Gary Grove

Professor Gary Grove serves as Professor of Plant Pathology and Plant Pathologist at Washington State University’s Department of Plant Pathology. He has held leadership roles including Director of the WSU Prosser Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center (2013–2018) and Director of the Washington Agricultural Weather Network (2006–2018). His research focuses on fungal disease epidemiology in stone fruits, powdery mildew management, and fungicide resistance strategies. He has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications and received prestigious awards such as the Sahlin Award for Outreach (2012) and Excellence in Extension (2010).

Professional experience includes 35+ years at WSU, progressing from Assistant Plant Pathologist (1986–1992) to Associate (1993–2006) and full Professor (2006–present). He has collaborated on high-impact projects like the Tree Fruit Decision Aid System and led teams to multidisciplinary awards. His work integrates field diagnostics, molecular analysis, and sustainable practices.

Key research interests include powdery mildew biology in grapes, cherries, and hops; disease forecasting models; and viral interactions in fungal pathogens. He has pioneered diagnostic tools for growers and contributed to understanding fungicide resistance mechanisms. Current efforts emphasize translational research bridging lab findings with field applications.

• Awards: APS Excellence in Extension (2010), American Society of Enology Best Paper (2012)
• Service: Senior Editor of Plant Health Progress, Technical Committee Member (Washington Wine Growers)
• Labs/Teams: Collaborates with WSU Prosser IAREC, Washington Agricultural Weather Network, and extension teams across Pacific Northwest agriculture.