Steven J. Knapp

Education:

• Ph.D., University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Agronomy and Plant Breeding, 1983
• M.S., University of Nevada, Reno; Plant Science, 1980
• B.S., University of Nevada, Reno; Plant Science, 1978

Research interests and expertise:

Our research focuses on the breeding, genetics, and genomics of strawberry, including the development, testing, and deployment of genetically superior cultivars, identifying and understanding genetic factors underlying economically important phenotypes, enabling and applying marker-assisted selection and genomic selection, and advancing high-throughput genotyping and phenotyping approaches in strawberry.

We have ongoing research that focuses on understanding how domestication and breeding have reshaped genetic diversity in strawberry and on identifying favorable alleles in exotic and wild germplasm sources that are not present in elite germplasm sources. Developing an understanding of the genetics of resistance to above-ground and soil-borne pathogens continues to be an important focus of our research, coupled with delivering cultivars resistant to multiple pathogens. Finally, we have research initiatives underway to gain insights into the genetics of consumer- and producer-centric fruit quality traits.

Current projects:

• Strawberry Breeding and Cultivar Development, University of California, Davis.
• Next-Generation Disease Resistance Breeding and Management Solutions for Strawberry, USDA, National Institute for Food & Agriculture (NIFA), Specialty Crops Research Initiative (SCRI).
• Enhancing Resistance to Soil-Borne and Above-Ground Pathogens in Strawberry Through Traditional and Genomics-Enabled Breeding Approaches, California Strawberry Commission.

Current teaching:

• Quantitative Genetics; PLS 298, winter quarter

Outreach and Extension:

• Our laboratory engages in several outreach activities through the strawberry breeding program.
• We conduct on-farm testing of cultivars with commercial growers throughout the state, organize and participate in field days, and attend and present updates at cooperative extension and California Strawberry Commission sponsored meetings.

Prizes, Awards, Honors:

• Distinguished Alumni Award, College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources, University of Nevada, Reno; 2015
• Fellow of the Crop Science Society of America, Madison, Wisconsin; 2000
• Fellow of the American Society of Agronomy, Madison, Wisconsin; 2000
• Paul C. Berger Endowed Chair, Department of Crop and Soil Science, College of Agricultural Sciences, Oregon State University; 1997-2004
• Earl Price Award for Research Excellence, College of Agricultural Sciences, Oregon State University; 1994
• Alexander von Humbolt Fellowship, Bonn, Germany; 1992
• Savery Outstanding Young Faculty Award, College of Agricultural Sciences, Oregon State University; 1990

ORCID

Social media links:

• Facebook

Keywords:

• Strawberry
• Fragaria
• Genomics
• Bioinformatics
• Quantitative genetics
• Population genetics
• Disease resistance
• Vegetable breeding
• Heterosis
• Hybrid breeding
• Forensics