NDSU Department of Plant Sciences doctoral student Andrej Svyantek received a presentation award and a scholarship at the 70th American Society for Enology and Viticulture national conference in Napa, California, June 17-20.

He was awarded the Best Student Presentation Award in Viticulture for his oral presentation, “Growth Chamber Analysis of Dormancy Acclimation Responses within NDSU Grape Germplasm,” which described his research with the NDSU high value crops project team led by Harlene Hatterman-Valenti, assistant department head and professor of high value crop production.

His research included characterizing the dormancy acclimation responses of breeding lines within the NDSU Grape Germplasm Enhancement Project. Results indicated the ideal photoperiods for phenotyping purposes and identified promising cold-hardy genotypes.

He also received an ASEV Traditional Scholarship. Current society student members who are pursuing a degree emphasizing scientific research and advancement of enology or viticulture are eligible to apply for the scholarship. A total of 38 students were awarded scholarships this year.

Svyantek, who is from Auburn, Alabama, is researching the practical application of grapevine canopy management techniques towards improving fruit and wine quality for North Dakota grape growers for his doctoral dissertation. He is advised by Hatterman-Valenti.

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