معرفی
James D. Spiers is an Associate Professor in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University, College of Agriculture. His research focuses on improving sustainability and efficiency of fruit production systems in Alabama and the southeastern U.S., with emphases on satsuma mandarin, kiwifruit, and blueberry. He teaches courses including HORT 2010, HORT 2020, HORT 5110/6110, and HORT 5120/6120.
- PhD: Horticultural Sciences, Texas A&M University (2007)
- MS: Horticulture, Mississippi State University (2002)
- BS: Horticulture, Mississippi State University (2000)
Research interests include evaluating rootstock/scion selections for citrus cold tolerance, fertilizer effects on fruit yield, blueberry cultivar performance under high soil pH, and kiwifruit management practices. Recent work explores post-harvest and consumer acceptance of ‘AU Golden Sunshine’ and ‘AU Golden Dragon’ kiwifruit varieties.
Publications highlight advances in kiwifruit pollination timing, disease-resistant grape varieties, and mulch effects on blueberry root systems. His work is published in journals like Journal of the American Pomological Society and Acta Horticulturae.
- Received the 2016 J. Creighton Miller, Jr. Distinguished Educator Award
- 2011 Auburn University College of Agriculture Dean’s Award for Grantsmanship
His grant portfolio supports fruit crop research, including project leadership on citrus and kiwifruit systems. Collaborations involve Auburn’s Department of Horticulture and external institutions like the University of Florida.
Current lab efforts focus on expanding Alabama’s fruit industry through small-acreage farming optimization and local market integration strategies.
