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Mark J. Pavek

Mark J. Pavek, Ph.D.

Associate Professor/Potato Specialist
(WSU faculty member since 2004)

Office: Johnson Hall 137A
Phone: 509.335.6861
mjpavek@wsu.edu

Areas of Interest

Potato agronomy and variety development: Together with my team and collaborators, I conduct timely and applied research which addresses key issues of concern to the growers and industry. Research drives and funds my extension program which focuses on sustainable production, competitiveness, and profitability for NW potato and vegetable industries. Research priorities include developing new, economically superior potato cultivars and variety-specific best management practices. Coupled with my agribusiness and research background, my previous experience as a farmer motivates me to provide other farmers with the tools and education they need to tackle complex issues and succeed in today’s business environment.

Educational Background

  • Ph.D., Horticulture – Potato Agronomy, Washington State University
  • M.S., Plant Science – Weed Science, University of Idaho
  • B.Sc., Ag. Econ. – Agribusiness, University of Idaho
  • B.Sc., Plant Science – Crop Production, University of Idaho

Work Experience

  • Field Research Manager, NatureMark Potatoes – Monsanto, PNW
  • Commercial Potato Producer/Assistant Farm Manager – SSI Land and Cattle, Idaho
  • Product Development Assistant – Syngenta, Idaho
  • Commercial potato, sugarbeet, wheat, barley, corn, and alfalfa production experience

Potato Variety Releases

32 releases, 2.1/year

(all joint releases with NW Potato Variety Development Program (ARS/USDA, Idaho, Washington, & Oregon) varieties protected under PVP)

  • La Belle Russet (A06021-1T) 2019
  • Echo Russet (AO96141-3) 2017
  • Castle Russet (POR06V12-3) 2017
  • Pioneer Russet (2007): Originally released as A84180-8; renamed Pioneer Russet in 2015
  • Mountain Gem Russet (A03158-2TE) 2015
  • Pomerelle Russet (A02062-1TE) 2015
  • Payette Russet (A02507-2LB) 2015
  • Targhee Russet (A01010-1) 2015
  • Yukon Nugget (POR02PG37-2) 2013
  • Teton Russet (A0008-1TE) 2011
  • Palisade Russet (A97066-42LB) 2011
  • Huckleberry Gold (A99326-1PY) 2011
  • Sage Russet     (AO96164-1) 2010
  • TerraRosa (POR01PG20-12) 2010
  • AmaRosa (POR01PG22-1) 2010
  • Gallatin Russet (A88338-1) 2009
  • Owyhee Russet (AO96160-3) 2009
  • Red Sunset (AO93487-2R) 2009
  • Purple Pelisse (POR01PG16-1) 2009
  • Crimson Red (COO86107-1R) 2009
  • Classic Russet (A95109-1), 2008
  • Alpine Russet (A9305-10), 2008
  • Clearwater Rus. (AOA95154-1) 2008
  • A84180-8, 2007
  • Premier Russet (A93157-6LS), 2006
  • Highland Russet (A9045-7), 2006
  • Yukon Gem (NDA5507-3YF), 2006
  • Blazer Russet, 2005
  • Defender, 2005
  • GemStar Russet, 2005
  • Western Russet, 2005
  • Willamette (AO91812-1), 2003