Research
SUSAN MCIVER
Dr. Frank Kappel has retired after more than two decades at the Summerland facility, and has been succeeded as leader of the cherry breeding program by longtime associate Cheryl Hampson.
PARC cherry roster trimmed
Loss of one full-time position a sign of the times in research across across the country as retirees aren’t replaced.
By Susan McIver S
ignificant changes are being made to the cherry research program at the Pacific Agriculture and Agri-food Research Centre in Summerland, but not everyone is happy about them.
Frank Kappel, research scientist and head of the program, retired this March after 30 years of service. Kappel started his career in extension work in Ontario and was hired as a research scientist at the Summerland centre in 1986. He has worked in orchard management, fruit breeding and in 1994 took over responsibilities for sweet cherry breeding. “Dr. Kappel’s retirement follows that of Dr. Peter Sholberg, a plant pathologist who retired last summer and made valuable contributions to the several horticultural programs at PARC, including the cherry research program,” said the centre’s science director, Barry Grace. “Both Drs. Kappel and Sholberg were known internationally as leaders in their fields with numerous awards for excellence.”
Cheryl Hampson has assumed leadership of the cherry breeding program. “I’m excited and happy about my new responsibilities,” she said.
A native of Saskatchewan, Hampson earned a PhD in plant physiology and horticulture from Oregon State University before obtaining a post-doctoral position at PARC in 1995. Three years later she was appointed research scientist and head of the apple breeding program.
Over the years, Hampson and Kappel have worked closely together, sharing resources, students and support staff. “I am familiar with the techniques and procedures in cherry breeding. My challenge is to become fully knowledgeable about cherry germplasm,” Hampson said. Recognizing Kappel’s work in extending the harvest season, Hampson will be looking to replace present varieties with new ones that provide growers with advantages in some additional way.
Finding a variety that matures between Lapins and Sweethearts and continuing Kappel’s work on developing mildew-resistant varieties are on Hampson’s to-do list. Another of her challenges is finding ways to fulfill her responsibilities in both the cherry and apple programs. Started in 1936 under the leadership of R.J. Palmer, the fruit breeding program was separated into apple and cherry programs in the 1990s.
Goals of the cherry program are to diversify the product to allow growers to take advantage of niche markets, to increase environmental adaptation to major fruit growing areas and to reduce the cost of production. The breeding program at PARC has long been recognized as the basis for the B.C. cherry industry.
“It’s the most famous cherry breeding program on the planet,” said PICO horticultural technician, Nick Ibuki. It has been estimated that 75 per cent of new cherry trees now being planted worldwide are Summerland varieties. “Science programming in support of the cherry industry in Canada is still a priority for the research facility in Summerland,” Grace said.
“Currently a collaborative program between the centre and Okanagan Plant Improvement Corporation is underway in support of the tree fruit industry, with the federal department contributing more than $2.3 million dollars. “Personnel at the centre are being reassigned to reflect
British Columbia FRUIT GROWER • Spring 2011 15
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