Richard C. Funt
Professor Emeritus
Department of Horticulture and Crop Science

237 Kottman Hall 2021 Coffey Rd. Columbus, OH 43210 Phone: 614-292-8327 Fax: 614-292-3505

Email: funt.1@osu.edu

at OSU since Emeritus Since May 2005

AREA OF EXPERTISE:

Small Fruit Crop Production and Management, Soil Water Management-Raised Beds,
and Nutrient Content of Plant Based Food for Cancer Research.

As an extension fruit specialist, the cultural practices of small fruit production on
raised beds, soil amendments as composted yard waste, microirrigation, and fertigation
are some of the ongoing projects in highbush blueberry, black raspberry and fall raspberry
production. We have completed studies on the ellagic acid content of three strawberry,
raspberry and blackberry cultivars for pulp, seeds and leaves over two years. Research
has indicated that ellagic acid may work in combination with other components of certain
berries to reduce the risk of certain cancers. Also elemental content of berries is also
important to cancer research and current work involves field studies and foliar sprays
of nutrients for winter hardiness and improved fruit elemental content. The influence of
soil, cultivar and post harvest of berries is of interest to understand the influence
of these factors as to total antioxidant content.

Last modified: 5/13/2008