Gene Edward Lester

Adjunct Professor and Research Plant Physiologist
USDA-ARS-SARC, 2413 E. Bus. Hwy. 83, Bldg. 200, Weslaco, TX 78596

Phone: 956-447-6322 FAX: 956-447-6345

E-mail: glester@weslaco.ars.usda.gov

Gene Lester received his B.S. in Crops and Soil Science from the University of Wisconsin in 1974. He received is M.S. and Ph.D. in Plant Physiology from the University of Illinois in 1976 and Michigan State University in 1980. Dr. Lester is not located at the main campus, but can serve on Graduate Advisory Committees by Special Appointment.

Dr. Lester's area of research utilizes developing basic and applied technology to improve or extend the storage life and quality of fresh produce. This improvement in storage life or quality of fruit is determined through an understanding of biochemical and physiological mechanisms such as modified atmospheres, water loss, heat, cold, and senescence. His research approaches are to determine changes in human wellness components (i.e. phytonutrients) protein, enzymes, cell wall composition, carbohydrate ratios, vitamins, minerals, pH, moisture, gas exchange, plasma membrane integrity with associated lipid/sterol/protein/enzyme changes, and taste panel preference evaluations. The expected result from this research is an identification of the biochemical and physiological mechanisms in fresh produce that are likely to produce new approaches to improve the phytonutrient content and reduce postharvest losses. Experimental results may ultimately include all aspects of postharvest technologies: harvesting, handling, shipping and storage practices.

"Each student comes with his or her own specific needs and objectives, and my purpose is to help each student achieve those goals."

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

"Muskmelon fruit soluble acid invertase and sucrose phosphate synthase activity and polypeptide profiles during growth and maturation." 2001.G.E. Lester, L. Saucedo Arias and M. Gomez-Lim. J. Amer. Soc Hort. Sci. 126:33-36.

"Polyamines and their cellular anti-senescence properties in honey dew muskmelon fruit." 2000. G.E. Lester. Plant Sci. 160:105-112.

"Postharvest application of calcium and magnesium to honey dew and netted muskmelons: effects on tissue ion concentrations, quality and senescence." 1999. G.E. Lester and M.A. Grusak. J. Amer. Soc Hort. Sci. 124:545-552

"Physicochemical characterization of hybrid honey dew muskmelon fruit (Cucumis melo L. var. inodorus Naud.) following maturation, abscission and postharvest storage." 1998. G.E. Lester. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 123:126-129.

"Beta-carotene content of postharvest orange-fleshed muskmelon fruit: Effect of cultivar, growing location and fruit size." 1996. G.E. Lester and F. Eischen. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition 49:191-197.