Dr. Giverson Mupambi: Responding to the Needs of Massachusetts Cranberry Growers Through Applied Research
Please note this event occurred in the past.
November 17, 2025 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm ET
Paige 202 or see Zoom link
Zoom link for all seminars:
https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/j/96515666133?pwd=2eTfLtbgkuGiAUSuH8R2r5vj1c0RTz.1
Bio: Dr. Mupambi earned his Ph.D. in Horticultural Science from Stellenbosch University (2017). He conducted his postdoctoral research at Washington State University (2017-2018) under the supervision of Professor Lee Kalcsits. His postdoctoral work focused on the ecophysiological effects of shade netting in pome fruit. In 2019, he joined the UMass Cranberry Station as an Extension Assistant Professor of Cranberry Physiology. His research centers on conducting original applied studies on integrated approaches to cranberry production and on transferring research-based information to Massachusetts cranberry growers. He also collaborates with cranberry researchers across North America to address issues that limit industry production goals and to respond to pressing industry needs related to maximizing production efficiency.
Abstract: Cranberry growers in Massachusetts face numerous challenges that limit their productivity. My research program aims to apply fundamental principles of plant physiology and other techniques to investigate questions related to agrivoltaics, new cultivar evaluations, fruit quality, canopy management, and the use of drones. The agrivoltaics research seeks to assess the feasibility of installing solar panels on cranberry bogs. Agrivoltaics could offer growers additional revenue streams and help address some of their current economic challenges. Massachusetts cranberry growers primarily depend on older cultivars. Some, like ‘Howes’ and ‘Early Black,’ have been cultivated since 1843 and 1852, respectively. The cultivar evaluation project aims to enhance the profitability and sustainability of the MA cranberry industry by testing twelve new hybrid cultivars with improved fruit quality, yield, and disease resistance. Research on fruit quality focuses on increasing anthocyanin biosynthesis through plant growth regulators. Canopy management is also being explored as an alternative method to improve fruit quality by enhancing light penetration. The drone research aims to develop ways in which remote sensing can assist cranberry growers by enabling accurate placement of sensors for frost protection, detecting insect damage, and identifying inefficiencies in current fertilizer application methods. All these research projects are designed to address some of the critical needs of the MA cranberry industry.