Tell us a bit about your background.
JL: I come from the Normandy region of France where I enjoyed a similar landscape and climate to my newly adopted Kent. After obtaining a BSc and an MSc in sciences, I spent three years carrying out a PhD research programme on grapevine nutrition at the Institute of Vine and Wine Research of Bordeaux. I joined EMR two months ago to take up the position of tree physiologist in the resource efficiency for crop production science programme.
What will you be working on at EMR?
JL: Part of my remit is to develop research on novel crops – to help the UK horticulture sector exploit the exciting opportunities that new foods and changing diets offer. Since I have much experience of grapevine production, an early target for me will be to develop a grape research programme at EMR. I also intend to extend EMR’s research capability in tree physiology, and will initially focus on maximising light interception by fruit tree canopies to enhance crop productivity and quality.
What are the prospects for English-grown table grapes?
JL: Southern England is undoubtedly warmer now than it was 50 years ago – this presents real opportunities to grow new crops in the UK such as grapes. Of course, UK wine grape growers are already aware of this and are successfully cultivating varieties requiring less heat to ripen than table grapes.
I firmly believe that growing table grapes in the UK will be feasible – but research is needed to determine how best to grow the different varieties in the UK climate.
What is grapes research focusing on at the moment?
JL: Globally, the focus is on improving post-harvest quality. Little research has so far been conducted on growing table grapes in cool climate areas such as the UK. Early targets would be to test new growing systems in order to improve ecological sustainability and profits for this industry.
Research on wine grapes has traditionally attracted much more funding and many aspects of wine grapes have been widely studied (pests, rootstocks, varieties, quality, climate change, nutrition…). However, almost all of this research has been carried out overseas in continental climates, which means that that the expanding grape sector in the UK needs a strong supporting grape research capability. This should add value to the good work already being undertaken at Plumpton College.
What are your impressions of the UK fresh produce industry far?
JL: I see a very professional, intensive production system within horticulture, underpinned by modern and forward-looking research. I also see great possibilities for applying that research to new crops – to ensure that we grow the right crops on systems best suited to local environments.
What will you be doing in your spare time,when not pioneering grapes research at East Malling?
JL: I like to relax in several ways – being typically French, cooking, my girlfriend and tasting quality wines from around the worldall feature high in my priorities. I also have a strong interest in nature, so am looking forward to exploring all the interesting parts of Kent and beyond.
No comments yet