Longtime NDSU professor of plant pathology to retire
Longtime North Dakota State University professor Gary Secor is retiring in September. Learn about his 47-year career.
Secor, NDSU professor of plant pathology, has worked closely with the industry throughout the nation, specifically in North Dakota and Minnesota. After his retirement date of Sept. 1, he plans to continue as a professor emeritus to finish projects during the next few months, according to the Northland Potato Growers Association.
Longtime North Dakota State University professor Gary Secor is retiring in September. Photo courtesy of Northland Potato Growers Association.
“I appreciate all of the support and friendships I have made during my career with the potato industry, and will cherish all the memories I have made,” Secor said. “Working with Northland Potato Growers and NDSU has been a great professional and personal experience.”
A native of Bozeman, Montana, Secor has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Montana State University and a doctorate from the University of California at Davis.
He began his potato career in Montana as director of the of the first potato virus testing lab in the U.S. and has concentrated his research on potato disease discovery, diagnosis, management and grower education.
Secor has been interim potato breeder at NDSU and also works with the sugar beet industry, concentrating on fungicide resistance and management of Cercospora leaf spot and soil-borne diseases.