James Moyer is director of Agricultural Research Center
James Moyer has been named director of Washington State University's Agricultural Research Center (ARC). He will also serve as associate dean for research for the College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS).
A native of Dayton, WA., and an alumnus of WSU's agronomy program-now called crop and soil sciences-he is tentatively slated to take up his roles as WSU on May 1.
"Jim brings more than 30 years of professional experience as a plant science researcher to the position, and he has served as department head of one of the largest plant pathology programs in the U.S. for over a decade,” said Dan Bernardo, dean of CAHNRS and WSU's vice president for agriculture. "I'm delighted this world-class scientist and administrator has agreed to join our team.
Moyer steps into the role long filled by Ralph Cavalieri who, while remaining director of the ARC, is serving as WSU's associate vice president for alternative energy and director of a large, regional biofuels research and development project, the Northwest Advanced Renewables Alliance.
"Joining WSU and the CAHNRS team is an exciting new phase of my career,” Moyer said. "I look forward to working with new colleagues on cutting-edge science and projects that serve the needs of the people of Washington and the world.”
A renowned plant pathologist, Moyer has focused his research on virology - in particular, the population structure and dynamics of tospoviruses. He has made contributions to sweet potato pathology and cultivar development, was awarded a patent for fingerprinting ornamental plant cultivars and is involved in numerous national and international activities.
He has served as president of the American Phytopathological Society and is a fellow of that group. He received the Morrison Medal from the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service and the Alex Laurie Award from the national floral crop industry for his research contributions.
Dr. Richard Zack, Assistant Director for the ARC
The Agricultural Research Center is pleased to announce Dr. Richard Zack will be acting as the Assistant Director for the ARC, taking the lead on the reporting system for all ARC research projects. Dr. Zack will also be assisting with the Plan of Work/Annual Report to the USDA, and representing the ARC at various meetings or travel where appropriate. We welcome Rich to the ARC.
Tree Fruit Pest Meets its Match
Searching for spotted wing drosophila: WSU entomologist Elizabeth Beers scopes it out.
In the course of a single year, a tiny insect has been damaging tree fruit around the globe. Spotted wing drosophila, or SWD, a type of vinegar or fruit fly, has been known in Japan, its home turf, for decades.
The fly was first detected in the United States in California in 2008 and quickly spread northwards into the Pacific Northwest. “Most drosophilids don’t attack undamaged fruit — indeed the vast majority cannot — but this one can,” said Elizabeth Beers, an entomologist and Extension specialist based at WSU’s Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center in Wenatchee. Read more »
Our Mission
The goal of the Washington State University Agricultural Research Center (ARC), the Agricultural Experiment Station of the State of Washington, is to promote research beneficial to the citizens of Washington. The ARC recognizes its unique land-grant research mission to the people of Washington and their increasing global involvement. The ARC provides leadership in discovering and applying knowledge through high-quality research that contributes to a safe and abundant food, fiber, and energy supply while enhancing the sustainability of agricultural and natural resource systems.