The Castellarin laboratory specializes in viticulture and berry crop physiology and investigates the ripening processes in grapes, blueberries, and raspberries, and the biological mechanisms that determine berry composition. By analyzing at the genomic level the pathways that control fruit ripening and composition, and how these pathways are modulated under different environmental conditions, the laboratory aims to select genotypes adapted to BC climate conditions and develop new agronomical strategies for enhancing desirable berry qualities. Such strategies are crucial for mitigating climate change effects on grapes and berry crop productions, and for growing premium grapes, blueberries, and raspberries in BC and Canada.
The University of British Columbia
Vancouver campus
Lab Members
The Castellarin laboratory specializes in viticulture and berry crop physiology and investigates the ripening processes in grapes, blueberries, and raspberries, and the biological mechanisms that determine berry composition. By analyzing at the genomic level the pathways that control fruit ripening and composition, and how these pathways are modulated under different environmental conditions, the laboratory aims […]
Measuring grape berry elasticity
Several grapevine varieties are maintained at UBC’s Greenhouse where they are monitored under different stress conditions.
Teaching
Dr. Simone Castellarin teaches courses to provide students with a deep understanding of grapevine biology. Additionally, through his research program he seeks to form new highly qualified personnel with robust knowledge in molecular viticulture to benefit the grape and wine industry.
Wine bottles from the UBC Wine Library
The Canadian grape and wine industry has evolved into a strong niche market producing internationally-respected wines; specifically in British Columbia, the number of wineries and the income related to the wine industry has grown steadily in the last twenty years.
Vineyard at the Okanagan Valley
Optimizing fruit composition in the vineyard is crucial for enhancing Canadian and BC wine quality and the expansion of Canadian and BC wines in the international markets. Therefore, the final goal of the research program is to benefit the BC grape and wine industry by providing new knowledge for maximizing the fruit quality.