Dr. James Mattheis has been the Research Leader for the USDA, ARS, Tree Fruit Research Laboratory, Wenatchee, WA, since 2002, and Research Plant Physiologist since 1988. Dr. Mattheis has an outs tanding record of achievement in research as a postharvest physiologist working with deciduous fruit (apple, peach, pear, sweet cherry). His research on understanding the effects of 1 – methylcyclopropene (1 - MCP) on apple fruit quality laid the foundation for rapid uptake of the newtechnology by the Washington State industry, and adoption around the world. Mattheis is the recipient of one of the highest awards that are given within the USDA, the USDA - ARS Technology Transfer Award “For transforming apple storage technology, reducing fungicide use, and improving fruit quality”, which recognizes his contributions towards adoption of 1 – MCP - based technology. Beyond 1 - MCP, however, Mattheis has a broad research agenda that includes fruit metabolomics related to edible quality, especially firmness, texture and volatile compounds that contribute to aroma and flavor, as well as physiological disorders during fruit development and ripening. Aspects of this work address how developmental stage at harvest impact flavor development after storage e, and identification of residual impacts of controlled or modified atmosphere (CA/MA) storage on volatile compound synthesis. Development of techniques to manipulate fruit ripening using exogenous plant growth regulators as well as CA/MA storage is also a major focus as is research to characterize metabolic responses to storage conditions that impose low temperature, oxygen and/or carbon dioxide stress.
As an administrator, Mattheis has led a strong research group where he is known for facilitating others to carry out excellent research and has advanced the careers of others. He has hosted six visiting scientists, and five Postdoctoral Research Associates. Mattheis is also an Adjunct/Graduate Faculty at WSU; he has graduated two MS and four PhD students , and been a graduate committee member for eight students.
Mattheis has a notable publication record with 102 peer reviewed journal articles, many of which are in ASHS journals, 40 international conference proceedings, and 95 abstracts that reflect his long term commitment to attending Annual ASHS meetings. Mattheis has been a member of ASHS since 1983, and has been Chair of the Postharvest working group, and Chair of the Fruit Quality and Nutrition working group. He has presented his work at meetings around the world (95 professional presentations), often as an invited speaker, and he was the Convener for ISHS Postharvest Unlimited 2011.
