Rhett Spear
Rhett Spear
Assistant Professor
Aberdeen Research and Extension Center
208-844-6322
Aberdeen Research and Extension Center
University of Idaho
1693 S 2700 W
Aberdeen, ID 83210
Agronomic and economic evaluations of new potato varieties through cultural management trials and new variety selection.
Ph.D., Washington State University, 2015
B.S., Utah State University, 2010
Languages other than English spoken
- Spanish
- Evaluating newly released and experimental clones for agronomic and economic benefit to the potato industry
- Establish management profiles for new varieties
- Conduct research on potato cultural management practices
- M. J. Pavek, Z. J. Holden, R. R. Spear, B. J. Weddell. 2018. Improving Land Use Efficiency and Grower Revenue by Reducing Potato Row Width. Am. J. Potato Res. 95:451-462. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12230-018-9645-1.
- J. L. Whitworth, R. G. Novy, J. C. Stark, M. Thornton, N. R. Knowles, M. J. Pavek, R. R. Spear, C. R. Brown, B. A. Charlton, V. Sathuvalli, S. Yilma, T. L. Brandt, N. Olsen. 2016. Targhee Russet: A High Yielding, Dual Purpose Potato Variety with High Protein and Vitamin C Content and Resistance to Tuber Soft Rot. Am. J. Potato Res. 93: 189. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12230-016-9495-7.
- Spear, R.R., Holden, Z.J. & Pavek, M.J. 2017. Fresh Market Evaluation of Six Russet-Type Potato Varieties and Four Russet Norkotah Strains. Am. J. Potato Res. 94: 437. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12230-017-9583-3.
- J. C. Stark, R. G. Novy, J. L. Whitworth, N. R. Knowles, M. J. Pavek, M. Thornton, R. Spear, C. R. Brown, B. A. Charlton, V. Sathuvalli, S. Yilma, N. Olsen, T. L. Brandt. 2016. Mountain Gem Russet: a Potato Variety with High Early and Full Season Yield Potential and Excellent Fresh Market and Early Processing Characteristics. Am. J. Potato Res. 93: 158. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12230-015-9493-1.
- R. R. Spear. 2015. Superior Fresh Market Potatoes Revealed Through Production Economics and Consumer Preference, and Maximizing Creamer-Sized Potatoes by Altering the Spatial Arrangement of Seed Pieces. PhD Dissertation. Washington State University, Pullman, WA.
- Novy R.G., J.L. Whitworth, J.C. Stark, B.A. Charlton, S. Yilma, N.R. Knowles, M.J. Pavek, R.R. Spear, T.L. Brandt, N. Olsen, M. Thornton, C.R. Brown, S.R. James, D.C. Hane. 2014. Teton Russet: an early-maturing, dual-purpose potato cultivar having high protein and vitamin C content, low asparagine, and resistances to common scab and Fusarium dry rot. Am J Potato Res. 10.1007/s12230-013-9362-8.
- Pavek, M.J., N.R. Knowles, Z.J. Holden, and R.R. Spear. 2013. In-field testing to identify new potato varieties and best management practices for Washington growers. Washington State Potato Commission Progress Reports for Research Conducted in 2012. pp 213-235.
- Spear, R.R., M.J. Pavek and Z.J. Holden. 2013 & 2014. Baked Taters: Field, Economic, and Taste Panel Performance of New Cultivars. Proceedings of the 2013 Washington-Oregon Potato Conference. pp. 60-68.
- National Potato Council Academic Scholarship. Only one student across the nation receives the scholarship annually for academic achievement, leadership and graduate studies beneficial to the potato industry, 2013.
- WM Iritani Memorial Scholarship and Research Fellowship, 2013
- J. deWeerd Memorial Fellowship in Potato Research, 2014
- Department of Horticulture Scholarship, 2012 & 2014
- Washington State Potato Foundation Scholarship, 2012, 2013, 2014