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PrintGrove receives new WSU award
Dr. Gary Grove was honored for his work as head of the AgWeatherNet system.
Dr. Gary Grove
Dr. Gary Grove, Washington State University plant pathologist based in Prosser, is the first recipient of a Meritorious Service Award made by the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences.
The award recognizes his service and leadership as director of the AgWeatherNet System for four years until Dr. Gerrit Hoogenboom was appointed director this August.
Dr. Dan Bernardo, dean of the college, said that Grove developed the AgWeatherNet into a critical tool for agricultural producers throughout the state but there was no formal means to recognize those types of efforts. A new award was established to recognize individuals who go beyond the call of duty in their service and commitment to excellence in the college.
While director of AWN, Grove converted the network hardware to commercially available equipment and expanded the number of weather stations from 60 to 133. The stations provide real-time weather data and forecasts for use with various pest and disease models. The AWN Web site receives about 400,000 visits per month and can deliver weather and pest alerts to smart phones.
Grove is a leader in the biology and epidemiology of powdery mildew and other diseases of fruit crops, Bernardo said. He has statewide extension, research, and teaching responsibilities for grapes, hops, and stone fruits. He was awarded the Excellence in Extension Award by the American Phytopathological Society this year.
Grove earned his doctorate in plant pathology from The Ohio State University and joined WSU in 1986.
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