Research interests
Plant breeder, primarily involved in genetic improvement and varietal development in cultivated strawberry (Fragaria X ananassa). Currently involved in all aspects of the strawberry breeding programmes at NIAB EMR including overall management of the East Malling Strawberry Breeding Club (EMSBC) and interaction with industry partners. Past research activities have centered on Defra- and AHDB-commissioned projects related to genetic improvement in strawberry, and these have included: meristem culture for the elimination of Phytophthora cactorum, production of somaclonal variants of strawberry for improved skin colour, developing a breeding strategy for genotypes to be used in the programmed-cropping system and carrying out variety trials on strawberry. Key varieties released have included the short-day cultivar, ‘Malling™ Centenary’.
Research projects
East Malling Strawberry Breeding Club (EMSBC) Tranche 2; Duration: Jun 2013–May 2023; Partners: Asplins PO, BerryGardens, BerryWorld Varieties, DPS, East Malling Services, Farm Fresh PO, Mack, Meiosis, SoloBerry, The Greenery; Funding: Industry
SF96a Strawberry Breeding; Duration: Jun 2013–May 2023; Partners: AHDB; Funding: AHDB
Publications
Recent publications
Nellist, C.F., Vickerstaff R.J., Sobczyk M.K., Marina-Montes C., Wilson F.M., Simpson D.W., Whitehouse A.B. and Harrison R.J. (2019). Quantitative trait loci controlling Phytophthora cactorum resistance in the cultivated octoploid strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa). Horticulture Research. Volume: 6(60), 1-14.
Whitehouse, A.B., Simpson, D.W., Johnson, A.W., McLeary, K.J., Passey, A.J. & Troop, S.W. (2017). ‘Malling Centenary’, a short-day strawberry cultivar from NIAB EMR. Acta Horticulturae 1156, 185-188.
Whitehouse, A.B., Simpson, D.W., Johnson, A.W., McLeary, K.J. Passey, A.P., Nellist, C.F., Bates, H. & Harrison, R.J. (2017). Progress in strawberry breeding at NIAB EMR, East Malling, UK. Acta Horticulturae 1156, 69-71.
Whitehouse, A.B., Johnson, A.W., Passey, A.J., McLeary K.J. & Simpson, D.W. (2014). Recent Progress in Breeding for Improved Performance in Programmed Cropping Systems. Acta Horticulturae 1049. 867-872.
Whitehouse, A.B., Johnson, A.W., Passey, A.J., McLeary K.J. & Simpson, D.W. (2014). ‘Serenity’: A paler skin-coloured somaclonal variant of the short-day cultivar ‘Florence’. Acta Horticulturae 1049. 819-821.