Potato researcher takes helm of Colorado State University’s BSPM

An expert in potato pathogens is the new head of Colorado State University’s Department of Bioagricultural Sciences and Pest Management, or BSPM, housed in the College of Agricultural Sciences. Amy Charkowski spent more than 15 years as a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and served as a resource for that state’s potato industry before coming to CSU.

Charkowski’s research has provided significant insights into enhancing disease resistance in potato breeding, according to a Colorado State University press release. She served as director of the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program, which includes a tissue culture laboratory, an early generation seed potato farm, and a regulatory program. In addition, her research team developed a participatory potato trialing program for organic potato farmers in the Midwest, with the goal of helping farmers from all sectors access healthy seed potatoes.

BSPM had been led by professor Tom Holtzer, who was department head for nearly 30 years before moving into an administrative role in the college before retiring in October 2016. Professor Lou Bjostad served as interim head while the search for Holtzer’s replacement was underway.