Shawn Mehlenbacher

Shawn Mehlenbacher is a distinguished professor at Oregon State University, where he serves within the Department of Horticulture. His expertise lies in the field of plant breeding and genetics, with a particular focus on the Oregon hazelnut industry. Mehlenbacher's work is pivotal in the development of new hazelnut cultivars, especially those that exhibit resistance to eastern filbert blight (EFB), a significant threat to hazelnut production. His research is characterized by the innovative use of marker-assisted selection, a technique that enhances the efficiency and precision of breeding programs. By investigating the genetic control of traits and developing molecular markers linked to resistance sources, Mehlenbacher's work contributes significantly to the advancement of disease-resistant hazelnut varieties. His exploration of interspecific hybrids aims to extend the adaptability of hazelnuts to a wider range of environmental conditions, thereby broadening their cultivation potential. In addition to his research endeavors, Mehlenbacher is actively involved in teaching. He instructs courses such as Plant Breeding and Breeding Clonal Crops, imparting his extensive knowledge to students and preparing the next generation of horticulturists. His contributions to the academic community extend to other horticulture classes, where he shares insights from his research and practical experiences. Mehlenbacher's scholarly output includes numerous publications, with recent works focusing on mapping resistance to eastern filbert blight and the development of new cultivars. His contributions to the book "Advances in Plant Breeding Strategies" include a chapter dedicated to hazelnut breeding, reflecting his deep commitment to advancing the field. Through his research, teaching, and publications, Shawn Mehlenbacher continues to make a lasting impact on the science of plant breeding and the hazelnut industry.