Meet Macarena Farchuh the New Tree Fruit Research & Extension Faculty Macarena Farchuh, Ph.D, Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland
balance throughout ripening on-the-tree and postharvest storage. In my Post-Doctoral position, also at UC Davis, I worked on the identification of breeding targets for texture and flavor improvement in a melon breeding program by combining sensory, physiological and transcriptomic studies. Additionally, during my years at UC Davis I participated in several extension activities as well as in an entrepreneurial program, working collaboratively and innovatively towards the improvement of fruit quality and shelf-life capacity. I am originally from Chile, where I received my B.S. and M.S degree in Agricultural Sciences from the University of Chile, with focus on Fruit Postharvest Physiology/Biology. Besides, I have four years of experience working at the interface between academia and industry, targeting the improvement of fruit quality/nutritional value and shelf -life capacity from a cross-functional perspective. In these positions I had the opportunity to work with and build strong cooperative relationships with the fruit production sector in Chile, engaging in several extension activities. A fun fact: on Chilean television I hosted the TV show “Caring for our Field”, aiming to help growers improve the production, management, storage and handling practices of fruit horticultural crops. When I am not in my office or laboratory at the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture or in the field, I like to enjoy the outdoors. You can find me discovering new hiking trails or heading towards the ocean. I enjoy playing tennis and traveling, and I am a seafood fan!
My name is Macarena Farcuh, and I just recently joined (10/2019) the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture at the University of Maryland as an Assistant professor in Horticulture, with a Research and Extension appointment. I am really excited to have joined the team and I am looking forward to contributing with my background to improving the production, quality and postharvest marketability of the fruits produced by growers in Maryland, in the Mid-Atlantic Region and in the nation! The aim of my program is to decrease fruit loss/waste, meet consumers’ expectations, and enhance fruit consumption. This will contribute to environmental and economic sustainability, as well as to promote health and well-being.
I am looking forward to meeting and working with all of you! Macarena Farcuh, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture University of Maryland 2116 Plant Sciences Building College Park, MD 20742 Phone: (301) 405-1323 Email: mfarcuh@umd.edu Twitter: @FarcuhMacarena
I come to the University of Maryland, from the University of California. Davis, where I received my PhD in Horticulture and Agronomy. During my PhD I used a systems biology approach to dissect plum fruit qualityrelated pathways, with emphasis in sugar metabolism and hormone
Antietam Blush featured on Maryland Public Television (PBS) By Kathy Hunt, AGNR-PSLA, University of Maryland
PBS crew filming at the University of Maryland Plant Sciences lab in College Park, MD with Audra and Chris Photo by Kathy Hunt
The original tree (CP101—Antietam Blush) located at the University of Maryland Western Maryland Research & Education in Keedysville, MD. PBS crew interviewing Dr. Chris Walsh Photo by Kathy Hunt
This fall PBS Farm and Harvest program were filming a show on apples. The program focuses on apple production and breeding at the University of Maryland. They filmed at Keedysville where they met with Chris Walsh and talked about his new apple, CP101 (‘Antietam Blush’). Right after that, they visited the lab in the Plant Sciences Building in College Park to learn about apple maturity and fruit quality. We expect this program to air in early 2020. Watch for it!
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