Division Temperate Tree Fruits [DFRU]

ISHS Elections – Vice-Chairperson – Candidates
Division Temperate Tree Fruits [DFRU]

[1] Dr. Lorenzo Leon (Spain)

Tenured Scientist at the Andalusian Institute of Agriculture Research (IFAPA) in Granada, Spain. I am currently the director of the Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Department of my Institute and myself working on olive breeding. Throughout my career, I have participated in research projects funded at regional, national, and EU levels, covering various aspects of olive breeding, olive growing systems, and the development of analytical techniques. I have attended numerous scientific conferences and seminars and have also contributed to the organization of several scientific events, including serving as Convener of the XXX National Congress of the Spanish Society of Horticultural Sciences (SECH, 2021) and Co-Convener of the ISHS International Symposium on Models for Plant Growth, Environments, Farm Management in Orchards and Protected Cultivation – HorchiModel2023.

[2] Dr. George Manganaris (Cyprus)

I am Professor at Cyprus University of Technology at the Department of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology & Food Science and Group leader of the Fruit Sciences Group (www.fruitsciences.eu). I serve as Editor-in-Chief for the Scientia Horticulturae journal. I am ISHS Council member and Vice-Chair of ISHS Division Temperate Tree Fruits (2022-2026). I have organized a set of 10 HortForums (webinars followed by panel discussions and open questions) that provided opportunities for debating the positive and negative aspects of some of the science and technology innovations that are current in the field of horticulture research. At the core of my mission is the application of environmentally friendly methods that promote sustainability in horticulture. With a leadership role in the CUT Fruit Sciences/Postharvest Group, I guide graduate students in groundbreaking research, fostering a collaborative environment that has led to significant contributions to the field. Our focus on innovative preharvest and postharvest treatments and novel technologies underscores our commitment to maintaining high-quality standards in the horticultural industry. I am Editor of two books [‘Temperate Fruits and Nuts’ (Academic Press, Elsevier, 2025) and Peach (CABI, 2023)] and convener of 3 ISHS Symposia: V International Conference Postharvest Unlimited [Acta Horticulturae, 1079], III International Symposium on Horticulture in Europe [Acta Horticulturae, 1242], X International Peach Symposium [Acta Horticulturae, 1352].

[3] Dr. Andrea Miyasaka Almeida (Chile)

Andrea Miyasaka Almeida is an Associate Professor at Universidad Mayor in Chile with extensive expertise in temperate fruit tree physiology, genomics, and climate resilience. Her research focuses on dormancy regulation, flowering time, postharvest quality, and molecular responses of sweet cherry, peach, and other Prunus species, integrating omics tools with applied horticulture. She has led and collaborated on nationally funded projects, published internationally, and trained undergraduate and graduate students. With strong experience in multidisciplinary teamwork and international collaboration, she is committed to promoting scientific exchange, innovation, and researcher development within International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS). As candidate for Vice-Chairperson of the ISHS Division Temperate Tree Fruits, she aims to strengthen global networks and advance sustainable production of temperate fruit crops.