Research Horticulturist
Appalachian Fruit Research Station, US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service
2217 Wiltshire Road
Kearneysville, WV 25430
(w) (304) 725-3451
About
Dr. Takeda has worked as a small fruit horticulturist at the Appalachian Fruit Research Station since 1982.
His research has led to the development of fundamental and applied information, innovations, and creative solutions for enhancing strawberry, blackberry, and blueberry production. His research on modifying the growth and development of primocanes by training methods and trellis designs has contributed to a rapid expansion of commercial fresh blackberry production in the midwestern United States and elsewhere in the last 5 years. His research on engineering solutions to reduce mechanical impact damage in machine harvested blueberries is leading to improved blueberry harvester designs. The recent projects towards reducing chemical inputs for production of specialty crops with more efficient and effective use of ultraviolet C light have resulted in 4 publications and 2 patent applications. These efforts have drawn interests from many research groups and companies around the world. Since 2010, Dr. Takeda has authored 32 peer-reviewed journal articles, written 3 book chapters, and been granted 3 United States patents, all specific to the physiology and production technologies of small fruit crops.