Project Grant 20246701342768

This $300,000 Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) project grant, awarded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (CFDA 10.310), aims to measure the effects of plant growth regulator (PGR) treatments on the volatile chemistry, sugar, and anthocyanin content of strawberries and blueberries. The project has three key objectives: 1) evaluate how three PGR treatments impact flavor volatiles, sugars, and anthocyanins; 2) elucidate the underlying mechanisms by measuring the effect of PGRs on flavor volatile gene expression; and 3) validate the treatment efficacy by assessing sensory attributes and consumer liking. The research will be conducted at Michigan State University and the University of Florida, testing the PGR treatments on new and legacy cultivars of southern highbush blueberries and northern highbush strawberries. The goal is to provide guidance to growers on optimal PGR treatment selection and inform breeding targets to improve berry flavor and quality. The project will leverage existing extension programs to communicate findings to industry stakeholders and lay the groundwork for future research proposals.