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4
contributors
BILL SNELGAR
Bill Snelgar has worked as a plant physiologist for DSIR/HortResearch for 21 years.
He is based in Te Puke and his work has focused on the fl owering ability and cropping
behaviour of kiwifruit vines. He has published a number of articles on shading,
shelterbelts, vine trellis systems, stubbing, late tipping and winter chilling. Recently his
work has focused on predicting fruit growth and dry matter in relation to climate. This
work led to the creation of a web-based system (KSRL) for predicting budbreak and
fruit size. This system is supported by a network of 19 meteorological stations. He is
currently working with COKA to fi nd a budbreak enhancer for organic growers.
ROSS AITKENSON
Ross Atkinson is Science Leader for the Flavour Biotechnologies team at
HortResearch, Mt Albert. He uses molecular biology to investigate the regulation of
kiwifruit fl avour/aroma production and changes that occur in the cell wall during
fruit ripening.
MIKE CURRIE
Mike Currie is based in Auckland and works exclusively with kiwifruit for orchard
systems research and development of new cultivars. Before joining HortResearch
in 1998, Mike completed a horticulture degree and PhD at Massey University.
SHANE MAX
Shane holds the position of ZESPRI Innovation Leader- Tech Transfer. He has a
passion for the effective transfer of industry ideas into research programmes and for
research fi ndings to be delivered in ways that maximise uptake both for the New
Zealand kiwifruit industry and ZESPRI contracted parties offshore. His background is
in commercial horticulture and research orchard management. He works closely
with HortResearch and other research providers to ensure successful technology
transfer within the kiwifruit sector.
PETER BLATTMAN
Peter joined the plant physiology team at the Te Puke HortResearch Centre in 2002,
bringing with him 20 years’ experience in the local kiwifruit industry. Most of his recent
work has involved commercial trials looking at improving fruit quality in Hort16A and
Hayward Kiwifruit.
HELEN BOLDINGH
Helen works with the Flavour Biotechnology team at HortResearch. Interests include
the effect of plant metabolism on fruit sweetness and acidity and its relationship to
fl avour. Specialising in carbohydrate and acid determination using GC, HPLC(IC) and
sugar metabolism using radiometric techniques for a wide range of plant species.