Nicholi Vorsa

Dr. Nicholi Vorsa, “Nick,” received a BS in Plant Science from Rutgers University (1976), a MS degree in Plant Breeding and Genetics from University of Wisconsin-Madison (1978), and a PhD in Horticulture-Plant Breeding from Rutgers University (1985). 

Joining Rutgers as an Assistant Professor in 1985, he was the Professor of Plant Biology in the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences at Rutgers University. He was Director of the PE Marucci Center for Blueberry and Cranberry Research Extension, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, Rutgers University in Chatsworth, New Jersey from 1988 to 2021. Dr. Vorsa's two major areas of research interest are genetic enhancement of blueberries and cranberries through breeding and study of natural products, particularly polyphenols, i.e., antioxidants of cranberry in relation to human health. He has collected and utilized diverse germplasm, gene pools, in his breeding program to improve yield, insect and disease resistance, and phytonutrient content for these two native North American crop species. He developed the first DNA fingerprinting technology for cranberries and has published extensively on cranberry genetics including publishing the first genetic map of cranberries. His program focus areas include cranberry genomics, genetics of phytochemicals, fruit-rot resistance breeding, fruit chemistry and phytonutrient bioavailability. He has released seven US patented cranberry cultivars with six Canadian Plant Breeders' Grant of Rights. His cranberry varieties have received wide acceptance in the US, Canada, and Chile. He has over 150 publications in scientific journals and book chapters. 

He is survived by his wife Linda Butenis-Vorsa, children Charles Vorsa, Katrine (Reid Harris), Samuel Vorsa, brother Vasil (Lisa Vorsa), sister-in-law Donna (Andrew Mulraney), and Ambassador (R) Patricia A. Butenis. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mission MSA, 1660 International Drive, Suite 600, McLean, VA 22102, click here, or to Samaritan—online by clicking here or by mail to Samaritan Gift Processing Center, PO Box 71425, Philadelphia, PA 19176-1425 (checks payable to Samaritan). 

There will be no viewing. All services will be only for the immediate family.