GRAPE GENETICS AND BREEDING

The development of new and improved grape cultivars is critical for the continuous growth of Florida’s grape and wine industry. The unit conducts research in grape genetics and system biology. The team is using both classical and molecular breeding to develop new cultivars with superior quality vinification/fresh fruit traits and high adaptability to warm and humid climate. The Center maintains the largest collection of southern muscadine and bunch grapes germplasm to support its breeding program.

Research Team

Islam El-Sharkawy, Ph. D.
Assistant Professor, Grape Genetics in Breeding, Program Leader
(850) 599-8685
islam.elsharkawy@famu.edu

Ahmed Darwish, Ph.D.
Research Scientist
(850) 412-7395
ahmed.darwish@famu.edu

Zhongbo Ren
Research Associate
(850) 412-7398
zhongbo.ren@famu.edu