January 27, 2015 – The California Citrus Quality Council is pleased to announce that Dr. Joseph L. Smilanick was this year’s recipient of the California Citrus Quality Council’s prestigious Albert G. Salter Memorial Award in recognition of his hard work, dedication and vital contributions in the development and implementation of improved technologies to control the postharvest decay of citrus fruit.
The presentation was made during CCQC’s Annual Conference in Visalia by Bob Elliott of Sunkist and CCQC’s Chairman, and Charlene Jewell of the JBT Corporation. Both praised Smilanick for his 31 year career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service. The last 28 years he spent at the ARS station in Parlier until his retirement last year.
Dr. Smilanick’s research efforts focused on the biology and control of postharvest plant pathogens. His insightful innovations are now common practices in commercial packing houses including integrated thermal treatments of citrus fruit, use of conventional fungicides and biological control agents, ozone applications, fruit washes, and proper disinfestation of de-greening rooms. His research results are recorded in over 250 scientific and technical publications.
His expertise on the fungicide resistance of Penicillium digitatum (green mold) is known worldwide having collaborated with scientists from Spain to New Zealand.
The California citrus industry appreciates and recognizes his many valuable and practical contributions that have facilitated the movement of high quality fruit through packing houses and into the marketplace.
The Salter Award recognizes an individual for their significant contributions and their dedication and commitment to the citrus industry.