Fruit quality profiling of blueberries for parental choice in breeding: aroma and texture at harvest and in postharvest

Science (ISHS), myself and the organizing Committee, we welcome you to the XI International Vaccinium Symposium in Orlando, Florida! Back in North America for 2016, you will be enjoying the beauty and attractions of the Sunshine State. This year's symposium has a focus on research important to the various cultivated and wild Vaccinium species. Join us for presentations covering breeding, genetics, horticulture, physiology, soil and nutrient management, organic production, postharvest, plant pathology, and entomology. With over 130 scientific presentations to share, there will be oral sessions over the span of two and a half days, as well as two poster sessions. Our keynote address will be given by worldrenowned cranberry breeder and geneticist Nicholi Vorsa, and will cover the timely topic area of phytochemical compounds in Vaccinium species and their impact on human health. Included in the agenda is a full-day tour of blueberry production in central Florida. Join us on the bus -but remember to bring a hat and sunblock! In 2016 we celebrate the 100 th anniversary of blueberry cultivation, so it is fitting that we will come together to enrich our knowledge of this important berry crop in one of the newest and rapidly expanding blueberry production areas. The University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has been a major contributor to this expansion, with blueberry research and extension activities ongoing for over 60 years. We are pleased to partner with ISHS to bring you this symposium.