Organic Viticulture
What aspects of taste, smell, and flavor are most important to fully experience a superb glass of wine?
Carolyn Ross knows. Dr. Ross, an assistant professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, combines sensory analysis with analytical chemistry techniques in her research to identify and describe changes in the flavor and odor profiles in wine. Her grape and wine research focuses on evaluation of aroma and flavor compounds and precursors, and the changes that take place in these compounds due to viticultural and enological practices.
Dr. Ross also studies the effectiveness of different palate cleansers, the examination of off-odors, and serving temperature on our sensory perception of red and white wine.
Regents Professor of Soil Science John Reganold is a world-renowned expert on sustainable agriculture and the issues of soil management in the organic vineyard. He published what many consider to be the seminal article on sustainable agriculture in Scientific American.
Organic farming techniques have proven to be profitable, environment friendly, resource conscious, healthy, and socially responsible. Sales of organic foods in the U.S. have grown at least 20 percent a year for the past decade, according to a 2002 U.S. Department of Agriculture report and are projected to be 5 percent of the total U.S. food and beverage market in 2010.
As this market segment grows in the state, nation, and world, so does the need for research and information. Dr. Reganold was instrumental in creating WSU’s organic agriculture systems major in 2006, leading a movement among agricultural schools to respond to societal demand for organic foods.
Featuring: Carolyn Ross, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition
College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences
Featuring: John Reganold, Ph.D.
John Reganold, WSU Regents Professor of Soil Science, is one of the premier scientists in the world in sustainable agriculture. He received his bachelor’s degree in German from the University of California at Berkeley, his M.S. in soil science from the University of California at Berkeley, and his Ph.D. in soil science from University of California at Davis. He has taught and conducted research at Washington State University for 22 years, and has numerous publications in Science and Nature. He has received numerous University awards and honors and has been awarded extramural grants for research and teaching. He has published what many consider to be the seminal article on sustainable agriculture in Scientific American, and his textbook Natural Resource Conservation: Management for a Sustainable Future is widely used.