Alan N. Lakso
Professor
Department of Horticultural Sciences

Address, Phone, Fax

E-Mail: anl2@nysaes.cornell.edu

B.S. U. C. Davis, Biological Sciences, 1970
Ph.D. U. C. Davis, Plant Physiology 1973

My particular area of research is integrative plant and crop physiology, primarily on fruit crops. We investigate the individual physiological bases of specific processes such as the regulation of sink activity in the grape berry, carbon partitioning as related to developmental stage and light microclimate, and fruit growth/abscission in the apple. I try, however, to also emphasize how these individual processes are integrated in the whole plant and what we can do to influence such processes to improve plant productivity, especially under field conditions. As indicated by our increasing use of dynamic simulation modeling, I feel that we will need more and more integrative physiology to be able to attack current needs to improve our management and culture as well as to attack increasingly complex problems such as global climate change and environmental compatibility through IPM and sustainable agriculture approaches.

Crop Responsibilities
50% apples and 50% grapes; occasionally we work on other fruit crops such as raspberries and cherries.

Program Goal

To understand the environmental and physiological limitations to biological and economic productivity of apples and grapes.

To utilize this understanding in cooperation with culture, management, protection, and breeding specialists to improve apple tree and grapevine behavior, forms and cultural practices in economically feasible ways to obtain high yields of highest quality fruit with efficient and environmentally sound practice.

To put general and specific knowledge to use by communicating to students, other scientists, extension specialists, growers, science teachers, and school children.

Areas of Research Emphasis

Growth and development, especially of carbon balance and fruit set and growth.

Stress physiology - environmental (light, water, temp) and biotic (pests and weeds)

Physiological effects of cultural practices such as pruning, training, irrigation, etc.

Integration of genetic, environmental and cultural factors on carbon and water physiology in the field environment via systems approaches and simulation modeling.

Program Information

List of Publications

American Society for Horticultural Science
American Society of Enologists
International Society for Horticultural Science
Council for Agricultural Science and Technology