Bakersfield, Calif.-based Sun World International LLC has appointed Paola Barba as its table grape breeder.
Barba will be responsible for developing Sun World’s next generation of table grape varieties, using the company’s strong genetics built from decades of breeding by her predecessors, according to a news release.
“Barba’s role as the table grape breeder at Sun World is key to the company and the industry’s success by ensuring the consistent development of new and improved table grape varieties that delight consumers and ensure the sustainability and success of growers around the world,” Jennifer Petersen, executive vice president and chief science officer for Sun World, said in the release. “When you have a program as strong as ours with a breeder like Terry Bacon who is well respected in the field retiring after a long and successful career, it’s a challenge to fill those shoes. We are pleased to appoint Paola and hand her the baton to further advance the table grape breeding program. Her years of experience will add depth to our research and breeding endeavors.”
Barba has a strong background in biotechnological engineering, grapevine research and, most notably, genetics and breeding, the release said. She received her bachelor’s degree in biotechnological engineering from the University of Chile and her master’s degree and doctorate degree in plant breeding from Cornell University, where she focused her research on the genetics of grapevine disease resistance using new genomic approaches, under the supervision of Sun World’s collaborator, professor Bruce Reisch, the release said.
Barba recently directed a table grape breeding program at the Chilean Agricultural Research Institute (INIA), where she was responsible for the release of three new table grape varieties, the release said.
Sun World’s varietal development program is integral to the company and its global network of 2,000-plus licensed growers and marketers’ success. To date, Sun World has launched many successful varieties marketed under grape varietal brands such as Autumncrisp, Midnight Beauty, Sable Seedless, Adora Seedless, Scarlotta Seedless, Sophia Seedless and Superior Seedless, and stone fruit varietal brands Black Diamond plums, Honeycot apricots and more.
