Charles F. Forney, Ph.D.

Research Scientist

Plant Physiologist that conducts research to develop technologies that maximize and maintain quality and enhance the value of fresh fruits and vegetables throughout production, storage and marketing. Technologies studied include maturity optimization, precooling, temperature management, controlled atmosphere storage, modified atmosphere packaging, biosensors, heat and ozone treatments, as well as juice and wine production. The effect of these technologies on quality attributes including flavor chemistry and nutritional composition are determined to maximize value.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

32 Main Street, Kentville, Nova Scotia

Current research and/or projects

Optimizing aroma and flavor of fresh fruits and vegetables
Characterization of stess induce volatile emission of fresh produce
Controlled atmosphere storage of small fruits
Determination of fruit and vegetable quality
Physiology of fruit ripening
Development of postharvest treatments to extend storage life of fresh produce
Postharvest change of antioxidants in fresh fruits and vegetables
Maintaining Quality of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables
Determination of pre-harvest factors affecting quality and storage life

Fields of Science

Learn more about my research and how it impacts you by visiting Fields of Science, a campaign featuring 11 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada scientists from coast to coast.

Education and awards

B.Sc. Horticulture, The Pennsylvania State University 1978

B.Sc. Biology, The Pennsylvania State University 1978

M.Sc. Horticulture, The Pennsylvania State University 1980

Ph. D. Horticulture, Oregon State University 1984

Key publications

Duarte-Sierra, A., Forney, C.F., Michaud, D., Angers, P., Arul, J. (2017). Influence of hormetic heat treatment on quality and phytochemical compounds of broccoli florets during storage. Postharvest Biology and Technology, [online] 128 44-53. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2017.01.017
2017 - View publication details
Forney, C.F. (2016). "Impact of Postharvest Technologies on the Flavor of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables.", - Postharvest Ripening Physiology of Crops, pp. 585-620.
2016 - View publication details
FORNEY, C. F. 2016. Physiology and biochemistry of aroma and off-odors in fresh-cut products. Acta Horticulturae, 1141, 35-46.
2016 - View publication details
McClure, K.A., Gardner, K.M., Toivonen, P.M.A., Hampson, C.R., Song, J., Forney, C.F., DeLong, J., Rajcan, I., Myles, S. (2016). QTL analysis of soft scald in two apple populations. Horticulture Research, [online] 3 http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/hortres.2016.43
2016 - View publication details
Yang, X., Song, J., Du, L., Forney, C., Campbell-Palmer, L., Fillmore, S., Wismer, P., Zhang, Z. (2016). Ethylene and 1-MCP regulate major volatile biosynthetic pathways in apple fruit, 194 325-336. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.08.018
2016 - View publication details
Forney, C., J. Song, P. Toivonen, M.A. Jordan, and S.A.E. Fillmore. 2016. Volatile metabolite changes in ‘Ambrosia’ apple fruit associated with soft scald development. HortScience, ASHS Annual Meeting Aug 8-11, 2016, Atlanta, Georgia, USA (presentation)
2016 - View publication details
FORNEY, C. F., JORDAN, M. A. & CUE, K. R. 2016. Identification of aroma- Active compounds of whole and macerated 'Honeycrisp' and 'Ambrosia' apples. Acta Horticulturae, 1120, 137-142.
2016 - View publication details
FORNEY, C. F., JAMIESON, A. R., PENNELL, K. D. M., JORDAN, M. A. & FILLMORE, S. A. E. 2016. Response of raspberry cultivars and selections to controlled atmosphere storage. Acta Horticulturae, 1120, 57-64.
2016 - View publication details
Forney, C., D. Leblanc, C. Vigneault, V. Toussaint, G. Bourgeois, A. Clement, and G. Bezanson. 2016. The interaction of storage temperature and duration on aroma volatiles in tomato fruit. VIII International Postharvest Symposium, Cartagena, Spain, June 21-24 (abstract)
2016 - View publication details
Thiagarajan, A., Lada, R., Pepin, S., Forney, C., Desjardins, Y., Dorais, M. (2016). Vulnerability of low temperature induced needle retention in balsam fir (Abies balsamea L.) to vapor pressure deficits. Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research, [online] 31(1), 1-7. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02827581.2015.1059484
2016 - View publication details
Du, L., Song, J., Forney, C., Palmer, L.C., Fillmore, S., Zhang, Z. (2016). Proteome changes in banana fruit peel tissue in response to ethylene and high-temperature treatments. Horticulture Research, [online] 3 http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/hortres.2016.12
2016 - View publication details
Fan, L. and Forney, C.F. (2015). Quality and Safety in Fresh-cut Vegetables and Fruits. Presentation and Report to the S-294 committee meeting. The Multi-state Research Project S-294. (Report)
2015 - View publication details
Madani, B. and Forney, C.F. (2015). "Recent reports on effects of calcium on postharvest behaviour.", in Wills, R.B.H and Golding, J. (ed.) - Advances in Postharvest Fruit and Vegetable Technology, CRC Press Taylor, Boca Raton, FL, USA, Chapter 2, pp. 19-38.
2015 - View publication details
Forney, C.F., Bezanson, G.S., Ells, T.C., Fan, L., and LeBlanc, D.I. (2015). "Impact of heat sanitation of fresh whole cantaloupe on fruit quality and volatile metabolism.", Acta Horticulturae (ISHS), 1079, pp. 145-151.
2015 - View publication details
Toivonen, P.M.A., DeLong, J.M., Hampson, C.R., Song, J., Forney, C.F., and Myles, S. (2015). "Peel maturity only correlates with soft scald in a highly susceptible orchard of Ambrosia™ apple.", HortScience, 50(9), pp. S181. (Abstract)
2015 - View publication details
Forney, C.F., Jamieson, A.R., Munro Pennell, K.D., Jordan, M.A., and Fillmore, S.A.E. (2015). "Atmosphere Modification Effects on Red Raspberry Fruit Market Life.", United Fresh 2015, Chicago, IL, USA, June 9-11, 2015. (Poster)
2015 - View publication details
Bach, S.J., Fan, L., Forney, C.F., and Delaquis, P.J. (2015). "Quality and Safety in Fresh-cut Vegetables and Fruits. United Fresh Produce Association Food Safety and Technology Council.", United Fresh 2015, Chicago, IL, USA, June 9-11, 2015, Oral presentation and handout information on AAFC’s research activities.
2015 - View publication details
Song, J., Forney, C.F., Myles, S., Sauerteig, K.A., Du, L., Hampson, C.R., Toivonen, P.M.A., Fan, L., DeLong, J.M., and Fillmore, S.A.E. (2015). "An integrated “omics” investigation on control mechanisms and molecular markers of apple fruit storage disorders.", AG Connect 2015 Summit, Truro, NS, USA, March 31-April 1, 2015. (Poster)
2015 - View publication details
Toivonen, P.M.A., DeLong, J.M., Song, J., and Forney, C.F. (2015). "Peel Maturity only Correlates with Soft Scald in a Highly Susceptible Orchard of Ambrosia™ apple.", American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) Annual Conference 2015, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, August 4-7, 2015.
2015 - View publication details
Forney, C.F., Jamieson, A.R., Munro Pennell, K.D., Jordan, M.A., and Fillmore, S.A.E. (2015). "Impact of atmosphere modification on red raspberry fruit quality.", HortScience, 90(9), pp. S181. (Abstract)
2015 - View publication details