Crunch Time; PSS's Jason Woodward named state peanut specialist
Jason Woodward, an associate professor with Texas Tech's Department of Plant and Soil Science has been named state peanut specialist for Texas, one of the top peanut-producing states in the nation.
"I enjoy working for peanuts," Woodward said. "I think due to their unique role, it is important to stay grounded in this area, and I feel privileged to work with producers, consultants and other researchers regarding peanuts."
In his position as peanut specialist, Woodward will serve as a liaison for the Texas Peanut Producers Board and coordinate research and educational programs addressing peanut production. He will focus on maximizing profitability by addressing current and emerging disease, and agronomic issues.
Shelly Nutt, executive director of the Texas Peanut Producers Board at Lubbock, said the board recommended Woodward for the position because of the respect he's earned. "He's a strong peanut advocate," Nutt said. "The growers have a tremendous amount of respect for him and he's proven himself accessible to the Texas peanut industry. In the board's opinion, he was the logical choice for this very key position in our industry."
Woodward, who joined the Texas Tech faculty in 2006, holds a joint appointment between Texas Tech University (25 percent), and the Texas AgriLife Extension (75 percent). He received his bachelor's degree in biology from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, and his master's degree in plant pathology from Oklahoma State University. His doctorate in plant pathology is from the University of Georgia.
Throughout his teaching career at Texas Tech, Woodward has taught courses in agricultural plant pathology and served as a leader for both undergraduate and graduate students. He has contributed to 16 journal articles and served as the principal investigator for more than $600,000 in applied research projects. Awards for Woodward include the National Peanut Board's Dr. George Washington Carver Award (2006); and the CASNR Junior Faculty Award (2010).
According to Travis Miller, program leader for the Soil and Crop Sciences AgriLife Extension unit, the importance of Woodward's work with peanuts cannot be overemphasized as Texas ranks No. 2 among U.S. peanut-producing states. "In his new appointment, Jason will be a major driving force, leader and contributor," he said.
Written by Norman Martin
CONTACT: Richard Zartman, Department Chair and Leidigh Professor of Soil Physics, Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2838 or richard.zartman@ttu.edu
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