Dr. Nicholi Vorsa

Contact Information

Mailing Address

Rutgers University
Philip E. Marucci Center for Blueberry and Cranberry Research and Extension
125A Lake Oswego Road
Chatsworth, New Jersey 08019
vorsa@aesop.rutgers.edu

Campus Location

Office: Room 381 Foran Hall, 732-932-9375 ext. 381
Lab: Room 381 Foran Hall, 732-932-9375 ext. 353
Office: Room NNN Marucci Blueberry and Cranberry Research Center, (609) 726-1590 ext. 11
Fax: (609) 726-1593
Lab: Marucci Blueberry and Cranberry Research Center, 609-726-1590

Research Interests

My research interests involve the areas of plant breeding, genetics, germplasm evaluation and reproductive plant biology. A major emphasis of my research program is directed towards broadening the genetic base for the genetic improvement of cranberry and blueberry. Specific areas include germplasm collection and evaluation, interspecific gene transfer, and reproductive biology. Populations of wild Vaccinium species have been collected, and are being maintained. Germplasm is being analyzed for genetic diversity and structure (isozymes and RAPDs), disease and insect resistance, DNA content, fruit biochemistry profiles, and sexual an asexual reproductive characteristics. Another area of interest is interspecific gene transfer through sexual hybridization. Areas of research include: polyploid cytogenetics, 2n gametes, chromosome pairing behavior, trait introgression, and gene tagging with RAPDs. Research is also directed at DNA fingerprinting, using RAPDs, to assess genetic diversity and structure in cranberry.

Publications

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Rutgers Affiliations

1. Philip E. Marucci Center for Blueberry and Cranberry Research and Extension
2. New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES)
3. Rutgers Plant Biology Graduate Program
4. Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Cooperative Extension

Dr. Nick Vorsa is the director of the Blueberry and Cranberry Research and Extension Center.