Dr. Elina Coneva

Extension Speciliast and Professor

Auburn University

State: AL

(w) (334) 844-7230

About

Dr. Elina Coneva is an Extension Specialist and Professor at Auburn University. Her research interest focuses on fruit crops pomology and stress physiology. Dr. Coneva has extensive research experience conducted in various climatic conditions. In Bulgaria, she developed and established a nationally recognized breeding program for genetic improvement of apricot focused on superior fruit quality, high productivity, cold hardiness, and resistance to various stressors. In Canada, she conducted research on tree fruit physiology focused on effects of plant hormones on flowering, bloom delay, fruit set, cropping, fruit quality and production efficiency. Coneva’s research and extension program at Auburn University is designed to seek solutions to production problems in the areas of fruit crops physiology and pomology, rootstock-scion interactions, cultivar screening and evaluation for sustainable fruit production. She initiated original research exploring the commercial potential of innovative alternative or underutilized specialty crops in the state of Alabama and the Southeast, including Pierce’s Disease resistant Vitis vinifera grapes, short-cycle cold-hardy subtropical bananas, and high-density highly efficient orchard systems. Dr. Coneva has a robust publication record evident by 49 journal articles, 109 abstracts, 131 Extension publications. She served as a national co-leader in the development of two www.eXtension.org websites: “All About Blueberries” and “Grapes”. Coneva has a strong record of acquiring and managing competitive grant funding. A total amount of over $3 million has been awarded in support of her extension and research program at Auburn University. She is a recipient of prestigious local, regional and national awards in recognition of her research and extension contributions.