Plant Biology

Abby van den Berg

Research Assistant Professor in Plant Biology

Ph.D. 2007, University of Vermont

Email: Abby.vandenBerg@uvm.edu

Phone: 802-899-9926

Office: Proctor Maple Research Center

Research Area: plant physiological ecology and maple syrup chemistry

Courses Taught: Plant Physiology (PBIO 104), Principles of Biology I (BIOL 001), Principles of Biology II (BIOL 002), Exploring Biology I (BCOR 011), Exploring Biology II (BCOR 012)

Summary of Research Program

Since beginning to work at UVM's Proctor Maple Research Center (PMRC) in 2001, I've focused on research projects in the areas of maple syrup chemistry, contamination and adulteration, and maple physiology. Much of our current research is focused on identifying the effects of equipment and technology used to process sap into syrup on the chemistry and flavor of maple syrup. We are also conducting experiments to identify methods of cleaning maple evaporator pans which use smaller amounts of hazardous chemicals. Some of our other recent work includes identifying and developing rapid tests for novel methods of syrup adulteration or sources of contamination, identifying the compound(s) responsible for 'metabolism' off-flavor in syrup and developing techniques to remediate off-flavored syrup.

I'm also fascinated by the question 'why do maple leaves turn red?' and have been conducting research on the physiological function of red anthocyanin pigments in autumn and spring maple leaves since 1999.

Selected Publications

• van den Berg, A. K. and Perkins, T. D. (2007). Contribution of anthocyanins to the antioxidant capacity of juvenile and senescing sugar maple (Acer saccharum) leaves. Functional Plant Biology 34:714-719.
• van den Berg, A. K. and Perkins, T. D. (2005). Nondestructive estimation of anthocyanin content in autumn sugar maple leaves. HortScience 40(3):685-686.
• Murakami, P. F., Turner, M. R., van den Berg, A. K., and Schaberg, P. G. (2005). An instructional guide for leaf color analysis using digital imaging software. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-327. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station. 33 p.
• van den Berg, A. K. and Perkins, T. D. (2004). Evaluation of a portable chlorophyll meter to estimate chlorophyll and nitrogen contents in sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) leaves. Forest Ecology and Management 200:113-117.
• Schaberg, P. G., van den Berg, A. K., Murakami, P. F., Shane, J. B. and Donnelly, J. R. (2003). Factors influencing red expression in autumn foliage of sugar maple. Tree Physiology 23:325-333.

plantation forestry short-rotation forestry coppice