Michael Peck

Michael Peck

Research Technologist, Penn State Potato Research Program, Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology

Michael Peck has provided research leadership for the PPEM potato program field and post-harvest research program for forty years. He also is responsible for coordinating a network of annual on-farm trials at Rock Springs that provide growers and industry stakeholders the necessary data on potato cultivar performance.

His knowledge and expertise about the nuances and complexities of potato production are respected and trusted by his colleagues in PPEM, as attested in the letters supporting his nomination, but also among key growers, grower associations, and USDA researchers.

Mike’s work has facilitated the evaluation of about 200 potato varieties or breeding clones in variety evaluation trials and between 200 and 400 varieties and clones in disease management trials – annually. He has also co-authored 18 peer-reviewed Plant Disease Management Reports, which are used by growers to select materials used in their plantings for disease control.

A letter in support of Mike’s nomination noted, “When Mike retires later this year, he will be irreplaceable both to the industry as well as a colleague.”