary antioxidant compounds in blueberries) in mice.  Organ and tissue localization of ingested anthocyanins will be matched with consumption patterns while monitoring health, growth, and reproductive parameters.

Rising sophomores or juniors are given preference in selecting research participants.

During the spring of 2011, Braydon Hoover and Denay Fuglie will be working to synthesize and analyze their data from 2010

During 2011, Travis Reisen and Jonathan Fretz will be doing research in the first area described above. 

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