Some horticultural commodities are sold as a low moisture product and I have done a great deal of applied research and extension work on increasing the efficiency of drying systems and improving product quality for crops such as walnuts, pistachios, raisins, and prunes.

My work with fresh market commodities has centered around improving the design and operation of cooling systems and cold storage facilities.

I worked on the design of the first forced-air coolers for cut flowers. More recently, I have determined the energy use of various cooling systems and developed recommendations for minimizing energy consumption. I have worked on a project to minimize sulfite residues in table grapes that have been fumigated with sulfur dioxide. Most California fresh market commodities are transported significant distances to reach the consumer. I am working on several projects to reduce transit vibration damage.

• Thompson, J.F., F.G. Mitchell, T.M. Ramsey, R.F. Kasmire, and C.H. Crisosto. 1998. Commercial cooling of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. University of California. DANR Bulletin 21567.
• Luvisi, D.A., H.H. Shaey, J.F. Thompson, R.T. Hinsch, and D.C. Slaughter. 1995. Packing California table grapes. University of California. DANR Bulletin 1934.
• Slaughter, D.C., R.T. Hinsch and J.F. Thompson. 1993. Assesment of vibraton injury to Bartlett pears. Trans. ASAE 36(4):1043-1047.
• Luvisi, D.A. et al. 1992. Sulfur dioxide fumigation of table grapes. University of California, Div. of Agric. and Natrual Res. Bulletin 1932.
• Grant, J.A. and J.F. Thompson. 1990. Walnut dehydrators vary in performance. Calif. Agric. 44(1):12-13.
• Thompson, J.F. and J. Knutson. 1989. Managing time-of-use in cooling facilities. Applied Agricultural Res. 4(2):122-126.