This interview is with Beth Mitcham, Professor of Cooperative Extension Emerita in the Department of Plant Sciences. She was appointed in 1992 to the Department of Pomology and retired in 2023.
Beth’s research focused on the biology and technology of handling fruits, vegetables and nuts after harvest. In addition to studies on harvest maturity, storage conditions and flavor quality, her research focused on regulation of fruit ripening in pears, and cellular regulation of calcium deficiency disorders in tomato and apple. She also developed strategies for insect control in storage and quarantine treatments for exported commodities.
Beth served as the director of the UC Postharvest Technology Center for 10 years from 2010 to 2016 and 2019 to 2023. She was also director of the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Horticulture, an international program based at the University of California, Davis, from 2012 until 2023.
She is interviewed by his friend and colleague, Diane Barrett, Professor of Cooperative Extension Emerita in the Department of Food Science and Technology.
