Dr. Smilanick (Ph. D. Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, 1984) joined USDA ARS in 1983.  Dr. Smilanick’s current research in the Commodity Protection & Quality Research Unit focuses on postharvest diseases of horticultural crops, primarily citrus fruit and table grapes. Research emphasis is on the discovery and technology transfer of conventional and ‘organic’ treatments and practices that reduce postharvest losses and extend the shipping life of fresh fruit. Promising treatments developed recently include phosphite treatments applied on citrus fruit packing lines, cluster-directed potassium applications to table grapes to reduce pre- and post-harvest losses and accelerate fruit maturity, and the use of ozone gas atmospheres to prolong the storage life of fresh grapes.  Dr. Smilanick has authored/co-authored 91 peer-reviewed publications, 8 book chapters and review articles, more than 100 other publications, and has given 72 oral presentations