David S. Douches

David S. Douches is a Professor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences within Michigan State University's College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. He directs three major programs: the MSU Potato Breeding & Genetics program, the Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology Interdepartmental Graduate Program, and the USAID Feed the Future Global Biotech Potato Partnership operating in Indonesia, Bangladesh, Nigeria and Kenya. Since joining MSU in 1988, he has released over 30 potato varieties and secured significant funding including USDA/NIFA North Central Regional Potato Breeding grants and USDA/BRAG gene editing projects.

Dr. Douches earned his Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis. His expertise spans potato breeding and genetics with focus areas including:

• Polyploid breeding and genetics
• Breeding for disease and insect resistance
• SNP marker development and application
• Genetic engineering and gene editing applications
• Trait mapping and diploid potato breeding systems

His research portfolio demonstrates strong emphasis on translating genetic discoveries into practical breeding outcomes. Recent publications highlight work on CRISPR-based self-compatibility induction in diploid potatoes, late blight resistance through R-gene stacking, heat tolerance mechanisms in wild germplasm, and molecular dissection of quality traits like cold-induced sweetening. The work bridges fundamental genomics with applied breeding objectives across multiple international contexts.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Honorary Life Membership to Potato Association of America (2021)
• 2019 Corporate Connector of the Year
• 2014 William Beal Outstanding Faculty Award
• 2011 Potato Researcher of the Year Award

Dr. Douches actively mentors graduate students like Natalie Kirk Wyland (studying Colorado potato beetle resistance) and Felix Encisol (focusing on genome editing). His $6M USDA-funded research on pest-management strategies involves international collaborations across Bangladesh, Indonesia, Egypt, South Africa, China, Peru, Guatemala, and Honduras. He previously directed the Solanaceae Coordinated Agricultural Project (SolCAP) which developed four widely-used potato SNP arrays. Current leadership includes the USAID Feed the Future Global Biotech Potato Partnership (2015-2026) and USDA-funded biotech initiatives assessing gene editing off-target effects.

His Molecular Plant Sciences laboratory at 1066 Bogue Street conducts hands-on breeding work from greenhouse to field trials, emphasizing student involvement in all research stages. The program maintains strong industry connections through Michigan's position as the top US state for potato chip production.