Ph.D. (1980), Plant Pathology
University of California, Berkeley

Identifing and controlling postharvest decay and quality reduction sources in transportation and distribution of fresh market vegetables.

Membership in graduate groups: Horticulture, Plant Biology, Plant Pathology

As a cooperative extension specialist, in the Department of Vegetable Crops, my research and extension program centers on studying the effects of microflora on the postharvest quality of perishable produce. My research program is in the following three broad areas of postharvest pathology:

• Integrated systems for the control of postharvest decay and spoilage microbes in whole produce and in fresh-cut applications. To accomplish this goal, a greater characterization of the target crop associated microflora and microbial competition will be necessary.
• Integrate basic and practical applications of cultural, genetic, and energetic technologies to achieve and maintain postharvest quality through transportation and distribution. This research will include the evaluation of inheritable variety traits that optimize the application of these technologies.
• Develop diagnostic tools and methods that are predictive of predisposition to loss of postharvest quality or spoilage. This research program will seek to develop predictive assays that provide results within the timeframe of the commercial handling, processing or distribuiton chain of perishable produce.

• Suslow, T. 1997. Environmental persistence of E. coli O157H:7; Impact on small farm management practices. Small Farm Center Workgroup Conference. Davis, CA.
• Suslow, T. 1997. Issues surrounding E. coli bacteria and their effects on vegetable production and handling. No. San Joaquin Valley Vegetable Production Meeting. Stockton, CA.
• Suslow, T.V., L. Joe and K. Crawford. 1996. Postharvest Rot of Sweet Pepper Induced By Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. dextranicum. Amer. Phytopathological Society Annual Meeting. Indianapolis, IN (Abstr.)
• Suslow, T.V. , S. Koike, S. Lindow, and J. Thompson. 1996. Novel approach to improving postharvest handling and storage of strawberry and other commodities. Perishables Handling Newsletter 87:2-3.