Pete Andersen

Research/Extension, Deciduous Fruits

Professor of Horticultural Sciences

Education

• B.S., Biology, Florida State University
• MS., Horticultural Sciences, University of Florida
• Ph.D., Horticultural Sciences, Oregon State University

Appointment

• 80% Research
• 20% Extension

Teaches

Plant-insect and plant-disease interactions, cultural practices that maximize agricultural sustainability, food chemistry.

Research

My role as horticulturist/plant physiologist at the NFREC-Monticello and the NFREC-Quincy has encompassed: 1) genetic improvement/cultivar evaluation of pecans, peaches, nectarines, plums, persimmons, pears, grapes, blueberries, blackberries, cold-hardy citrus and miscellaneous fruit crops; 2) culture and management of fruit and nut crops, and; 3) plant physiology/biochemistry. Whole plant physiology, plant water relations, photosynthesis, plant nutrition and fatty acid composition of peanut have been areas of specialization. Many projects have also had a natural resource or an environmental component consistent with the mandate from IFAS and from the nation to achieve sustainable systems. For example, we are now in the process of a three year investigation on organic production of rabbiteye blueberries.

Much of my research has involved the effects of plant physiology/biochemistry on insects and plant pathogens. These interdisciplinary projects have included plant-insect, plant-disease and plant-insect-disease interactions. I have focused on: 1) the assessment of various pests on plant physiology/biochemistry; 2) the elucidation of physiological factors responsible for plant symptomatology; 3) the determination of plant physiological/biochemical factors associated with insect abundance, behavior and performance. Specific projects of primary interest have included: 1) xylem chemistry mediation of resistance to Pierce’s disease and leafhopper vectors; 2) manipulation of host plant status as an integrated approach to management of thrips and tospovirus on pepper and tomato; and 3) influence of Spissistilus festinus on nutrient partitioning of peanut, and subsequent effects on feeding behavior and performance.

Extension

My extension program involves the development and dissemination of relevant information to extension faculty located throughout the state, the commercial fruit industry and to interested homeowners. Extension and research are interrelated and interdependent as information and technology transfer is fueled by new research. Similarly, research priorities are heavily influence by the needs identified by extension. Methods of information dissemination have included presentations at grower meetings, interaction with county faculty at in-service trainings, newsletter publications, field days or various meetings and letter, phone and email communications with interested parties. Many publications have been generated using the electronic data information system (EDIS) of the University of Florida, and the website is as follows: (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu).