Nick David has joined the North Dakota State University Plant Sciences Department as an Extension potato agronomist. His appointment is funded jointly by NDSU and the University of Minnesota. David replaces Duane Preston, who retired earlier this year.

“I grew up around potatoes and so I jumped at the chance to come to NDSU,” David says. “My home area is Monte Vista, Colo., where irrigated certified seed and fresh-market potatoes are grown. In other words, I love potatoes.”

David will be responsible for Extension and research activities in both North Dakota and Minnesota. David’s goal is to “become an integral part of the potato industry by providing research-based information to growers.”

He received his bachelor of science degree in soil and crop science from Colorado State University and his doctorate in botany and plant pathology from Oregon State University.

David came to NDSU from Oregon State University’s Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center. He was a plant pathology research manager and faculty research assistant at the center.

“We are very excited about Nick coming on board,” says Duane Maatz, Northern Plains Potato Growers Association president. “I’ve heard many positive comments about his work in Oregon, so we are looking forward to his successful future with NDSU and the University of Minnesota.”

David’s research interests include all aspects of potato production, including irrigation, fertility, and pest management. Most recently, David has been involved with research efforts to manage nematodes, fungi, and viruses that reduce both yield and quality of irrigated potatoes in the western United States.

David is a member of the Potato Association of America and the American Phytopathological Society.

NDSU Agriculture Communication